Love - Based on I Corinthians 13:1-8

God's love is patient, and God's love is kind,
though I dislike waiting, and sometimes I'm blind!

Love shouldn't be jealous, nor should it boast;
love should be zealous, not allowed to just coast!

Love musn't be proud, nor ever self-seeking;
it's best when we're humble, self-interest releasing.

Love isn't short-fused, keeps no record of wrongs;
though oft I'm ungracious, and dwell on hurts too long.

Love despises unfairness, is glad when truth wins out;
but seeks no revenge to bring justice about.

Love always protects, and never gives up;
God's love is faithful --true love always trusts.

Love hopes for the best and endures through the worst;
God's love never fails, at all times it's first!

Any Guesses?

Read on . . .
My daughter Sherry came the closest to having the right guess. We were, indeed, blowing into straws which were carefully tucked into our shirts. However, it's the exact location where the straw is aimed that matters most.

This little group gathering in our home needed some comic relief--badly! Every one of us has been going through some difficut situations lately. It was Cindy that introduced this hilarity. (See more on Cindy's blog.)

Next time you need a good laugh, here's what you do:

1. Get a straw.
2. Place one end in your mouth, and the other end in your armpit.
3. Blow
4. Reposition armpit end of straw, as needed, until you are able to produce a strange, unpleasant sound while blowing into the straw.
5. Then fake embarrassment, and say, "Oh, excuse me."
6. Do it again.
7. Explain that it must have been the beans you ate for breakfast.

Missing Pictures -- Something to laugh at?

You may have noticed that my blog is missing some pictures from recent posts. It's my fault, but the loss wasn't intended. On Saturday I went through my "practice blog" (where I sometimes post things first, before putting the post up on my regular blog -- just to see what the layout will look like, before everyone else sees it). I deleted a bunch of posts from that practice blog, thinking I no longer needed them after copying them onto my regular blog. Well, guess what? When I deleted those posts, I didn't realize that the pictures would also disappear completely from the blogger system--including my regular blog! I just figured since they were posted somewhere else, I didn't need them anymore on my practice blog. How wrong I was!!!

No, I can't just re-post them from my picture files on my computer, because I also went through my whole picture file on Saturday, deleting all miscellaneous pictures that were only used for blog purposes. And, no, I can't retrieve them back from the computer's recycle bin, because I also dutifully emptied the "trash can"! Nor can I reload them from my camera because...yup, you guessed it...I also cleaned out the camera, deleting all the unimportant pics. Hey--when I do a job, I do it thoroughly!

That was no laughing matter! But, here's something I did laugh at today:

Things to Do in an Elevator

• Crack open your briefcase or purse, and while peering inside, ask, "Got enough air in there?"
• Offer nametags to everyone getting on the elevator. Wear yours upside down.
• Stand silent and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, patting yourself on the back, without getting off when the doors open.
• When arriving at your floor, grunt and strain to yank the doors open, then act embarrassed when they open by themselves.
• Greet everyone getting on the elevator with a warm handshake. Look them in the eye and say, "Welcome aboard! Just call me Admiral. Now, may I please see your ticket to cruise with us today?"
• Bet the other passengers you can fit a quarter up your nose.
• Say, "Ding!", as you pass each floor.
• Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passengers that this is your personal space.
• Make race car noises when anyone gets on or off.
• Whistle "It's a Small World" incessantly.
• Sell Girl Scout cookies.
• On the highest floor, hold the door open and demand that it stay open until you hear the penny you dropped down the shaft go plink at the bottom.
• Meow occasionally.
• Start a sing-along.
• Listen to the elevator walls with a stethoscope.
• Pull your gum out of your mouth in long strings.
• Smile broadly and say "Hello" to each one that gets on.
  Continue smiling broadly during the entire ride.

Gone, but Not Forgotten

These pictures were taken at our daughter's wedding on November 20, 1992.

On the left is my mother (Barbara Jean), and on the right is my mother-in-law (Laura May).

My mother died on December 7, 2003, and my other mother (Larry's mom) died just a couple of months later (February 19, 2004).

I have wonderful memories of both of them, and long to visit with them. Someday I will see them again in Heaven. But, for now, I'll just ask God to let them know how much I love them and miss them . Oh, and one more thing, dear Lord, would you also tell them, "Happy Mother's Day" for me? Thanks!

In sorting through the mess on my desk one day, I made a great "find"--a copy of a poem that my mom wrote when she was a young girl. It was also published in her church bulletin way back when . . . . . . .

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MY TASK

To trust forever in God's tender care;
To cling to hope always and everywhere;
To live the life of love--to get and share;
And do the kindly deed;
This is my task.

To build a character both pure and strong;
To bravely stand for right, resist the wrong;
To climb the mountain path and sing faith's song;
And go where He may lead;
This is my task.

To give myself with all my powers to God;
To live the life that's lofty, deep and broad;
To walk with courage steadfast, heaven's road;
And listen for His voice;
This is my task.

To seek God's perfect will to do and know;
To wiser, kinder, better, nobler grow;
To error drive away, truth's beauty show;
And to ever rejoice;
This is my task.

Written by Barbara Jean Deane
(Daughter of Rev. Forest William Deane)

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When I found this poem, I added it into my own book of poetry (poems that I have written). I wrote the following letter to my mom, attached it to the poem she wrote, and then presented her with a duplicate of my book of poetry.

Mom, do you have any idea what it did for me to find this? I vaguely remember seeing this once before, but can't remember when or how it came to be in my possession. I'm sure you must have given it to me on one of my trips to Montana.

Writing poetry has become a very enjoyable hobby in my life, and now I know this is another special thing you and I have in common. This is very well written! (I counted the beats of each line.) What a wonderful blessing in my life to find this poem written by you (and what a great reward for tackling the mess on my desk)!

It's a funny coincidence that I found this poem during the tackling of "my task" (one which had become a nightmare for me). It's also interesting to me that your poem is entitled "My Task" because that is also the name of a song that I have always liked a lot.

Mom, thanks for sharing your poetry with me. A week or two ago, I had the thought that I should send my poems to you. Now, after finding your poem, I realize, even more, that you might enjoy knowing that your daughter also writes poetry. So here they are--I hope you enjoy reading them. I have also set some of them to music (one more reason why I would love to have a piano, which we have begun looking for).

Love, Jeannie

My Other Mother

This family picture was taken on Mother's Day in 2003. Little did we know then -- it would be the last time we would celebrate Mother's Day with Larry's mom, and our last family picture taken with with my other mother.

Today, as Mother's Day approaches, I can't help but think about my two moms. Neither of them walk this earth anymore, but they are alive and well in a better place. (For the child of God -- "Absent from the body is present with the Lord." ) Tomorrow I will post a poem that my mom wrote when she was very young (about 13 or 14). Today I am posting a poem that I wrote about my other mom.

This poem is really the story of my relationship with my mother-in-law, from start to finish. I wrote it just a few years ago when she was nearing the end of her life. As you read it, please-please-please keep in mind that it was not written to "bad-mouth" her, but rather to show the wonderful work of God! God did a miracle of love and grace in my heart, and brought about a miraculous change in her as she responded to His work in both of us. So, although this poem is very long and very negative at first, please keep reading to see the end result in His miracle of love and grace.
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“My Other Mom”

I called her Mom because of her son;
She gave him life and I gave him fun.
After we married it became clear,
Mom wanted to keep her son so dear.
She didn’t bring me into her life;
I was not daughter — just Larry’s wife;

I tried hard to please, thinking that she,
as time went by, would learn to love me.
I played the role of daughter-in-law,
but over time I eventually saw:
No matter how hard I tried to please,
she made no attempt to put me at ease.

Two babies were born — she adored one;
Mom loved our daughter, but not our son.
Why she chose Sherry was plain to see:
Sherry looked like them — Jim looked like me.
(Or was it because she was first-born?)
As Jim was ignored, my heart was torn.

One day it happened — Larry’s dad died;
Left all alone—she stuck by our side.
Dependent on us for everything,
her cares and complaints to us she’d bring.
We must meet her needs and help her live;
but unasked advice was all she would give.

Our children grew up — Mom stayed the same;
Sherry has her love — Jim has her name.
Though childhood is gone, it’s still so clear:
Grandma prefers her granddaughter dear.
Jim tried to care — his love used to show,
but he lost interest a long time ago.

I also tried to give lots of care,
to show her the heart I longed to share.
I called her my mom and tried to be
a daughter to her, so she would see
how much I longed to be in her life.
“Call me Jeannie--not just Larry’s wife!”

Things only got worse as years rolled by;
then came the day that she said goodbye.
“I’ll go back home to Tennessee,
because I love them and they love me.”
You’re too busy — I’m just in your way;
I’m not wanted here, so I’ll not stay.

Age took its toll and it became clear:
the time had now come to move her here.
I made the choice to love her again,
regardless of how the past had been.
She didn’t love me, but I loved her,
God filled me with grace and that’s for sure!

To show her my love I poured out care;
I trimmed her nails and prettied her hair.
Week after week I gave her my time;
she offered to pay — I took not a dime.
Again and again she heard me say,
“I do it for love and not for pay.”

At last it happened — my reward came;
She opened her heart and spoke my name:
“Jeannie, because you’ve been so kind,
I’d like you to have something of mine.
Whatever you want--I’ll give it to you,
to show my thanks for all that you do.”

My heart was touched to see her soften;
and sense her warmth I’d longed for so often.
Now, at long last she's accepted me;
the love in her heart is plain to see.
Not for her stuff did I really care;
it was her love I wanted to share.

Three years have gone by since she came here;
and I have seen there’s nothing to fear.
God’s love conquered all — kindness won out.
Giving myself is what it’s all about!
Time heals all wounds — my heart is at rest;
in caring for her I have been blessed.

I’m happy to know, as her life ends,
that now it’s me on whom she depends.
I call her my mom because now I see,
that I am to her what she is to me:
a daughter, a friend, a companion true,
someone devoted who cares for you.

I first called her Mom because of her son;
but now I know, as her days are done,
that I call her Mom because I see:
I really love her and she really loves me!
It took thirty years to knit this bond;
now I’m her daughter and she’s my mom.

No Greater Friend

God the Father loved the people of this world so much that He gave His one and only Son Jesus to come to earth and die for us, so that whoever believes in Jesus as the Son of God, will not end up in hell, but will have everlasting life (in heaven). God didn't send His Son Jesus into this world to condemn people, but to save us from eternal punishment.

The good news is this: There is no judgment or punishment awaiting those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The bad news is: Those who refuse to believe in Jesus and put their trust in Him as their Lord and Savior are already condemned!

However, the good news is: God is still waiting for those who have rejected Him, to change their mind and come to Him. He is full of grace and mercy for anyone who will accept His Son Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior--the One who took the punishment for their sin.

He gives us a free will to make our own choice--to believe or not to believe; to accept Him or to reject Him; to spend eternity in heaven or in hell. He doesn't want anyone to end up in hell, but wants everyone to be with Him in heaven for all of eternity.

Not one tiny bit of sin will be allowed to enter heaven. So, how could even the best person who ever lived get into heaven? (For there is no human being who has never sinned.) God offers the free gift of forgivenness for all that we have ever done wrong, and He longs for everyone to come to Him to receive His free gift of forgiveness. That is our ticket to heaven! But, receiving that ticket to heaven requires a simple choice that each person must make: belief and trust in Jesus Christ as the Son of God!

I firmly believe that there is a day coming very soon that it will be too late to accept God's offer of forgiveness. The problem is, we don't know the date of expiration on this free gift. Today is the day to make that choice. Tomorrow may be too late.

Reading this, you may be thinking, "Jeannie, I already know all this stuff, and I have already accepted Jesus into my life. Why did you write all this out, when perhaps most of your blog readers are Believers? Well, lately God has been laying it on my heart to be His witness to those who haven't yet heard or haven't yet made this choice to believe in Him and accept Him. I'm asking Him to use me as His messenger, to spread this information before it's too late. I'm looking for every possible opportunity to share this good news with others. Will you join me in this endeavor?

Out For a Walk

This view is part of my usual walk routine. First, I do a loop around my neighborhood, and then I do three laps around our neighborhood oval track. When I get to the oval track, my "prayer walk" begins. It's only about a quarter or a third of a mile around it, so I cover it quickly.
Three laps seems just about right for a "walk with God". As He brings specific people to my mind, I focus in on their needs and talk to God about them.
Today as I was walking the oval track, I noticed a little black trash bag, knotted, and left sitting in some bushes. It wasn't until I walked a little further and saw the sign, that I realized what that little black bag was.

Our neighborhood association provides "poop-pickup bags" for the convenience of dog-walkers, since the oval track is in a little park area which is governed by the City "Parks and Recreation Department".

Evidently, someone chose to use one of those little bags to pick up after his/her dog--how considerate!

However . . .
He/she then disposed of the refuse in the bushes along the way. Why carry it all the way home, or even to the trash can provided near the track, when you can just dump it on a nearby bush!

Why do people feel free to litter?
Why even bother to scoop up after a pet, if only to toss it back down, now wrapped in a plastic bag? Does this make one feel good about cleaning up?

Or, is it that someone was watching when the pet pooped, so the pet owner felt compelled to do the right thing at that moment, but then felt free to be inconsiderate of others when no one was watching?

Interesting Date

05-06-07

Expanding on that, today, for just two moments in time, we experienced 05-06-07-08-09, (month, day, year, hour, second) . . . . . . . . . . . .
NEVER, EVER, TO HAPPEN AGAIN! Cool!

Just think: Today made history! What did you do on this historic day? Maybe we should think of every day as historic and special. I wonder if we would look at our time here on earth differently, if we considered every day a special day, and every moment to count for eternity.

On the one hand, it all sounds so philosophically right and good. On the other hand, it's way too exhausting to imagine! However, it's worth thinking about, to at least count the days as worthy of our deep consideration. Are we using them in ways that really matter, or squandering them in ways that are totally unimportant and useless for anyone's really valuable benefit? Would it be reasonable to expect that we should do something every day that counts for eternity? Yes! I believe that's a reasonable use of the life God has given us.

Hmmmm . . . makes me stop and think about how I spend my time and my days. Maybe it would be interesting to journal it--to keep a daily written record of at least one thing that was an act of kindness to someone else.

First Baby

My husband spotted it first and called me to come and see. This little baby robin was sitting right at the edge of our patio, just outside Larry's office window. Daddy was not far away, busy finding worms to feed his baby. Larry actually saw the feeding in process, but, alas, I missed out on that part. The little one sat perfectly still, just waiting patiently for its next mouthful, while daddy hopped around the yard finding food and chasing other birds away. Adorable! I just wanted to go out there and pick up the baby and hold it in my hands, but I resisted the urge, and just enjoyed watching instead.

A couple hours later I noticed it sitting under a tree in the backyard. As I watched, I discovered the daddy was still nearby, looking for food. It was making a constant trek back and forth to feed not only this baby in the yard, but also his other babies in the nest. The nest, which was snuggled back into the pine tree in the corner of our yard, was so well hidden that it actually couldn't be seen until the daddy went to it. As I watched closely, I saw the movement of other birds in the nest, and actually saw one little mouth open wide to receive what the daddy fed it. The biggest thrill was watching the daddy feed his baby sitting out in the open, under our tree. That little one just sat there for the longest time, waiting for the next bite of food, and then opening his beak wide to receive his food. I must have spent an hour standing at my bedroom wndow watching this amazing sight!

(Yes, Rebecca, I guess I must be a "twitcher", although my husband calls me an ornithologist. I told him, "With a title like that, maybe I should get my doctorate so I could fix up the birds who get injured." Isn't that what "doctors" do?)

Bullock's Oriole

As of yesterday, this little beauty has begun showing up, along with several other of it's family members, to entertain us with their spectacular show of color while we eat lunch. We've only seen them during lunch time, and each time we run to grab the binoculars and camera. Forget lunch! According to my bird book, we are guessing them to be "Bullock's Orioles". (I don't know who Bullock is, but he's got some gorgeous birds!)

Note to reader, Cary (CML Shearings): The blue/purple color you asked about is in the blue spruce trees. I used "auto adjust" in my photo program, and decided that I liked the color adjustment much better than the way my camera captured it. To the right here is how the picture looked before it was "fixed" and cropped.

May Day, May Day!

Well, here we are at the start of a new month--one of my favorites!
It's so beautiful outside now! I wonder why there is the practice of yelling, "MAY DAY MAY DAY!" when a ship or plane is about to go down. That would indicate that on May Day (May 1st) we should feel some horrible sense of impending peril! However, for me, May Day is simply the beginning of a season of beautiful weather and fun in the sun.

This morning I went for an early morning walk to celebrate May Day. There was a bit of chill in the air, but it felt so invigorating that I wondered why I don't get out and do this every morning. (The desire is there, but the flesh is weak, when the bed is warm and comfy.) As I stepped out into the chilly morning air, all of my senses were instantly awake, delighted with the cool freshness of a new day. There was deep pleasure in the memories that suddenly engulfed me--joyful exhilaration in the instant replay of other moments like this when I've experienced such a rush of rejuvenation.

• Going camping and waking up to the chill of early morning...stepping out of the tent into the cool freshness that makes you feel alive--and ready for a hot cup of coffee at the crackling campfire (already started by my husband before I get up).



• Attending women's retreats up in the mountains...walking outside from the dorm or cabins to the dining hall, eagerly anticipating a hot, delicious breakfast, after savoring the briskness of cool mountain air.



• Sleeping out under the stars, in the backyard (as a child)...waking up covered with the dewy dampness of dawn, after being roused by the chirping of the birds.

I smiled as I took a deep breath and looked around me. Not a soul was in sight anywhere. Only the cheerful chirping of the birds penetrated the stillness. And, I was so glad I had followed through on my decision to start going for morning walks.

Want to join me? We could talk on our cell phones as we walk "together."