Archive for July, 2009
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
Our wayward children
Extended is a good way to describe my family. So when we have a family reunion, we come from far and near and we fill all the table space while we fill ourselves with good food and conversational catching up.
Earlier this month, my husband spoke a few words to us all before we ate. He reminded us that all the families in the Bible are broken families, as are our own families. We are not alone in our suffering over a wandering husband, wife, child, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin or grandparent. Together, our only hope of healing and wholeness is through the Cross.
As we wait and pray for that reconnecting and reconciliation, how do we act toward that one who is “away?” My son, Abraham, was away and now he is back. His advice comes from personal experience:
No strategy for reaching your son or daughter will have any lasting effect if the underlying goal isn’t to help them know Jesus.
Jesus.
It’s not so that they will be good kids again; it’s not so that they’ll get their hair cut and start taking showers; it’s not so that they’ll like classical music instead of deathcore; it’s not so that you can stop being embarrassed at your weekly Bible study; it’s not so that they’ll vote conservative again by the next election; it’s not even so that you can sleep at night, knowing they’re not going to hell. (Read the whole article)
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
Happy birthday, monsieur
History buffs will recognize the name of Alexis de Tocqueville, who was born this day in 1805. He traveled around America in the early 1800s, and recorded his observations in Democracy in America.
I haven’t read the book, but he is quotable and still much quoted. Often he commented on our society:
But he also noticed the kind of people we were. And I have to say, I’ve run into a few of these people lately:
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
Planning a wedding?
Hmm. Why didn’t we think of doing our wedding processional like this Minnesota couple?
Oh, wait a minute. I just remembered. I don’t know how to dance.
Monday, July 27th, 2009
The center of the universe
My friend Jo was a child when Apollo 11 landed on the moon:
I was living with my family in Karachi, Pakistan. We didn’t have a television, but I still have vivid memories of huddling around the radio listening to the live broadcasts. A couple of weeks later we got to see films of the landing in school. . . .
Sunday, July 26th, 2009
Catchy and true
Friday, July 24th, 2009
Shopping camouflage
Can you find Talitha amongst the Apple Jacks?
Hint: She’s the one that makes you smile.
Sunday, July 19th, 2009
The blessings of being in Fulda
(You can see some more photos of Fulda.)
God blessed me in many ways during our days in Fulda last week.
We woke in the mornings to quietness–just quietness.
The first morning, I opened the curtains and had a jolt of pleasure seeing a giant whimsical periwinkle-blue cup and saucer out in the flower border.
Shelly has created in their house a setting that ministers peace to my spirit–neat, uncluttered, mostly white with touches of color, especially blue.
The blue and white lamp that used to be in our living room makes me smile, because now it’s in just the right setting in THEIR living room.
Talitha biked to and from the shop freely, without worrying about safety.
Talitha asked her daddy why he was driving so slowly. “I guess the town just makes you move more slowly.”
Being in Fulda meant we were close enough to Dana and Christa’s route to have a visit with them on their way to their new home in Sioux Falls.
I gained new appreciation for the Shelly’s effort and energy to bring this dream to life and that she shaped this “outside-the-home” work to be oriented on her family.
I discovered some of the valuable facets of Jumble Thrift Shop: Community: Junior stopped by one day and Burt another, just to say hello. Service: A couple of people said how glad they were to have a place to bring their still-good items without having to drive 20 miles. Consolation: I met one of Karsten’s colleagues from Minnesota West Community College, who was grateful for a place to donate household belongings of her parents-in-law who had passed away in the past year. Convenience and price: One woman who spoke little English was able to afford lots of basic items, perhaps for a new dwelling. Friendship: Friends know where to find Shelly Wed-Fri, 10-5. I was glad to meet some of them when they stopped it. Broad vision: One woman told me she liked bringing in donations and shopping where a 10% of the income is goes back into the community and another 10% helps women and children in other countries.
In other words, we thank God for Karsten and Shelly who gave us a taste of their life, who trusted us with their house and dog and business, and who let us be free in their town among their friends.
Saturday, July 18th, 2009
Jumble’s menswear
Saturday, July 18th, 2009
Shoes! Which shoes?
Friday, July 17th, 2009
Guest Models Visit Fulda
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Visitors from afar
p. s. Yesterday’s books tallied perfectly. Unfortunately, I can tell already today’s going to be more of a challenge. Talitha left me running the cash register and somehow a purchase for 1.25 + tax turned into $3+, and with the customer watching me I couldn’t remember how to cancel and start over. Good thing Talitha’s usually here.
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
What’s hot in Fulda?
Who’s hot?Not the cool woman dressed in natural fibers chosen from
Jumble Thrift Shop!
100% silk shirt — $2.00
(Who says tops must be worn UNDER a jumper?)
Dress Sandals by Fioni — $3.00
The model chose jewelry for the shoot. But our fashion consultant, Miss Talitha, advised otherwise.
