breadcrumbs

complete in thee

2011-06-15T22:01:00.004-05:00

sunset over lake erie

Complete in Thee—each want supplied,
And no good thing to me denied;
Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be,
I ask no more, complete in Thee.
--Aaron Robarts Wolfe

********

This hymn blessed me today... 'tis the reason I can fully rest these weeks. No matter the pull of change, no matter the challenges that await me as I return to the 'non-vacation world.' No matter to-do lists, sewing, my own prayers or weaknesses. He is enough!

beauty of spring

2011-05-14T19:59:00.006-05:00

seems we are going by seasons here. =) well, spring is on my mind just now and 'tis the pictures i have to share with you. guys mills is like minnesota in one key way-spring is a long time coming, so when it comes we double rejoice.

all is grace only because all can transfigure. -ann voskamp

winter term in pictures

2011-03-13T19:56:00.008-05:00

a view from our sledding hill

1 Corinthians class by David Yoder

good friends...

then enemies?

quietest place of study - the student lounge

These pictures I credit to the yearbook file. =)

redemption

2011-03-13T19:49:00.003-05:00

We had a good discussion in the dorm the other night about redemption. It involved the discussing of real people and events, and our inside responses to these disappointing tales.

Dare we believe in redemption? When we hear of a young girl running away from home, then living in a state of struggling rebellion? The young un-wed mother, facing a lifelong consequence of her choice? Our own messy failings?

Oh, my. Hopeless, we think. You have thrown your life away.

I dare say there is real hope. From our discussion, “God can redeem and work in that marriage. True, it may be messier. But He can use that relationship to work what He wants.”

It is only when I believe this, when I stop trying to piece together the why’s and how’s, the many bits of this puzzle of human frailty, that I can see His overarching redemption.

I got a little glimpse of it last night. This story was told with many difficult pieces, many lost dreams. But in it all was a thread of redemption. We talked about how God redeems in small ways, minute ways. His redemption is not always the "glory, hallelujah" I sometimes picture. Although I do believe in His awesome deliverance, it is not always as all-encompassing or immediate as I might hope.

I am praying that my eyes will be open and my hands will be free to receive any picture His redemptive love gives to me.

A few pictures...

...the girl finds shelter in the home of a caring single woman

...the young mother is given a loving husband

...i hear His love in the rhythm of daily life

...a dormie extends love through past hurts in her own way

This is the redemption that God is working in my world. How do you see Him?

much snow

2010-12-13T17:59:00.003-06:00

This image says a lot about our weather over the past week. Guys Mills is truly a land of much precipitation! We received over three feet of snow last weekend.

It has made for a jolly evening sledding and some beautiful walks.

one, two...and seven gals

2010-12-10T21:30:00.000-06:00

time

2010-09-06T20:19:00.002-05:00

It is time to update, I know.

I feel caught in a phase of life in which there is not great demands upon me, but always events and people to keep the pace of life quite full and rapid.

But it is good. I am learning to value how others think about things. How they respond to life and what their experience has taught them about living wisely and truly and honestly. Learning to listen to their dreams, their goals, can be very rewarding.

Today I went out to a little gazebo that Mr. Russell kindly allows us students to frequent. I sat there near the zinnias and the bumblebees, and I read an inspiring book and journaled. That was just a delightful and encouraging way to spend a day off.

Tonight I am thinking about my former students in Virginia...if any of you read this, I hope you are having a very good beginning to your school year. =) And that you are reading good books.

Time to go to bed. Tomorrow morning I am picking up a friend at the Erie Train Station...and I'd like to be there in time to watch the train roll in.

Good night!

thankful thursday

2010-07-29T18:11:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for...

...a good day in the bookstore and working with staff here at FB

...two friends who stopped by the bookstore to shop and talk

...a quiet morning break

...fresh rain-washed earth this morning

...i ran credit card sales with no bloopers!

...the chance to help with some prep for Teachers Week handouts

...a cappucino

...cheerful people who taught me the routine of dish-washing =)

big sister, little sister

2010-07-28T19:33:00.002-05:00

my refuge

2010-07-18T15:12:00.007-05:00

I love Scottish castles. Mysterious, ancient, secure, and romantic, they speak of the long ago.

I can picture a kilted laird, his dirk in hand, standing on the ramparts of the castle and ready to protect the frightened villagers who shelter within the castle's walls. I see a clan of men ready to do battle while the bagpipes ring a battle cry over the mountainside. I can imagine arrow and sword as powerless against the massive stone fortress.

Psalms 18 tells me that I have a refuge far more secure and impressive.

When encompassed by Saul and his armies, David writes:

O Lord, You are my Rock, a firm Foundation when life shifts beneath me.

You are my Fortress against attack,

A Shield and Protection from the enemy of my soul,

My Deliverer from all evils, within and without.

God, You are my keen and firm Strength, in You I trust and rely.

You are indeed the Horn and the Seal of my salvation,

A High Tower whereunto I continually resort in my time of need.

I will call upon You, O Lord, whom I love devotedly;

Your praise will be my battle cry.

So shall I be saved.

Psalm 18:2,3 (a paraphrase)

family picnic

2010-07-06T22:26:00.000-05:00

Cousins on the boat ride to a Minnesota island

Erika, Caitlin, and Chelsea

Myself and Grandma

Us girls-the cousins-and Grandma

Dad and Mom

Thankful Thursday

2010-07-01T12:37:00.003-05:00

Today I thank God for...

...Health and strength for a new day

...His presence wherever I am

...The gift of music

...Waking up to a powerful thunderstorm

...Egg salad

...Friends who are only a phone call, email or text away!

...Memories to treasure

...A Christian heritage

...Pencils and notebook paper, hands down my favorite writing material

...Smell of fresh paint

...Little people

sunday's hymn

2010-06-21T00:16:00.002-05:00

In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear;

And safe in such confiding, for nothing changes here.

The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid,

But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?

Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back.

My Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack.

His wisdom ever waking, His sight is never dim,

He knows the way He's taking, and I will walk with Him.

Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen.

Bright skies will soon be o'er me where darkest clouds have been.

My hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free,

My Saviour has my treasure, and He will walk with me.

-Anna Waring

And a beautiful recording of such heartening words.

dryden trip

2010-06-20T22:27:00.005-05:00

At long last...some pictures of our family's time in Dryden, Ontario. As a family getaway and a chance to help the NYP mission, we spent four days in Canada doing work projects. The pictures tell more succinctly. As a credit, many of these are not my own, but my sister's snapshots.

A reminder of God's promises...in particular, His presence and purpose

for this wayfarer in her transitioning.

Caitlin with Connor and Erika on the dock. What beautiful scenery we saw as we walked, or boated on the lake, or experienced in the view from the kitchen window!

A fun game of...hmmm...Swing the Triangle?

Instructions for Fun Use: 5 people hanging from triangles, 5 pushers to give extra momentum, and a strong grip as you swing and fly!

We were introduced to Indian bannock via our friends. Delicious in a blanket around a hot dog. I hear it is also great fried in oil. Thanks to Letha we have the recipe, and we'll give it a try.

Caitlin, Chelsea, Cameron, Brooke and Megan waiting for the next assignment.

We cleaned apartments, shampooed carpets, stained playground equipment, washed windows, and many other things. It was good to work as a family again.

An evening treat at McD's. Letha, Jen, Kendra, and Morgan.

This picture shimmers with evening glow. Three of my siblings surely enjoyed their rides in Norm's two-seater. What a thrill!

Sunset at the point was just as much of a treat to me.

So, a good trip with many memories.

I'd do it again in a jiffy! =)

tuesday tidbits

2010-06-14T23:13:00.002-05:00

Want to see heaven through the eyes of a five-year-old little boy?

I took Connor with me to McDonalds today. We got into a discussion on heaven. "In heaven," he said, quite enthusiastically, "when your big brothers bother you, you won't even be sad!"

Poor little guy. =)

But, really...I like this definition. The trials we face in our own little worlds will vanish. Petty annoyance, weakness, or painful experience, in heaven nothing will hurt or make us afraid. The One who understands all things stands ready to wipe each sorrow away.

And even big brothers will cease to bother.

true evangelical faith

2010-06-10T21:37:00.002-05:00

True Evangelical Faith

"True evangelical faith cannot lie dormant

It clothes the naked.

It feeds the hungry.

It comforts the sorrowful.

It shelters the destitute.

It serves those who harm it.

It binds up that which is wounded.

It has become all things to all people."

-Menno Simons

learning lately how faith is an active thing. it cannot grow unless it is practiced, stretched, and lived out...

comes down to the little questions, little duties, daily opportunities for faithfulness.

i hear the call to deeper faith all around and everyday.

in the plaintive wish of a stranger that God would come through for her and soon.

in the need for serving in the home duties.

in the loneliness of a friend.

in the willingness to hear the struggles of another.

Lord, please grow my faith and deepen my surrender of self.

wonders of a cave

2010-03-06T10:47:00.002-06:00

Our class went on our half-day field trip to Grand Caverns two weeks ago...it was so exciting! We saw all of the formations we had learned about in our Science book, plus a few more. The wonders of God's creation are truly amazing!

the land of snow and ice

2010-02-11T18:52:00.012-06:00

We have finally had our winter these last two weeks...

what a beautiful world!

Ruth and I both ventured down to the nearby river

for a photo opportunity.

We saw this!

Quite picturesque!

Virginia storms still amaze me...truly snowed in. =)

Home is the little blue house on the hill...

I've decided an eastern storm can be messy. You might be out of electricity for ten hours, miss nearly five days of school in two weeks' time, need to park a quarter mile from your house because of the icy hill. =) But this one was a picture not to be missed!

quote for '10

2010-01-01T02:08:00.002-06:00

"When there is a deep restlessness for which we find no explanation, it may be due to the greed of being what our loving Father never meant us to be. Peace lies in the trusting acceptance of His design, His gifts, His appointments of place, position, and capacity."
--Elisabeth Elliot

winter wonderland

2009-12-28T15:14:00.004-06:00

In Virginia we've experienced the wonder of snow! A beautiful first snow, and since, a humdinger of a winter storm with two feet or so! Here my class poses with the first snowman of the year.

L to R: Darla, Natalya, Kaylene, Cheri, Alicia, Patrick; (front) Charla, Christine

stop and smell the roses

2009-11-21T14:16:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow eve is our Thanksgiving program!

The students have practiced vigoroursly...

I look forward to hearing their songs.

I hear them hummed after music practice,

and occasionally I take a moment to listen.

4th-6th Program

“The Best Things in Life Are Free”
“Stop and Smell the Roses”
“How Great Thou Art”
“Praise Ye the Lord”
Two poems

The video clip image quality is poor, but I hope you can still enjoy their music. =)

through the doors of room c

2009-10-10T12:21:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Room C! Walk on in, find a seat, and stay awhile! These are some of the things you might observe...

You might SEE...

*fraction problems on the chalkboard

*students working at the whiteboard with their spelling words

*yeast cells through the microscope

*word wheels on the wall (a thesaurus activity)

*35 animal tracks missing, which means 35 days down

*stacks of books on Miss Vinar's desk

You might FEEL...

*exhausted after a soccer game

*excited about a marvelous, new wall map

*tired of working through long math problems

You might HEAR...

*spelling word practice with clapping

*The Little Princess or The Tales of Jemima Puddle-Duck on tape

*Thanksgiving program practice

*requests to play soccer or volleyball

*storytime...and requests to continue

You might SMELL...

*moldy bread or strange mushrooms for Science class

*bananas and cinnamon for a Latin American treat

*wafts of good dinner smells on hot lunch day

*new books and pencil lead

You might TOUCH...

*the velvety underside of a chingapin leaf

*a soft piece of moss

*chalkdust

Would love to have any of you stop in and stay awhile, and you might even be pressed to check a stack of papers or wipe down the board before you leave! =)

service multiplied

2009-09-10T19:43:00.003-05:00

So, my days are again full of timers and chalk dust,
of lesson plans and soccer games,
of multiple bells and racing class periods.

It is a busy life, and if I am not careful
I find my days measured by the piles of checking accomplished (or not);
by the success of a new concept taught,
by the attitude of my students.

There is more to my days, however;
and as Jesus told the bustling Martha
(and still speaks to every careful heart),
"One thing is needful...to know me."

Service becomes drudgery or mere discipline
without this relationship.
He is the One who brings meaning to each moment,
who sustains my heart as I give to others.

He takes the smallest fragments I can offer,
multiplying them until enough for a multitude of demands.
Is this a miracle? Yes.
And the baskets of grace remaining will meet my needs besides.

a note goodbye

2009-08-18T08:28:00.004-05:00

deep blue evening above the clouds
and in the graveyard
one more quiet grave beneath the elm tree.

i could only feel glad, today,
that your eyes were closed.
you, who could barely say goodbye
after a weekend visit,
would have found this parting unbearable.

tears coming now, grandpa,
but i wanted to thank you.

thank you for the memories...
they are worthy of keeping.

Faithbuilders

2009-08-18T08:18:00.003-05:00

Well, on my way back to the East Coast I made several wonderful stops...

thank you for the royal treatment, Reba and Juanita!

I attended Faithbuilders on my way,

spending 3 1/2 days with 250 other teachers,

soaking up sessions, workshops, discussions, and encouragement.

What a lift for the week of preparation ahead!

Sovina and I (above) took the chance to renew an old friendship,

and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay with a young family in the area.

Their boys took me spotting! =)

During which escapade we 'spotted' one kill deer, one skunk,

one turkey buzzard (was it large enough to be a buzzard?),

and one deer on our last lap around the field.

A blessing to see such a passion for teaching in others

with similar challenges and situations...

and to see that passion worked out with enthusiasm.

meeting lois

2009-07-28T22:47:00.004-05:00

what a privilege to meet an author whose heart for spiritual encouragement is even more beautiful than the books she writes.

i was deeply encouraged by lois walfrid johnson on monday morning. my grandmother, through a mutual friend, connected us. it was a pleasure to have grandma show her belief in my writing, and a real blessing to meet this godly author.

i encourage you to check out lois's books, the adventures in the northwoods, the riverboat adventures, or the viking series, all middle grade mysteries with real characters and real struggles who experience real growth, and with the added benefit of authentic historical details.

you can find lois online at lwjbooks.com. but most of all, join me in prayer for her as she continues her ministry with her pen.

near the cross

2009-07-13T18:48:00.004-05:00

"The nearer I come to the cross, the nearer I come to God;

and the farther I am from the cross, the farther I remain from God."

-Andrew the Apostle

i doubt any of us, if given a choice, would choose the death of the apostle andrew. tied to a cross in the region of achaia, andrew lived on for three days. was he overcome in his suffering, barely enduring the elements, the pain, the indignation? no. the martyrs mirror records that as long as he could move his tongue he instructed those who stood near the cross in the way of truth. the words above this illustration were spoken by andrew himself, as he went to the place of his crucifixion, "with a peaceful conscience and cheerfulness."

i have been thinking lately on the need to seek God. psalm 27 tells us to seek his face. i've been trying to spend more time alone with him. to read his word more. to meditate. good things, yes.

but andrew's testimony shames me.

seems to me that andrew did not focus on the actual seeking of God. instead he sought the cross, knowing that as he took up his cross of self-denial, of death, he would find the Crucified One.

"O Lord Jesus Christ! suffer not that Thy servant,

who hangs here on the tree for Thy name's sake, be released,

to dwell again among men; but receive me.

O my Lord, my God!

whom I have known, whom I have loved, to whom I cling,

whom I desire to see,

and in whom I am what I am."

-the Apostle Andrew's last words

a complete history...

2009-06-28T17:50:00.012-05:00

a complete history.....of my year. ::wry grin:: not really. but i do want to backlog a bit, and let you in on some of the highlights and day-to-day stuff of my year in va.

one thing i've learned with teaching is that priorities must change, out of necessity. sometimes the things we love (such as blogging) simply cease to be.

i'd like to begin with a tribute to someone,

to my grandfather, paul olson.

he went to be with the Lord last february,

and the example of his life,

the story he lived,

the family he left behind,

have blessed me abundantly.

i was glad to be home for the funeral and family times.

a man of prayer with a clear testimony.

a reverent and reserved person

with a deep love of God's word.

i wish to be like him.

over easter vacation, another great surprise...

my family drove, (yes, all twelve of them in our 15-passenger van!)

to virginia to spend time with me and meet my world and see my haunts,

sneaking in a tour of dc on the side.

they arrived in harrisonburg, getting the better of spring by about 2 weeks,

so we had some rainy, dreary days to work with.

a couple from church offered their basement, and we had great times,

talking, touring, meeting people.

a picnic on skyline drive was a highlight.

and then the rush of end of school was upon me,

and i began to feel like the old woman who lived in a shoe,

not knowing what to do with my 'children'...

beings as they were as ready for vacation as i.

but we stuck it out, spending time on reports and displays for the openhouse,

doing a few book reports,

plowing through chemistry,

and taking a picnic to hillendale park.

that 'twas a fun day and produced a relatively nice class photo...

as nice as this non-photographer could coax from camera and class.

school ended on may 21st, leaving me weary, satisfied,

and somewhat more ready to see august come again...

after a long vacation, of course.

a chorus tour with the shenandoah valley chorus was the next thing on my calendar, so off we rolled to philadelphia, lancaster and ohio.

good to enjoy the values of singing, hospitality and friends.

below, a five dollar ride in this carriage around the olde city of philadelphia.

not soon enough, and yet long before i was ready,

the morning came to begin the trek home to minnesota.

it was a journey, and i was so thankful to have ruth to share the wheel

and keep me from too many inner musings.

we made a single stop on our way, in michigan,

where i was privileged to attend the wedding of

william hoover and rebecca gingerich.

in the words of jane austin,

'it's such a happiness when good people get together-and they always do.'

i have now been home for three weeks, and find myself in the midst of writing, sewing, reconnecting with my sisters and brothers, and relaxing thoroughly.

a good place to be.

gem of a quote

2009-06-25T00:10:00.001-05:00

Thou hast given so much to me,

Give one thing more-a grateful heart;

Not thankful when it pleaseth me,

As if Thy blessings had spare days,

But such a heart whose pulse may be

Thy praise.

-George Herbert

glory of a minnesota summer

2009-06-21T22:30:00.002-05:00

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. ~John Lubbock

Minnesota summer is here, and I am agreeably reminded that there is nothing like it! The bluest of blue skies, the cooling but sultry summer breeze, the mirrored pines on the lake's edge, and yes, of course, the bugs.

Some things I've been enjoying lately:
*playing Ladder Golf with Justin
*reading good books
*making food for a LARGE number of people
*buying 12 birthday gifts for the year ahead
*dreaming idealistically of school (don't worry; this phase seeps away by August)
*listening to an audio book with Megan
*sitting and scribbling...thinking...a little bit of nothing
*coffee with Mom and lunch with Dad
*reconnecting with my girlfriends
*seeing a dear friend happily married
*writing a book

Someday soon, an update on my busy year.

spring reminder

2009-04-10T14:15:00.009-05:00

''the time of the singing of birds is come..."

reminders of spring...

***the perfume of daffodil bouquets

***the campfire and picnic at miss vinar's house

***the day we scribbled spelling on the driveway

***open doors letting fresh, brisk breezes into the room

***morning walks by the river

as i see the rushing river running beneath the bridge,

as i smell the daffodil perfume on my woodland walk,

as i feel the gentle warmth of sunlight on my face,

i sense a real reminder of God's everlasting care.

winter will never fail to pass;

spring, never cease to come again...

joy, to come like morning dew after the drenching storm.

my coworkers

2009-01-30T21:17:00.004-06:00

a fun evening at woodgrill buffet!

i thought you might like to see a picture of my coworkers.

l to r: myself, lola (gr. 2&3), lynne (gr. 1), and diane (gr. 4&5)

they have been great friends and have helped me in many pinch with wise advice

or a listening ear. thank you, gals!

snow day

2009-01-27T21:25:00.002-06:00

hushed as a whisper the snowflakes fall,
dusting the gray earth
with purity and beauty,
a reminder, yes,
intricate gift of the creator himself.

and i, a mere particle in this crowd
of individuals on my street, in my city,
under a wide, common sky.

design? i suppose. but what does it matter
in this vast diversity...
i feel a particle small in the atmosphere.

only this. i, too, fall from the sovereign hand.
who am i to question?
each snowflake, each soul, here for His purposes
a bit of beauty in the gray of January.

in the secret of thy presence

2008-12-31T16:19:00.003-06:00

This is my New Year's Resolution in the words of Albert Osborn. Now to put this real ideal into the daily face of my everyday life...'twil be the challenge.

In the secret of thy presence,
Where the pure in heart may dwell,
Are the springs of sacred service
And a power that none can tell.
There my love must bring its offering,
There my heart must yield its praise,
And the Lord will come, revealing
All the secrets of his ways.

More than all my lips may utter,
More than all I do or bring,
Is the depth of my devotion
To my Saviour, Lord and King,
Nothing less will keep me tender,
Nothing less will keep me true;
Nothing less will keep the fragrance
And the bloom on all I do!

Blessed Lord, to see thee truly,
Then to tell as I have seen,
This shall rule my love supremely,
This shall be the sacred gleam.
Sealed again is all the sealing,
Pledged again my willing heart,
First to know thee, then to serve thee,
Then to see thee as thou art.

christmas reality

2008-12-29T23:15:00.007-06:00

in postcard glitter of a snow, unmarked

by sledding rides;

under cedar boughs, where scarlet

holly berries hide.

at china-laid tables, set on linen cloth

for six or less

at which adults and minute angels are the

only welcome guests.

on a cookie tray daintily dusted

with nonpariels;

at the lacey curtain-edged glow

of electric candles.

is christmas to be found?

when boisterous greetings meet holiday

smells in the air

among the tumult of cousins, gleeful

over cardtable fare.

in the almost-hush of grandpa's grace when

bowed is each head;

in tart cranberries, celery dressing,

and grandma's rye bread.

where ice-frosted farmhouse windows

bloom yellow cheer.

where tradition reminds familiarity of all

that we hold dear,

there christmas is to be found.

2008-12-03T17:34:00.004-06:00

guess what, everyone?

i went home for thanksgiving!!

it was wonderful.

worth the 22 hour drive...

the sitting in traffic...

the drawn-out games of rook...

the packing...

the loss of sleep...

i'd do it all again.

now i am back in va

and into a month that school teacher's struggle with

as it overloads their already full schedule...

not to worry.

what other time of year can rival december?

the fluffy snowflakes...

the smell of baking gingerbread...

excitement of gifts and of secrets...

christmas lights strung beside the road.

i'd give much to make christmas happen.

climbing old rag

2008-10-24T21:00:00.005-05:00

two weekends ago three friends and i climbed old rag.

we labored, scrambling over rocks and panting up switchbacks.

i begged for a breather more than once...

but we persevered.

over the rough terrain...

up slippery surfaces worn by many feet...

in our 'impractical' gear, as so many commented...

one step at a time we climbed.

we reached the summit;

the view was breath-taking.

each day i persevere toward the ultimate summit.

over the slippery slope of failure,

scrambling on past rocky discouragement,

persevering for the promises.

i can't help but believe the view will be breath-taking.

well worth every step of my climb.

rach, kris, andrea, and i

our view

you should try...

2008-09-26T20:34:00.002-05:00

...a race with your dad

...to braid your own hair

...raw oysters

...to climb a silo

...to carve an apple

...eggnog

...to stare at a friend for three minutes

...screaming as loud as you can

...a coconut

...staying up all night

In Penmanship class yesterday we made lists of the many things you should try. Don't you love these suggestions? =)

Try something exotic, sixth grade style!

except...

2008-09-10T20:07:00.007-05:00

time has come to post about my work, teaching...

...my life these days.

i've had a few arduous weeks of preparing, and the to-do list is always present.

but we have progressed from this bare chaos

(thanks, denise)

to a room that now feels like a schoolroom.

hurrah!

sometimes the prep is loads of fun.

wouldn't you like to dig up grass roots in the rain?

listen carefully to popcorn popping on a friday afternoon?

dissect a petunia?

color your fingerprints with washable markers?

write your initials in cuneiform?

sometimes the prep is overwhelming.

i remind myself of psalm 127:1-3:

except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it:

except the Lord build the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

it is vain for you to rise up early,

to sit up late...

seriously, i like that verse.

in a teacher paraphrase,

'except the Lord be in your classroom,

you multiply lesson plans,

grade every paper,

decorate each classroom corner,

but in vain.'

i'm off to prepare for tomorrow...

with Him.

Mercies New Each Morning

2008-08-30T10:17:00.006-05:00

"[Thy mercies] are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23

One Day At A Time

One day at a time, with its failures and fears,
With its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears,
With its portion of pain and its burden of care;
One day at a time we must meet and must bear.

Not yesterday's load are we called on to bear,
Nor the morrow's uncertain and shadowy care;
Why should we look forward or back with dismay?
Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.

One day at a time, and the day is His day;
He hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone;
As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.

-Annie Johnson Flint

I thought I'd share a few stanzas of this worthy poem. Whatever your day holds-whether it is lesson planning, a new college venture, frustrating responsibilities, or daily care for family and friends-I hope you feel His mercies.

His mercies. Can I tell you the shape of those words to me?

Mercy is when I am invited to pray and play Taboo with some very nice gals.
Mercy is when one of my students leaves me an orange Post-It note.
Mercy is when I find a magnificent art book at Teachers' Aid.
Mercy is when Dad calls just to check up on my internet connection.
Mercy is shopping at Walmart with a friend.
Mercy is when Ruth waits up for me to inquire about my long day.
Mercy is a thoughtful gift from my pastor's wife.
Mercy is the sound of rain on the roof during Spelling class.

And much more. Feeling weighted by cares or the mundane? Take a careful look around you... His mercies are new every morning.

wild and wonderful west virginia

2008-08-02T14:11:00.003-05:00

this view is mine to look at anytime i take a lengthy trip west of harrisonburg.
dost thou envy me?

breadcrumbs

2008-07-23T09:09:00.003-05:00

lacey floating manna crumbs
on the gentian petal lake
swirl about three lily pads
with the current

crusts fall from benevolent palms
from eager baby hands
shook from tight-clasped grocery sacks
onto glossy waves

meager offerings toss where they will
close by the carrot webbed feet
under quills of snow down white
to goslings' beaks

ten random things one might do at faithbuilders

2008-07-11T23:46:00.024-05:00

Ten Random Things You Might (or Might Not) Do at Faithbuilders Institute:

1. You might have dinner discussions ranging from the humorous effects
of birth order, to the solid components of Anabaptism, to what water
chestnuts really look like.

2. You might enjoy a hike on the Erie Wildlife Refuge trails...posing for pictures, finding tree leaves, straddling bridges (some among us), and running through raindrops.

3. You might have the fun of telling your small group that the

best object you could find to personify yourself on short notice
was a swiveling fan...

4. You might enjoy large cookies

and milk with dormies.

5. You might (would) fall asleep over blurry words...and more than once.

6. You might enjoy scribbling away a Saturday

at a coffeehouse, with a fellow member of the

Creative Writing class.

7. You might enjoy the music--whether it is Gina's piano practice or Saturday evening singing in the gym (bring along your Mennonite Hymnal, please).

8. You might spend a wonderful hour sitting on a tombstone,

journal in hand.

9. You might weed corn rows and hill potatoes with the whole FB gang. (But be warned, if you're weeding corn, you will find it much more floppish ).

10. You might write a story about camels and a certain endearing camel boy, who has big hands and a tender heart.

Or you might do none of the above! But the ten you did do, would be equally worth your while.

of raspberries and simplicity

2008-06-29T23:16:00.000-05:00

"my life can be so arranged that i can live on whatever i have.

if i cannot live as i have lived in the past,

i shall live differently; and living differently does not mean

living with less attention to the things that make life gracious and pleasant,

or with less enjoyment of the things of the mind."

-e. roosevelt

i was driving down 33 to ruth’s house, glorying in the beauty of the west virginia mountains. i pulled over and stretched out my arms, wondering why God had brought me to this beautiful place. i arrived and began unpacking. after shuffling boxes until i was ready to drop, i had to ask myself why God moved me to this place. i then discovered that the library did not have my free wireless access, and that i had to open a new bank account. ‘twas then i groaned, ‘why, God, did you bring me to this place?’

expectations. deceitful things, aren’t they? sometimes merely another word for my selfish wants. by believing it’s my due to receive certain things in life, that a few ‘trifles’ are owed to me, all i have left are disappointments galore.

i like eleanor’s quote up there, but it seems to me that psalms 16:11 says the truth even better. “thou hast shown me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand are pleasures forevermore.” His presence equals joy, no exceptions allowed. It does not say that friends equal joy, or family, or even cheesecake and chocolate. it’s all about surrender, about resting in His omnipresence.

how comforting.

so even in the midst of adjustments, in the middle of the surprises that change brings my way, joy is guaranteed me on a life warranty! i decide to stop groaning and start smiling.

ruth and i picked raspberries today, heaps of ‘em, and we are going to have shortcake for breakfast. my room is almost in order, and i even found the perfect nifty shelf at walmart for $9.88! and when i brooked my nervousness and went to a youth retreat thing tonight [brave, don’t you say] i even enjoyed myself.

so there. simplicity. and joy. i’m learning.

this moment to hold

2008-06-23T23:32:00.003-05:00

we have this moment

to hold in our hands, and to touch

as it slips through our fingers like sand.

yesterday's gone,

and tomorrow may never come,

but we have this moment today.

this song was a sentimental cliche in my younger years;

therefore, i've never liked it much.

but these past few days have shown me that it speaks the truth

and there are some feelings-

as one comes to the end of a chapter in one's life-

that cannot be expressed in any better way.

this moment we have...let us hold it tenderly, carefully, and with love.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

wherever you are

2008-06-22T21:20:00.001-05:00

are you standing at a crossroad
wondering which road you should take?
and you're dreading the decision
and a possible mistake.
but the will of God won't lead you
where the grace of God can't keep you;
and you will never be out of His care.
remember that the Lord's already there.

you are waiting to hear thunder
and see lightening in the sky;
oh, but God can work His wonders
through a still small voice inside.
so keep listening and learning
and continue on the journey,
following the One who is the Way;
for He's the only road you need to take.

wherever you are,
wherever you're going,
God is right there beside you seeing and knowing.
wherever you go He already knows
what lies ahead and what's behind;
you'll always find He's never too far
from wherever you are.

-mccullough and lindsey-

oh, the places we've been

2008-06-21T22:40:00.007-05:00

special night, dad.

and in honor of father's day,

i just wanted to say

that your involvement in my life is superb.

i cannot measure the quality time

you have spent with me.

you treated me to a first date at age 13,

you were my personal escort to a writer's conference,

you took me to street meetings

and even man-handled a tow truck ride on the way home.

you cleared out an office or two to give me space for my dreams

and you've believed in me when i have forgotten how to believe in myself.

love you much.

in others' words

2008-06-18T11:33:00.003-05:00

"how far you go in life

depends on your being tender with the young,

compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving,

tolerant of the weak and strong-

because someday you will have been all of these."

george washington carver

don't let me lose my wonder

2008-06-11T16:58:00.007-05:00

don't let me lose my wonder

by keith & kristyn getty

i've seen days melt into nights in circles of lights,

i've watched a spider spin a star between the window box flowers,

i've heard you laugh and cry in a single sigh

and a story form within.

don't let me lose my wonder,

don't let me lose my wonder.

i saw her broken dreams inside but helping others fly,

i saw his eyes without a doubt though other lights faded out,

and though her calling roared, such graciousness poured

from the vision of her soul.

don't let me lose my wonder,

don't let me lose my wonder.

a baby cried through the dark beneath a jeweled spark,

i knew Your voice upon the hill and heard my lostness still,

i found my home in the light where wrong was made right

and You rose as the morning star.

don't let me lose my wonder,

don't let me lose my wonder.

this song, mariah, has taught me about Wonder...but you show me much more.

stepping down the rainbow sidewalk

you dart away

to teach me that Delight is found in picking tulips.

we go swinging at kerry park

and i meet Happiness

in the breeze that teases your curly pigtails.

at the tweet of a robin,

at sunshine and puppies,

when holding tight to a friendly hand...

you smile at what Life is all about.

and you show me

that the meaning of life is not a dutiful acceptance of 'my lot',

but rather, about Trust.

i thank God you remind me

each day was not meant to be a struggle.

instead, Joy herself greets me at unexpected moments

and in unwonted places

when i look through the eyes of one very special little girl.

you are a delight

2008-05-29T00:08:00.001-05:00

“The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Saviour. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm your fears. He will exalt over you by singing a happy song.” Zephaniah 3:17[NLT]

we’re sitting on the alphabet rug at preschool, jo and i, probably singing “elephants have wrinkles.” an unlikely time to grasp a great new truth.

but we’re singing, clapping and swaying, as i said, when teacher marci looks at her sixteen preschoolers and says, “you know, they’re all such a delight in so many ways.”

and they really are! maddy’s melting smile (and i mean melting). austin’s unfailingly cheerful “okay, teacher marci!” bryant’s exuberance over everything, from saltines with peanut butter to a tower of pegs. mariah’s priceless giggles.

sometimes i feel pretty undelightful. i feel regret over past mistakes. i fail to show my love to the people i love most. my days are too busy to be beautiful and i forget to pray…again.

but just imagine with me that it’s eternity now. we’re in the new Jerusalem, a golden city illuminated by the light of the Son. and it’s been countless ages that we’ve been gathered round the throne; we, the redeemed…people of every kindred, tribe and nation, singing praises to the Lamb.

can’t you just imagine the Father looking over the diverse multitudes, beaming at each one a grin of tender joy and love? then reaching over to tap Jesus on the shoulder and whisper, “you know, they’re all such a delight, in so many ways.”

that’s my God.

His resources

2008-05-22T16:35:00.004-05:00

if i never felt a hunger i couldn’t fill,
why pray for manna?
if i never tasted an unquenchable thirst,
why look to One who has the living water?
if i never met an obsatcle,
what would be the point of mountain-moving faith?
if i never erred or lost my way,
why a Shepherd?
if throughout life i never faced a need,
i would never, ever learn sustained trust in His provision.

now i believe that He really can bring water out of a flinty rock,
and drop new manna in each desert morning.
i believe in my Shepherd’s ability to lead me to sufficient pasture
even though the landscape all around is dry and empty.
my resources might be nearly depleted,
and my needs truly overwhelming.
but as i learn to draw on His abundant gifts,
as i see Him at work in my world,
i begin to realize that my incredible God will always come through for me.

daily contentment settles over me anew.

when i was a child

2008-05-16T23:18:00.002-05:00

when i was a child…
what a whimsical phrase.
a phrase the old-timers use with authority and relish,
and parents use as overall reproof.

i didn’t use to understand why the elderly dwell in the past.
at least, i didn’t connect in any way.
i didn’t have much of a past, you see.

but now i’m a little bit older.
and i think i have an inkling of the charm in the phrase…
…when i was a child.

such carefree joy and painless troubles were mine in those days.
such days, innumerable as dewdrops.
as i danced through those years,
i was convinced beyond a doubt
that around any of life’s bends existed dozens of opportunities.
i would choose among them, all golden of course,
and i would find my perfect dream.

but the road got a bit too long and weary,
the next bend so far away that it looked like a mirage to me.
and when i finally reached it,
fear and sorrow joined me on my journey.

i then lost the rosy idealism and naiveté i possessed…
…when i was a child.

we drove home tonight. i was spent, physically and emotionally.
but i lifted up my eyes to see slate clouds float by in the gloaming,
and i opened my soul to the glorious strains of an old hymn.

“abide with me, fast falls the eventide,
the darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide.
when other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.”

i reflect on this moment. i remember the tender care of my God,
the One who will always be a Father to me,
in whose arms i can always rest secure.

then i know that all is well,
and will be well forever.

as long as i am His child.

thank you, mom

2008-05-11T23:34:00.007-05:00

The more I think it over the more I feel that there is

nothing more truly artistic than to love people.

(Vincent van Gogh)

I am quite sure my mom would not call herself artistic, or even creative [although I disagree on that point]. It is true that she does not like to write poems or paint or play the gourmet chef. But my mom is a master of one type of creativity...the art of giving herself.

I notice this in a dozen little things daily. The card for a single friend on Mother's Day. The afternoon spent flight shopping for my Virginia trip. Her patience with a fussy little girl in the wee hours. Her attention to unspoken needs. Her listening ear.

Thank you, Mom, for the way you touch us. Thank you for the beautiful, creative ways you show us your love, and God's.

teacher again

2008-05-09T23:55:00.002-05:00

BEREA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL--Harrisonburg, Virginia

My time spent in Virginia last weekend was profitable; I now have a position as 6th grade teacher for the 2008-09 school year. A wonderful visit and good times with Dad...

"And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him...and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

Isaiah 30:18, 21

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way that thou shalt go;

I will guide thee with mine eye." Psalm 32:8

my heritage

2008-05-01T23:49:00.002-05:00

Dusty love letters. Bank books. Goofy family photos of the ‘40s. Decaying telegrams. I am up to my elbows in these, and loving it.

After two evenings of scanning photos and puzzling over the confusing Ribar family tree, I began to wonder why I was still as happy as a cricket in a task most abhor. Why does knowing my heritage delight me so much?

Ultimately, the best motivation to all this organizing is the new picture, even new perspective, I’ve developed of my late grandma, Dorothy Wagner Vinar. When I read pages of her diary and see the particular care she took to preserve mementos of history and of family moments; I am amazed at how much I share with her.

Tradition-making. Memory-keeping. I love these things, too, and the connection helps me remember what I loved about my grandma. The ethnic meals on Christmas Eve were a result of her wish to expose the grandkids to other cultures. The diary she kept faithfully, daily, with the intent of someday typing up a summary of her life, was meant to share a legacy, making sure it was not an unknown one. The pieces of nostalgia she treasured show me the depth of her love for her family, her empathy with their accomplishments and tragedies.

All in all, it’s been very rewarding. Maybe someday I can discover other facets of my heritage, but for today I am content with remembering someone. With knowing the photos, keepsakes, and traditions Grandma left behind will remind me of who she was, and of what she meant to me.

embrace the cross

2008-04-23T16:54:00.003-05:00

The cross of Jesus-my only option for release.

Too often I look for peace, for relief, for joy, some other way. It might be escapism, yes, but in my case I believe it is a simple lack of trust. And a strong sense of self that keeps me from giving up the trifles I hold so dear.

Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee." I often claim this blessing without considering my obligations. I expect instant rest, freedom from anything uncomfortable...in short, very smooth sailing.

I claim the promise of Jesus-"Come unto me and I will give you rest"-only to be shocked by remembering that His rest is found only when I embrace the cross. I shrink at the foot of Calvary, casting about in my mind for any other way.

The paradox is this: if I shrink from the suffering of the Cross, my burdens will only gain in power. But as I draw near, anxiety snaps, sin flees, and fear is overcome by perfect love.

Pretty amazing. Although I cannot deny that to identify with the sufferings of my Savior looks daunting at times, even impossible. The enemy tries to make it look even more so.

By faith I tiptoe closer, holding my breath. Remembering that although suffering is bound to be my lot here on earth, His presence is greater than anything I will ever face. Remembering that in the light of His face I will find perfect joy. Remembering-for I cannot help it-all the self-denial, pain and suffering this will require of me.

Then I realize I know a secret. “Looking unto Jesus..." With eyes of faith, I visualize the One who was crucified for me. I find that as I fix my eyes on Him, I forget the fears that tormented me only moments before.

Looking unto Jesus. Embracing His Cross. All burdens removed.

Glory.

I take, O Cross, thy shadow

for my abiding place.

I ask no other sunshine

than the sunshine of His face.

Content to let the world go by,

to know no gain nor loss;

my sinful self my only shame,

my glory all the cross.

-Elizabeth Clephane

pussywillows

2008-04-05T22:42:00.000-05:00

today i found...

[you will not believe this]

PUSSYWILLOWS!!!

you should have seen my victory dance

with the pruners

[or maybe not].

and if you cannot imagine such joy

over fuzzy bushes...

come and spend the next long and bitter winter

in minnesota

[but i do love it here, really].