Road Tripping

Last weekend we (Larry and I, and Jim and Patti) jammed everything but the kitchen sink into the car, and took off on an unplanned jaunt, of uncertain length, with an undecided destination, for a unknown adventure! We headed west and meandered down the coast, stopping wherever and whenever someone said, "Let's stop here!"

After finding all the campgrounds full, well into the evening hours, we finally found an RV park that let us pitch our tent on their overflow area. It was right across the road from the ocean, at one of the most perfect, most beautiful beaches we had seen all day! After getting camp set up, we headed back into town to get some take-out supper food, and then came back and set up our chairs on the beach to enjoy the rest of sunset and twilight, staying on the beach till about 10:30 P.M.

What a wonderful weekend was enjoyed by all!

P.S. I'll try to find time to post more pictures, but, as you already know, sometimes I never do get around to doing it!

Patiently Waiting

We have been living with uncertainty regarding Larry's job for over a year now. In July of 2006, continuation of the job he had for seven years became uncertain, and then finally ended in January of 2007, when the company was closed down.

In February he was delighted to learn that he would be kept on to work for the "parent company" of his former employer. The new position was on a three-month trial basis.

The three months successfully came and went in May, with no notice of severance.

However, the company was sold soon after that point, and the division that Larry worked for is in the process of being closed down. Larry was kept on through the first two layoffs, but finally received his notice a week ago.

That same day he learned of a job opportunity with another similar company in our area. He sent his resume in, had an interview a couple of days ago, and now . . . once again . . . we are "patiently waiting."

P.S. In answer to the question some of you have been asking -- no, we never did learn who TP'd our house, or why. We've just chalked it up to one of those funny things that happens in life

T P ' d

This morning I awoke to an unbelievable white wonderland! (Well, not when I first opened my eyes) At first sight of this new day, everything looked normal. However, as I walked out of my bedroom and down the hall, toward the coffee pot in the kitchen, the sight out the larger-than-life living room windows stopped me in my tracks! Everything was white! It was like "winter-wonderland", except, even in my half-awake, half-asleep state of mind, I knew it wasn't winter! It took a minute for it to register that...we'd been T P 'd during the night--toilet papered, that is!!

Who would want to do such a thing to us??? We have no known enemies, and no well-known, local teenagers in our lives at this place and point in time. But, someone obviously chose to give us many rolls of toilet paper (a kind-hearted gesture ?), while decorating our yard for us! Hey, Pam ("Super Mom"), I do recall you asking for a picture of our yard, after I spent many, many hours out there working on it. Well, here it is, in all its "loveliness":As I stood there staring, open-mouthed in disbelief, my husband came upstairs (from his office on the lower level), and enjoyed the shock on my face. Then he quickly informed me that it was starting to rain, so we'd better get out there and get it cleaned up as fast as possible, before the toilet paper became soaked, and nearly impossible to remove.

So, without another step toward the much-desired cup of coffee, I threw on some clothes and hurried out the door to help with the very speedy clean-up effort.

Fortunately, the weather cooperated and the sprinkles didn't turn into a down-pour until after we were finished grabbing/pulling/raking all the white stuff out of the trees and stuffing it into the trash bin. Unfortunately, it filled up half of the trash bin, leaving a very limited amount of space for the trash to be added over the next four days!Nonetheless, it was a very fun wake-up experience! We laughed and chatted with one of the neighbors who also enjoyed both the scene, and our reaction! Oh, such fun!

Vacation Days

We've just returned from a little vacation in California, and it's time to admit -- it has finally happened! A move back "home" to California?
No, not yet. Instead, it's the thing we've dreaded might happen to us, ever since moving to Oregon (3 years ago this month). We've become

tree-huggers!

We knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. But, it didn't happen in Oregon as one might expect.

It happened on this visit to California. As soon as we arrived at the Redwood Forest, Larry stopped the car and ran for the nearest big one! What could I do (as a good wife) except follow my husband's lead!

Hugging this baby bunny would have been much more delightful, but it preferred to just sit and visit with me, keeping a wary eye open for any movement that was too close for comfort.

Our time away was very nice -- beautiful scenery, wonderful relaxation, and perfect weather -- sunny and warm, with cloudless azure skies!

More pictures to be posted soon . . .

Today it's time to return to reality -- life on the edge in Oregon, where everything is beautifully green, and the skies are white.

Exhausting Rejuvenation

Is it possible? Yes! Cutting away the dead stuff and eliminating the excess is painful and exhausting, but, oh so rejuvenating!

Yesterday I worked in the yard for the entire day! By the time I called it quits (about 7:00/7:30) last night, I could barely force my legs to walk into the house. It took sheer will power just to put one foot in front of the other. First I went into the garage and peeled off the dirty clothes, dropping them right where I pulled them off. (They were not suitable for the dirty clothes hamper!) Then I headed straight for the shower and let the hot water soothe my soreness before I could even begin to scrub away the filth. Washing the gunk out of my hair was the biggest challenge--it was full of pine sap, and shampoo could not remove it! I began thinking I would have to cut it out, but a bar of of soap finally did the trick.

Next stop was the sofa -- somehow I made it that far and stayed there for a long time! Larry was still outside working. (He hadn't started yard work nearly as early in the day as I had.) When he came in, although he too was very tired, he drove to get some "fast food" for us. Otherwise, we may have gone to bed hungry!

This morning I keep walking from window to window, inspecting and admiring the loveliness of our yard. The exhausting labor was well-worth it! Although my body is still weary, and some spots are expressing their disapproval in what I did to them yesterday, I feel rejuvenated--glad for the exercise and fresh air that my lungs took in all day long yesterday!

Oh, and my trees and bushes feel much better today also -- I think.

Reflections

Reflecting on how much I've learned in life by way of the ever-present trials and tribulations . . .

Yesterday morning as I was driving to church I was thinking about the "school of hard knocks" -- a learning institution that every one of us has attended, and will continue to attend throughout our entire lifetime. It's one school that has no commencement exercises because no one is ever graduated from it! Just think how boring it would be to be all done learning!

It's the hard things of life, the difficult times that can provide us with the greatest opportunities to learn what not to do, what not to say, what will cause hurt to others . . . what will actually help or hinder others, what will encourage or discourage others, what will build others up or tear them down, what will benefit or harm the well-being of others.

As I thought this through this morning, I suddenly felt thankful for the hard things I've experienced in my life. I felt thankful for the difficulties I've experienced with people. God was (and still is) in it all! He knew what I needed to learn, and the best way to teach it to me. He knew what I could handle, and what I could learn to handle--with His help.

Life is all about people! I love being personally involved in their lives, and helping with their needs! I love listening to their hearts, and communicating the love of Jesus to them. I love having opportunities to reflect the character of God as He develops that in my life, and to provide for others the care of His hand, as He also does that for me through the hands of others that He brings into my life.

Doing unto others (and speaking to others) as I would want done and said to me is a good rule of thumb! Hey, maybe we could call it "The Golden Rule"! What a great way to live! That's how I want to learn to live.

Too Busy for Blogging!

Life has become really busy for me! A few weeks ago I spent some time dialoguing with God regarding ministry. It seemed to me that the gifts He gave me were mostly just sitting on the shelf, not being used much. That has really bothered me for the last couple of years (ever since moving from Washington to Oregon). Well, lo and behold, God showed me how He desires to use me, and even gave me a name for it!

D' VINE CARE

What is "D' VINE CARE"?

It is giving care to others, as God's hands and feet, helping with the needs of people, as God brings them to me. It's whatever is needed in the lives of other women, such as: meals during difficult times, hospital or home visitation, "Kitchen Table Counseling", mentoring, one-on-one discipleship, transportation, practical help during a crunch time for someone . . . whatever is needed!

During the last four weeks, I have been so busy with opportunities for service, that I hardly think about the blog world anymore. What a huge change for me! I'm usually quite tired out by the end of the day, but loving every minute of the ministry God has given me!

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?