On Feb 3rd, I went to Immerse Austin at Riverbend Church with some long-time friends, and some new friends. We saw Mandisa, Lysa Terkeurst, and Anita Renfro. Great show! I remember several things from it. I'll share a couple from Lysa's talk here now. She has 5 children. Two boys she adopted from Africa, and three daughters who are younger than the boys. The kids are older now, but when the youngest was 4, they all went to Walmart. A woman stopped in the aisle and looked them over and said, "Different fathers." Lysa didn't know what to say. Her 4 year old put her hands on her hips and looking up at the woman said, "Let me 'splain it to you. When my mommy was pregnant with my brothers, she drank chocolate milk." I don't remember if the woman said anything after that because everyone was laughing so hard. Gotta love the way kids look at life. It never occurred to the child that those were not her biological brothers.
The other story that Lysa told really stuck with me. She said that one Christmas they wanted to make it very special and make sure the kids knew it was all about Jesus and not the presents. A couple of weeks before Christmas, she and her husband decided they would have a nice breakfast before gifts. They would set a place at the table for Jesus and put a box in the middle of the table. Everyone would share what their gift to Jesus would be for that year. Then they would write it on a paper and put it in the box. Lysa thought about her gift. She started out with, "I'm not going to yell at my kids this year." That wasn't going well in those two weeks before Christmas, so she decided to change it to, "I'm not going to yell at my kids this year, so much." On Christmas morning, her husband went first to share his gift. I don't recall the exact words, but it went something like this: "I'm going to look for someone each day to share my time, money, or encouragement with, so that at the end of the year, I will know that 365 people have been affected by the love of Christ." Lysa thougth to herself that she couldn't bring HER crappy gift to this party, so she immediately said, "Me too!" Then all of the children said, "Me too!" Every evening at dinner they would share who they had affected that day. It brought the family closer together and affected many people. I think she said they kept doing it after the year because it had become a habit. A very good one! I like the idea, and plan to do it myself! I should keep a journal so I'll know how I'm doing. Will be neat to read later to remember the people affected.
I left Riverbend about 9:15, just before the crowd, so I could beat the traffic and head for the ECW retreat at Wellspring between Wimberley and Blanco. It was drizzling. Not nice traveling weather! About a mile before I turned off on the road to Wellspring, I got into some rain that was really hard! I could barely see the road, so I was creeping along. No one else was on the road out there at that time of night. The last vehicle in front of me had turned off miles before that. Just before I turned off on the road to Wellspring, the rain let up. When I turned on the road, it was bone dry for the several (about 3 or 4) miles, then just after I crossed the low bridge, it started to pour again. I drove really slow along the gravel road. It was still pouring when I pulled up to the conference center about 11:00. All the way there I had been praying that I would get there safely and that there would be no water over the bridge. Those prayers were answered! Then when I got there and it was pouring, I prayed for 10 minutes of no rain so I could get to the house and unload the car. Thankfully, that prayer was answered and we had 30 minutes before the storm got bad again. There was a 3 foot wide river of water running down the gravel road in front of the house I was staying in with two of my friends. They didn't know what time I was going to get there, so they took the room with the two twin beds and gave me the room with the full size bed. They are really sweet friends. I've been really restless the last few months with my hip bothering me, so the extra room to roll over was really nice. The whole retreat was really nice. I got to reconnect with some friends I haven't seen in a while and make some new friends. It was great to be with my ECW "sisters" and get some comfort from them after losing my sister. Wellspring is such a spiritual place too, so that was also comforting. They call it the Holy Hill. I love going there.
On Feb 10th, I got to go to another church retreat at Summer's Mill in Salado. It's a beautiful place too, but not nearly as remote as Wellspring. This was my second retreat there. I am on the BOCC retreat committee this year so I was much busier than last year. The speaker, Rachel Raborn-Norris, a potter from Bryan, (Joy Pottery) was the speaker. Amazing! Her testimony and the way she shared while showing us how to make a pitcher, a pot, and a bowl on the wheel, was very inspiring. It is very interesting the way she puts it all together with the way God shapes us into vessels he can use. If you ever get a chance to hear her speak, don't miss it! I could easily repeat that whole thing again! They did video tape part of it, so hopefully I will get to see it. I told Rachel she should make a DVD, but I think she likes the human contact. She is booked to speak a year in advance, 4 to 6 times each month. I don't know how she finds time to make the beautiful pottery she makes. She doesn't sell online, so the pieces are limited. Only sold at her studio and her speaking events. Yes, I bought a couple things. A beautiful Communion set. I will probably use it for crackers and dip tho. Or maybe a candy dish. It has grapes and leaves on the side of the chalice, and a couple of stalks of wheat on the plate. I also bought a mug with the same grape design. I'll probably take it to the office for my hot chocolate.
The committee bought a beautiful bowl as a gift for our leader. She loves it. I took a picture of it, but can't remember at the moment the words around the inside rim. Will have to look that up when I go through the pictures deciding what to print for the scrapbook.
Well, that's enough for now.
Blessings,
Lori
Monday, February 13, 2012
What I said at my sister's memorial service
Tina was my sister and my best friend. We talked or emailed every day. We always had fun together, especially on road trips.
Tina didn't know a stranger. Everyone became a friend if not adopted into our family. You were all family to Tina.
She was the most kind, loving and generous person I have ever known. I often said I want to be more like her. If there are lessons in all of this, some of them are probably simplify, take better care of ourselves, tell those we love every chance we get, and check frequently on anyone you know lives alone.
We always said, "I love you" to each other at the end of phone calls, emails, and in person. I'm thankful those were the last words we said to each other. I know where she is now and that I will see her again someday.
You will notice a collection of her pigs from the almost 20 years working at APD on a table out here. There are also some other items she collected. Please take them as a memento if you want.
Thank you all for your support and prayers for our family through this time, and for being such dear friends to Tina.
Afterward:
In talking with a couple after the service (I took some photos at their wedding a few years ago when I went with Tina), I realize I should have added that some of them knew me as Tina’s date because she asked me many times to go to events with her because we had so much fun together.
Tina didn't know a stranger. Everyone became a friend if not adopted into our family. You were all family to Tina.
She was the most kind, loving and generous person I have ever known. I often said I want to be more like her. If there are lessons in all of this, some of them are probably simplify, take better care of ourselves, tell those we love every chance we get, and check frequently on anyone you know lives alone.
We always said, "I love you" to each other at the end of phone calls, emails, and in person. I'm thankful those were the last words we said to each other. I know where she is now and that I will see her again someday.
You will notice a collection of her pigs from the almost 20 years working at APD on a table out here. There are also some other items she collected. Please take them as a memento if you want.
Thank you all for your support and prayers for our family through this time, and for being such dear friends to Tina.
Afterward:
In talking with a couple after the service (I took some photos at their wedding a few years ago when I went with Tina), I realize I should have added that some of them knew me as Tina’s date because she asked me many times to go to events with her because we had so much fun together.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Some thougths about people who have died, and odd things that happen.
I have two voicemail messages from Tina still that I keep saving on my phone. I also recorded them to my computer. I hope I remember to save them every few days so that I can listen to her anytime. They are sweet reminders of things she always said to me on the phone.
My dad died in '88 and I still randomly cry about him, and also my brother who died in 2000, and my sis-in-law who died in '81 or "83.... She was one of my best friends in High School when I lived with Tina, even before she married my brother. Sometimes I can talk about any of them, and many others, and not cry, other times I just think about them and tears flow.
Something strange I haven't told a lot of people.... We were in Houston for New Year's and I woke up early that morning before the alarm went off. I don't recall the time now, I just know it was early. Then on Monday morning, I was sleeping in the guest room because I was so exhausted and E snores. I woke up really early, around 6:40 thinking someone had come into the room, but E was snoring in the other room, and I didn't see anyone. Every morning I wake up at that same time before my alarm goes off at 7:00. Only that one morning did I feel like someone was in the room. When my grandmother died, she came to Tina and sat on the foot of her bed and told her that everything was going to be alright. Tina was her favorite. I wonder now if Tina came to me that first morning after she died. Another odd thing... when my dad died, I didn't know it but when I got to the hospital I found out that it was the exact minute that I had awakened that morning, before the alarm went off. I had planned to get up and go to the hospital. I'm wondering now if Tina died at 6:40 in the morning. I didn't think about that until this morning. We'll see if I keep waking up at the same time, or if I won't now that I've figured that out. Wonder what the autopsy will say. I doubt they can pinpoint the time that close. It doesn't matter what time I go to bed, I keep waking at that same time. Well, that's plenty to digest for now.
Anyway, there will always be a connection and if you haven't read the book, Heaven Is For Real, I highly recommend it. It's one of my fav books since I read it about 6 months ago. I'm going to read it again in the next few weeks. I'm taking it with me to two church women's retreats the first two weekends in February.
My dad died in '88 and I still randomly cry about him, and also my brother who died in 2000, and my sis-in-law who died in '81 or "83.... She was one of my best friends in High School when I lived with Tina, even before she married my brother. Sometimes I can talk about any of them, and many others, and not cry, other times I just think about them and tears flow.
Something strange I haven't told a lot of people.... We were in Houston for New Year's and I woke up early that morning before the alarm went off. I don't recall the time now, I just know it was early. Then on Monday morning, I was sleeping in the guest room because I was so exhausted and E snores. I woke up really early, around 6:40 thinking someone had come into the room, but E was snoring in the other room, and I didn't see anyone. Every morning I wake up at that same time before my alarm goes off at 7:00. Only that one morning did I feel like someone was in the room. When my grandmother died, she came to Tina and sat on the foot of her bed and told her that everything was going to be alright. Tina was her favorite. I wonder now if Tina came to me that first morning after she died. Another odd thing... when my dad died, I didn't know it but when I got to the hospital I found out that it was the exact minute that I had awakened that morning, before the alarm went off. I had planned to get up and go to the hospital. I'm wondering now if Tina died at 6:40 in the morning. I didn't think about that until this morning. We'll see if I keep waking up at the same time, or if I won't now that I've figured that out. Wonder what the autopsy will say. I doubt they can pinpoint the time that close. It doesn't matter what time I go to bed, I keep waking at that same time. Well, that's plenty to digest for now.
Anyway, there will always be a connection and if you haven't read the book, Heaven Is For Real, I highly recommend it. It's one of my fav books since I read it about 6 months ago. I'm going to read it again in the next few weeks. I'm taking it with me to two church women's retreats the first two weekends in February.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sad News
This has been the worst start to a New Year ever!
My niece found my sister/best friend, Tina, dead in her duplex on New Year's Day evening.
She had fallen Christmas Eve day and broke her arm just below the right shoulder. At the hospital, they put it in a sling strapped to her body and sent her home with a scrip for pain. Said they couldn't cast it because of where the break was until the swelling went down and that she should see her ortho doc. She had an appt scheduled for Jan. 2nd. We don't know yet what happened to her. She was diabetic and had some heart issues, so it was probably a combination of those. They said 6-8 weeks to get reports back that may give us a better idea of what happened.
She was my best friend even tho 9 years older. We did many things together. We emailed several times a day and talked on the phone several times each week. I miss her so much.
We had her memorial service on Jan. 7th. I'm amazed that I got through my talk when the family shared. Luckily, my brother and Tina's two sons let me go first. I pretty much read what I had typed, or I wouldn't have made it through.
It was heartwarming to see so many of her family and friends take one of the pigs from her collection as a memento. She collected them the 20 years she worked for APD, and even in the 3 years since she retired. Many of the people showed me the pig they chose and told me why. I wish I could remember all the stories.
The first week of January was the worst week of my life so far. I know there will be more of those. It's just what happens as we get older. I just have to take each day as it comes, and be thankful to have had the time I did with her. Rest in peace, sweet sister. I love you, and I know I will see you again.
My niece found my sister/best friend, Tina, dead in her duplex on New Year's Day evening.
She had fallen Christmas Eve day and broke her arm just below the right shoulder. At the hospital, they put it in a sling strapped to her body and sent her home with a scrip for pain. Said they couldn't cast it because of where the break was until the swelling went down and that she should see her ortho doc. She had an appt scheduled for Jan. 2nd. We don't know yet what happened to her. She was diabetic and had some heart issues, so it was probably a combination of those. They said 6-8 weeks to get reports back that may give us a better idea of what happened.
She was my best friend even tho 9 years older. We did many things together. We emailed several times a day and talked on the phone several times each week. I miss her so much.
We had her memorial service on Jan. 7th. I'm amazed that I got through my talk when the family shared. Luckily, my brother and Tina's two sons let me go first. I pretty much read what I had typed, or I wouldn't have made it through.
It was heartwarming to see so many of her family and friends take one of the pigs from her collection as a memento. She collected them the 20 years she worked for APD, and even in the 3 years since she retired. Many of the people showed me the pig they chose and told me why. I wish I could remember all the stories.
The first week of January was the worst week of my life so far. I know there will be more of those. It's just what happens as we get older. I just have to take each day as it comes, and be thankful to have had the time I did with her. Rest in peace, sweet sister. I love you, and I know I will see you again.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Oh, my! It's been a long time since I've posted! Busy season!
I love my two jobs working part time for two real estate attorneys. I could not have designed a better work situation if I had tried. They both keep me very busy, and I'm always learning new things. Never a dull moment!
I'm finally as ready for Christmas as I'm going to get. We started decorating for Christmas actually in mid-October, to be ready for Christmas portraits, in time for people to send them out in Christmas cards, but also because my husband's sister was coming to visit and she hadn't been to our home yet. She always decorates hers so nicely, my husband wanted it nice for her visit. We finished decorating outside right after Thanksgiving. And somehow, I still didn't have time to get Christmas cards mailed out this year. I think I'm going to start addressing them in July in 2012.
I love that I can keep up with family and friends on Facebook and send them greetings that way, on a more frequent basis than just once a year at Christmas.
And for those of you who aren't on Facebook and only follow me here, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Lori
I love my two jobs working part time for two real estate attorneys. I could not have designed a better work situation if I had tried. They both keep me very busy, and I'm always learning new things. Never a dull moment!
I'm finally as ready for Christmas as I'm going to get. We started decorating for Christmas actually in mid-October, to be ready for Christmas portraits, in time for people to send them out in Christmas cards, but also because my husband's sister was coming to visit and she hadn't been to our home yet. She always decorates hers so nicely, my husband wanted it nice for her visit. We finished decorating outside right after Thanksgiving. And somehow, I still didn't have time to get Christmas cards mailed out this year. I think I'm going to start addressing them in July in 2012.
I love that I can keep up with family and friends on Facebook and send them greetings that way, on a more frequent basis than just once a year at Christmas.
And for those of you who aren't on Facebook and only follow me here, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Lori
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Seven Days in Utopia
We went to the early movie today at noon to see Seven Days in Utopia. I really enjoyed it. I love movies that make me laugh and make me cry, especially when they have a good message, or several. It's a good family movie. No bad language, no nudity, no blood and guts (well, a little blood at the beginning). Check out the trailer online.
Of course, after seeing the movie, I want to go to Utopia to check it out. It's on the way to or from church camp, if we take a slightly different road than we did last time. We like to take different roads anyway looking for photo opportunities. We found some neat ones last time. It's fun to set the GPS on shortest distance and see where it takes us down country roads. Sometimes we end up at a dead end where some rancher has put up a gate, but even then we find good photos along the way, so we don't mind backtracking a little.
Well, I have to do a bit more work on some parenting materials for the wellness fair I have a table at next Wednesday. Good parenting skills do contribute to overall family wellness. I'm looking forward to this event. Different than most things I've done before. Praying it goes well, so we have opportunity to help more families have peace in their homes in these trying times.
Blessings,
Lori
Of course, after seeing the movie, I want to go to Utopia to check it out. It's on the way to or from church camp, if we take a slightly different road than we did last time. We like to take different roads anyway looking for photo opportunities. We found some neat ones last time. It's fun to set the GPS on shortest distance and see where it takes us down country roads. Sometimes we end up at a dead end where some rancher has put up a gate, but even then we find good photos along the way, so we don't mind backtracking a little.
Well, I have to do a bit more work on some parenting materials for the wellness fair I have a table at next Wednesday. Good parenting skills do contribute to overall family wellness. I'm looking forward to this event. Different than most things I've done before. Praying it goes well, so we have opportunity to help more families have peace in their homes in these trying times.
Blessings,
Lori
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wildfires!!! Pray for rain!
Luckily, My family, with two homes in Cedar Creek, were spared, so far, and that fire is almost contained. I feel sad for all those who lost homes, but am certainly thankful that my 94 year old mom, my sister, niece and her son, and my other niece and family still have homes to go to. My niece said she could see the fire down the street from her home, but the firemen blocked it and turned it away. She had already taken her little girl over to her sister's home in South Austin the day before when all the news of Bastrop (only 12-15 miles from them) came out.
Thankfully, the wind has died down so the firefighters can more easily fight the blazes. Please pray for rain!
It's been cool enough this week that I walk to work in the morning (17 blocks). It takes 5-10 minutes less to walk it than to wait 10 minutes and take the bus, and then still walk 4.5 blocks to the office. People just don't know how to ride the bus efficiently. They wait until they are standing on the bus to dig for their ticket or money. Aaarggghhh!
I still catch the bus 4 blocks from the office in the afternoon. If I catch the 2:36 bus, I only have to walk a block to the train. If I miss that one, I walk 4 blocks to the train. Either way is not bad now that it's cooling off a little. I need the exercise anyway, since I signed up for the Walk Austin thing a couple weeks ago. Supposed to do 60 minutes of exercise every day (for the gold medal)! Walking is taking a big chunk out of that, then I sometimes get in the pool when I get home and do water aerobics. The water is starting to get too cool with the cooler nights we've been having, so don't know how much longer I'll do that. Then I'll have to walk both ways instead of taking the afternoon bus. I like to walk tho. Get to see things you don't see when you're driving. Well, almost time to walk some more!
Remember to pray for rain!
Blessings,
Lori
Thankfully, the wind has died down so the firefighters can more easily fight the blazes. Please pray for rain!
It's been cool enough this week that I walk to work in the morning (17 blocks). It takes 5-10 minutes less to walk it than to wait 10 minutes and take the bus, and then still walk 4.5 blocks to the office. People just don't know how to ride the bus efficiently. They wait until they are standing on the bus to dig for their ticket or money. Aaarggghhh!
I still catch the bus 4 blocks from the office in the afternoon. If I catch the 2:36 bus, I only have to walk a block to the train. If I miss that one, I walk 4 blocks to the train. Either way is not bad now that it's cooling off a little. I need the exercise anyway, since I signed up for the Walk Austin thing a couple weeks ago. Supposed to do 60 minutes of exercise every day (for the gold medal)! Walking is taking a big chunk out of that, then I sometimes get in the pool when I get home and do water aerobics. The water is starting to get too cool with the cooler nights we've been having, so don't know how much longer I'll do that. Then I'll have to walk both ways instead of taking the afternoon bus. I like to walk tho. Get to see things you don't see when you're driving. Well, almost time to walk some more!
Remember to pray for rain!
Blessings,
Lori
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
