Well, here’s how my day’s been. Got up early to talk to oncologist about the letter I received Saturday from imaging saying my mammogram was abnormal and I needed followup after I was told everything was fine. (is that a run-on sentence) I was reassured there must have been a mistake. They had me fax the letter to investigate. In the mean time, I called the imaging place again and she was all apologetic saying she didn’t know how she could have made such a mistake she was so sorry. I didn’t make a big stink but I’m thinking, this was the 2nd time for me and talking to 3 other people this weekend who’ve had problems, it makes me think they need to do something about it. And of course, I’m freaking out all this time wondering “What if...” Yes, I know what I should have been doing, but still....
Then, there was the problem with my bank. The other night, Cory and I were ordering our Disneyland tickets. The site wouldn’t allow me to purchase them together so after ordering mine, we went back to order hers. For some reason it wouldn’t work, over and over again. So, she used a different account. I then received an email saying they had blocked my account because of unusual activity. They wanted to make sure it was me making purchases. I’m not sure why they couldn’t call me to ask. And of course, this happened over the weekend so had to work it out this morning. That got straightened out.
Then, I had to get temporary insurance cards in case I drive while in California. We never received our new ones. The others expired in May.
To top it all off, we get to the airport only to find our flight delayed. Well, we had an inkling when we looked up our flight status online before leaving. We were to leave at 5:35 pm and were told to be on time in case the delay was adjusted. We went through security early and I had a voice message on my phone from the airline saying we wouldn’t be leaving until 7:10. That’s fine, but that would give us little time to connect in Las Vegas. So, we talk to the attendant and the flight in Vegas would be delayed also so shouldn’t be a problem. I hope not. I really don’t want to spend the night in the Las Vegas airport. Our plane is delayed due to bad weather conditions in Florida. Don’t you think a meal voucher would be nice?
So, here I sit, starting my vacation blog earlier than intended. But no problem, I’ve been wanting something to write about.
Let’s see, what’s going on in the Nashville airport? Oh, watch your step, you might trip over one of those names dropping on the floor. And then I had to move because of the smell of collard greens and mac and cheese across from me. There is live music close by at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. You can also find a Tootsie’s on Broadway, downtown.
Okay, so we finally got to board our plane around 7:15. Cory and I didn’t have any trouble finding seats together, in fact we had an extra seat. Just hope we make it to our connecting flight on time. The flight has been okay. Only once, so far, was there some turbulence and they had to turn on the “buckle your seat belt” sign. We did get a snack and drink, though I opted not to drink my Sprite, after seeing the flight attendant smashing the ice with a can, I figured I could do without. Trying to keep my legs moving. There is plenty of leg room which is nice. The plane has 2 rows of 3 seats each.
This seems to be a long flight. Well, we arrive in Las Vegas and we’re told the next plane was waiting for us, along with several others that need to catch their flights to various places. I was told that the Vegas airport was small, so I’m thinking maybe a little bigger than San Luis. How wrong I was! I think we walked a mile from one concourse to the other. As we were trying to rush, the pilot was there telling us not to worry, they were waiting for us. Besides, there were others that got there after we did. Though quite a bit of turbulence, the flight seemed like 10 minutes rather than 45. We arrived safely, Bennett and Rachel met us at baggage and all of our bags arrived as well.
We talked awhile then I finally went to bed, it was 3:15 a.m. by then, TN time.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
California or Bust!
I’m really looking forward to our trip to California. It has been 3 years too long since I was home. I know home is where the heart is or where the family is; my family is in Tennessee but my heart is still in California.
There have been some good times here in Tennessee. I’ve seen some interesting and amazing things like the Great Smokey Mountains--in the snow, going back in the fall for colors; the Natchez Trace, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Amicalola Falls in North Georgia. Seeing where the Amish live was another interesting place to visit. We enjoy the fresh vegetables in the summer.
I do enjoy the thunderstorms but the tornados are quite scary-especially the ones that hit in nearby states--taking out so many homes. When the sirens go off, it’s in to the closet we go.
We’ve also been able to reconnect with some of mom’s relatives. She’s from Mississippi and Dad was from Arkansas, where I lived in first and second grades. It was fun to see mom’s birthplace, Duck Hill, MS and we even drove through West Memphis, Arkansas where I lived. It wasn’t the same of course.
I think we’ve had more visitors here--my sister and niece came from Hawaii one Christmas, another niece and her two teens from CA and our friend from Alaska.
We got to attend the Dove Awards at the Grand Ole Opry and the after party. Saw Nickel Creek at the Ryman and Peter Andrews at Christmas. I so wish to see Emmylou Harris at the Ryman, and I’d love to see Reba and the Judd’s.
We’ve had some great times with friends Bethany and Shannon throughout the year and some holidays. And of course I’ve enjoyed having Elijah once a week for the past few years, watching him grow up.
There have been some good times here in Tennessee. I’ve seen some interesting and amazing things like the Great Smokey Mountains--in the snow, going back in the fall for colors; the Natchez Trace, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Amicalola Falls in North Georgia. Seeing where the Amish live was another interesting place to visit. We enjoy the fresh vegetables in the summer.
I do enjoy the thunderstorms but the tornados are quite scary-especially the ones that hit in nearby states--taking out so many homes. When the sirens go off, it’s in to the closet we go.
We’ve also been able to reconnect with some of mom’s relatives. She’s from Mississippi and Dad was from Arkansas, where I lived in first and second grades. It was fun to see mom’s birthplace, Duck Hill, MS and we even drove through West Memphis, Arkansas where I lived. It wasn’t the same of course.
I think we’ve had more visitors here--my sister and niece came from Hawaii one Christmas, another niece and her two teens from CA and our friend from Alaska.
We got to attend the Dove Awards at the Grand Ole Opry and the after party. Saw Nickel Creek at the Ryman and Peter Andrews at Christmas. I so wish to see Emmylou Harris at the Ryman, and I’d love to see Reba and the Judd’s.
We’ve had some great times with friends Bethany and Shannon throughout the year and some holidays. And of course I’ve enjoyed having Elijah once a week for the past few years, watching him grow up.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Road To Tennessee
In 2007 we decided to move to Tennessee. Carey had taken a job with Provident Music the year before and we had driven her car and some of her things out to her new “home”. At the time, Caleb was in L.A. ready to move to Portland and Cory was in Madagascar. Charley was up for it so we thought, “Why not!” California was getting expensive so thought we’d try out life in the south.
Jim could retire from Von’s/Safeway and we could all try to get work once we were in Tennessee. We had lined up a condo to move in to, about 45 minutes from Nashville.
However, as I look back, maybe we shouldn’t have made the move. I’ve thought of that more than once. It could look like coincidences to some, but I think it was more than that.
I believe that sometimes we may want something so badly that God allows us to have it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it was the best for us. Let me explain.
We had planned on moving the first of March. Boxes were packed, everything was lined up and we were getting last minute appointments taken care of. I was overdue for a mammogram, so decided to go ahead and get one before leaving. Then on February 27, 2007--two days before our move--I get the dreaded news: “Breast Cancer”. After meeting with a surgeon, we decided I’d go ahead and get the treatment I needed before the move.
Jim called work and was able to keep his job. Also, the landlord let us stay in our condo.
I had a lumpectomy two days later and then went through radiation. Everything went well. When I think about it, this was our first roadblock.
The next round of frustration was in Camarillo--the moving van broke down. We called Penske from the motel where we were staying and they brought another truck to switch out all of our belongings. It took longer than expected so we stayed an extra night. (Roadblock #2)
We made it to Tennesse, just missing one tornado, and we moved in. It was good to see Carey and her friends Shannon and Bethany, who helped us out. Things were going okay, Jim found a job after only 3-4 weeks and Charley soon after.
In October, Cory had to return to the states from Madagascar because of some severe breathing issues. Of course, she hadn’t planned to come back, especially come back to Tennessee, allergy capital of the USA. She had left California, not the deep south. However, she needed treatments and was soon settled in. ( I guess that could be considered sort of like a roadblock.)
Then, in November, Carey lost her job. (Roadblock #3) She found another good job soon after but lost that one less than a year later. (Roadblock #4?) She is now a fulltime nanny.
In December, Mom decided to leave Hawaii and move in with us. So, again we had a house full.
I had good intentions to start some science classes with homeschoolers in the area, but that didn’t happen. A different breed of homeschoolers here I’m afraid. (Struck out again.)
I had also hoped to get involved with Sudanese refugees in the area since they were numerous. I did for a short time--not first hand but by writing a curriculum for their after school program. I don’t even know if it was used. Communication is difficult here I’ve found.
I also tried getting involved with missions but as far as that got me was helping with a Perspectives class when we first got here. My intentions may have been good-but my follow through failed. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Or, perhaps I should have been more persistent.
After all of this, not a pity party, but an account of happenings, here is a list of things that did happen:
helped with Perspectives
wrote the after school curriculum for Sudanese children
wrote four literature workbooks for school children (a flop)
went through a real FUNK for almost a year after our two month journey to Madagascar
thoroughly enjoyed working with Elijah once a week--he brings a smile to my face
There have been some Highlights to our four years in Tennessee:
4 seasons--loving the snow (not the tornados)
Appalachias
Amicalola Falls (in Georgia)
Smokey Mountains
Radnor Lake
Jackson Falls
Natchez Trace
BBQ all over the place
downtown Franklin and Nashville
Ryman Theater
Chattanooga
McKay’s used bookstore
being in touch with relatives after many years (MS, GA, TX)
attended the DOVE awards at the Grand Ole Opry and after party
have spotted several stars around town and a few at church
Grace Chapel in Leiper’s Fork, TN
Amish country
People I would miss:
Shannon and Bethany
Elijah and his family
Gavin and his family
Hayes and his family
So there ya have it. A different lifestyle? Yes, definitely!
Totally a waste of time? No, not really! There have been some good times, happy times!
But I truly am missing the West Coast, my friends, my family, Moe’s, Pepper Plant, Sees, In ‘N Out, Chili Peppers, and of course, the ocean. Not sure how long we’ll be here, but I get to visit CA in a week. It’s been over 3 years so I’m definitely looking forward to it. Can you truly go home? I hope so.
Jim could retire from Von’s/Safeway and we could all try to get work once we were in Tennessee. We had lined up a condo to move in to, about 45 minutes from Nashville.
However, as I look back, maybe we shouldn’t have made the move. I’ve thought of that more than once. It could look like coincidences to some, but I think it was more than that.
I believe that sometimes we may want something so badly that God allows us to have it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it was the best for us. Let me explain.
We had planned on moving the first of March. Boxes were packed, everything was lined up and we were getting last minute appointments taken care of. I was overdue for a mammogram, so decided to go ahead and get one before leaving. Then on February 27, 2007--two days before our move--I get the dreaded news: “Breast Cancer”. After meeting with a surgeon, we decided I’d go ahead and get the treatment I needed before the move.
Jim called work and was able to keep his job. Also, the landlord let us stay in our condo.
I had a lumpectomy two days later and then went through radiation. Everything went well. When I think about it, this was our first roadblock.
The next round of frustration was in Camarillo--the moving van broke down. We called Penske from the motel where we were staying and they brought another truck to switch out all of our belongings. It took longer than expected so we stayed an extra night. (Roadblock #2)
We made it to Tennesse, just missing one tornado, and we moved in. It was good to see Carey and her friends Shannon and Bethany, who helped us out. Things were going okay, Jim found a job after only 3-4 weeks and Charley soon after.
In October, Cory had to return to the states from Madagascar because of some severe breathing issues. Of course, she hadn’t planned to come back, especially come back to Tennessee, allergy capital of the USA. She had left California, not the deep south. However, she needed treatments and was soon settled in. ( I guess that could be considered sort of like a roadblock.)
Then, in November, Carey lost her job. (Roadblock #3) She found another good job soon after but lost that one less than a year later. (Roadblock #4?) She is now a fulltime nanny.
In December, Mom decided to leave Hawaii and move in with us. So, again we had a house full.
I had good intentions to start some science classes with homeschoolers in the area, but that didn’t happen. A different breed of homeschoolers here I’m afraid. (Struck out again.)
I had also hoped to get involved with Sudanese refugees in the area since they were numerous. I did for a short time--not first hand but by writing a curriculum for their after school program. I don’t even know if it was used. Communication is difficult here I’ve found.
I also tried getting involved with missions but as far as that got me was helping with a Perspectives class when we first got here. My intentions may have been good-but my follow through failed. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Or, perhaps I should have been more persistent.
After all of this, not a pity party, but an account of happenings, here is a list of things that did happen:
helped with Perspectives
wrote the after school curriculum for Sudanese children
wrote four literature workbooks for school children (a flop)
went through a real FUNK for almost a year after our two month journey to Madagascar
thoroughly enjoyed working with Elijah once a week--he brings a smile to my face
There have been some Highlights to our four years in Tennessee:
4 seasons--loving the snow (not the tornados)
Appalachias
Amicalola Falls (in Georgia)
Smokey Mountains
Radnor Lake
Jackson Falls
Natchez Trace
BBQ all over the place
downtown Franklin and Nashville
Ryman Theater
Chattanooga
McKay’s used bookstore
being in touch with relatives after many years (MS, GA, TX)
attended the DOVE awards at the Grand Ole Opry and after party
have spotted several stars around town and a few at church
Grace Chapel in Leiper’s Fork, TN
Amish country
People I would miss:
Shannon and Bethany
Elijah and his family
Gavin and his family
Hayes and his family
So there ya have it. A different lifestyle? Yes, definitely!
Totally a waste of time? No, not really! There have been some good times, happy times!
But I truly am missing the West Coast, my friends, my family, Moe’s, Pepper Plant, Sees, In ‘N Out, Chili Peppers, and of course, the ocean. Not sure how long we’ll be here, but I get to visit CA in a week. It’s been over 3 years so I’m definitely looking forward to it. Can you truly go home? I hope so.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Georgia On My Mind....again!
Wednesday I got up at 7:30 a.m. (early for me) and got ready to leave for Georgia. Jim came back with a blue Corolla, we packed up and headed south. Around noon we stopped in Ringgold to see the damage from the April tornado that hit--a lot of damage and 9 lives lost.
One stop we made later made me laugh--Biscuits, Bait and BBQ and Tasty Tenders. Now, I love homemade biscuits and enjoy a good bbq, but with bait? I don’t think so.
On the road to Amicalola Falls we ran in to a little rain. We stopped at an Apple Farm for a few peaches and nectarines, along with a couple of delicious apple fritters and the rain poured down.
We arrived at the park around 4, picked up some maps at the Visitor Center and checked in to our room at the lodge. We found a spot close by for a picnic and ate a late lunch.
We decided we’d drive over to Dahlonega, a cute little gold mining town, to look for souvenirs to take back to California. Well, we arrived about 10 minutes before the town closed down, except for the fudge shop and the pizzaria. We picked up some fudge and hot out of the oven garlic rolls drenched in garlic butter.
We headed back to the lodge and Cory and I took a short walk around the loop trail. We watched a little TV then headed to bed.
What is it about nature that is so soothing, so healing, so serene? I love being out in nature, creation. I’m not an avid hiker--though I enjoy hiking. Not much of a camper, but I could be. But still, I love the mountains. I also love the ocean and even enjoy spending time in the flower beds.
It has been terrific seeing mountain ranges that I’ve never seen. I had been to the Rockies and Sierras but now I’ve seen the Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve walked on the old Natchez Trace and the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail, and I’ve been extremely close to the Trail of Tears.
For the next 2 days, I’ll be at the Amicalola Falls. I love it here. The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is covered with a foggy mist. It does give it a bit of a blue haze.
The last time we were here was last October, when fall colors of orange, yellow and red covered the mountains. Now that it’s summer, the trees are green. It’s such a peaceful place. The back porch area is lined with big wooden rockers looking out over the mountains.
Tomorrow we’ll do some hiking on a few trails and enjoy the falls.
Thursday: We woke up this morning with a view of fog, lined with trees. We went down for our breakfast and now Cory and I are sitting on the porch waiting for the skies to clear. It is so nice out. Not too hot or humid yet. We plan to go hiking once we let our food to digest. Later we may go back to Dahlonega and to Helen, a little German town. Jim prefers staying in the room watching TV it seems.
It would be nice if there were bird feeders out on the deck to see more birds of the area. I haven’t seen too many, but did see a couple of squirrels and a deer and two ducks. On our hikes today, I saw a striped lizard, a few bullfrogs croaking loudly, bullfrog tadpoles and a trout being caught.
We went to Dahlonega again. Didn’t find much at the general store but got two glass creamers at the antique mall for $3 and a Disney Chevron car for $7. 2 kids sit in the car with Mickey Mouse ears.
Next we headed to Helen. It was quite hot and humid. We found a picnic table by the river to have a picnic lunch. There were lots of people in the water, tubing down the river, in bright pink and neon green inner tubes. We had seen a group earlier that take off from one destination and a bus picks them up at the end. Little kids--teens--adults--a grandma--some tied together--some singles--some with a stick to push off the rocks.
One little girl got out of her tube after losing her stick. Her friend wouldn’t stop--they were lashed together. She was running down the river trying to catch her inner tube. Fortunately for her, she had on sandals.
We walked around town--similar to Solvang--but German instead of Danish. We stepped into a few shops just to beat the heat and of course we couldn’t leave without a funnel cake to share. Since we never know when the fair is and we couldn’t make it to Paso’s fair, we got our grease saturated treat and went back to the lodge. Well, first we got lost. We took the wrong turn but we ended up finding something to eat for dinner.
We had decided we were too tired to go to the outlet mall or to get anything to eat because we were still full from the funnel cake. But Jim discovered we were going the wrong way back so we stopped for take out before getting back to our room. It’s not always easy to figure out the signs we’re supposed to be following. We ate our dinner out on the back porch of the lodge and then Cory and I just sat and rocked. It was pretty crowded out but still pretty quiet.
Friday: We got up and had breakfast at 9. Each morning we had 2 free breakfast buffets. The first morning, the waitress only charged Cory the child’s price, then this morning, the waitress gave us another free meal because of a wait. After breakfast, we went on the fitness trail--a mile walk through the woods.
Cory and I then sat on the back porch for awhile. It was just so nice, quiet, peaceful with the fog lifting, vultures and hawks soaring overhead. Cory and I enjoy listening to the quiet.
Just before check out, we packed up and headed to the top of the falls for a few pictures. We then drove down to the approach trail to the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail. Now that first approach trail is about a mile up and down the side of the mountain. I would love to walk the second approach trail and actually set foot on the Appalachian Trail. However, 8 miles in and turn around and walk the 8 miles back, and not knowing how strenuous, and getting a permit--well, we didn’t try it.
After our hike, we stopped off at the nature center for one last look then took off. We had to stop off at the Apple Farm to get more peaches in Ellijay. They’re delicious and I’m hoping mom will want to make a peach cobbler. We also got more of those apple fritters and a few other goodies.
Well, I really didn’t want to leave. I love the mountains. Actually, I prefer the mountains to the beach. I do miss the ocean though, now that I’ve lived in a landlocked state for 4 years and haven’t seen the ocean for at least 3 years. So, yes, I’m looking forward to my next trip--California Here I Come.
One stop we made later made me laugh--Biscuits, Bait and BBQ and Tasty Tenders. Now, I love homemade biscuits and enjoy a good bbq, but with bait? I don’t think so.
On the road to Amicalola Falls we ran in to a little rain. We stopped at an Apple Farm for a few peaches and nectarines, along with a couple of delicious apple fritters and the rain poured down.
We arrived at the park around 4, picked up some maps at the Visitor Center and checked in to our room at the lodge. We found a spot close by for a picnic and ate a late lunch.
We decided we’d drive over to Dahlonega, a cute little gold mining town, to look for souvenirs to take back to California. Well, we arrived about 10 minutes before the town closed down, except for the fudge shop and the pizzaria. We picked up some fudge and hot out of the oven garlic rolls drenched in garlic butter.
We headed back to the lodge and Cory and I took a short walk around the loop trail. We watched a little TV then headed to bed.
What is it about nature that is so soothing, so healing, so serene? I love being out in nature, creation. I’m not an avid hiker--though I enjoy hiking. Not much of a camper, but I could be. But still, I love the mountains. I also love the ocean and even enjoy spending time in the flower beds.
It has been terrific seeing mountain ranges that I’ve never seen. I had been to the Rockies and Sierras but now I’ve seen the Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve walked on the old Natchez Trace and the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail, and I’ve been extremely close to the Trail of Tears.
For the next 2 days, I’ll be at the Amicalola Falls. I love it here. The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is covered with a foggy mist. It does give it a bit of a blue haze.
The last time we were here was last October, when fall colors of orange, yellow and red covered the mountains. Now that it’s summer, the trees are green. It’s such a peaceful place. The back porch area is lined with big wooden rockers looking out over the mountains.
Tomorrow we’ll do some hiking on a few trails and enjoy the falls.
Thursday: We woke up this morning with a view of fog, lined with trees. We went down for our breakfast and now Cory and I are sitting on the porch waiting for the skies to clear. It is so nice out. Not too hot or humid yet. We plan to go hiking once we let our food to digest. Later we may go back to Dahlonega and to Helen, a little German town. Jim prefers staying in the room watching TV it seems.
It would be nice if there were bird feeders out on the deck to see more birds of the area. I haven’t seen too many, but did see a couple of squirrels and a deer and two ducks. On our hikes today, I saw a striped lizard, a few bullfrogs croaking loudly, bullfrog tadpoles and a trout being caught.
We went to Dahlonega again. Didn’t find much at the general store but got two glass creamers at the antique mall for $3 and a Disney Chevron car for $7. 2 kids sit in the car with Mickey Mouse ears.
Next we headed to Helen. It was quite hot and humid. We found a picnic table by the river to have a picnic lunch. There were lots of people in the water, tubing down the river, in bright pink and neon green inner tubes. We had seen a group earlier that take off from one destination and a bus picks them up at the end. Little kids--teens--adults--a grandma--some tied together--some singles--some with a stick to push off the rocks.
One little girl got out of her tube after losing her stick. Her friend wouldn’t stop--they were lashed together. She was running down the river trying to catch her inner tube. Fortunately for her, she had on sandals.
We walked around town--similar to Solvang--but German instead of Danish. We stepped into a few shops just to beat the heat and of course we couldn’t leave without a funnel cake to share. Since we never know when the fair is and we couldn’t make it to Paso’s fair, we got our grease saturated treat and went back to the lodge. Well, first we got lost. We took the wrong turn but we ended up finding something to eat for dinner.
We had decided we were too tired to go to the outlet mall or to get anything to eat because we were still full from the funnel cake. But Jim discovered we were going the wrong way back so we stopped for take out before getting back to our room. It’s not always easy to figure out the signs we’re supposed to be following. We ate our dinner out on the back porch of the lodge and then Cory and I just sat and rocked. It was pretty crowded out but still pretty quiet.
Friday: We got up and had breakfast at 9. Each morning we had 2 free breakfast buffets. The first morning, the waitress only charged Cory the child’s price, then this morning, the waitress gave us another free meal because of a wait. After breakfast, we went on the fitness trail--a mile walk through the woods.
Cory and I then sat on the back porch for awhile. It was just so nice, quiet, peaceful with the fog lifting, vultures and hawks soaring overhead. Cory and I enjoy listening to the quiet.
Just before check out, we packed up and headed to the top of the falls for a few pictures. We then drove down to the approach trail to the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail. Now that first approach trail is about a mile up and down the side of the mountain. I would love to walk the second approach trail and actually set foot on the Appalachian Trail. However, 8 miles in and turn around and walk the 8 miles back, and not knowing how strenuous, and getting a permit--well, we didn’t try it.
After our hike, we stopped off at the nature center for one last look then took off. We had to stop off at the Apple Farm to get more peaches in Ellijay. They’re delicious and I’m hoping mom will want to make a peach cobbler. We also got more of those apple fritters and a few other goodies.
Well, I really didn’t want to leave. I love the mountains. Actually, I prefer the mountains to the beach. I do miss the ocean though, now that I’ve lived in a landlocked state for 4 years and haven’t seen the ocean for at least 3 years. So, yes, I’m looking forward to my next trip--California Here I Come.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
No Longer a Slumdog
A few weeks ago I ordered my free copy of No Longer a Slumdog by K. P. Yohannan. Some of you may know that Mr. Yohannan is the founder and international director of Gospel for Asia which brings hope to the people of India. The book is filled with stories of children rescued from dark situations and brought into one of the Bridge of Hope centers in their community. Here they learn that they are special in the eyes of the Lord. The children are given an education, basic necessities and health care. The community benefits as well with health education, vocational training and literacy classes. It is a program that we can get involved with by sponsoring a child for $28 per month.
There are 50 million child laborers in India alone and 1.2 million children are trafficked as slaves and prostitutes each year. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” The dictionary states the word “despise” means “to regard as unworthy of one’s interest or concern.” Jesus sees, He cares, and He feels the pain of these children.
Calcutta alone is home to more than 100,000 street children. They are left to fend for themselves.
In India, there are 11 million children who have been abandoned, and 90% of them are girls. Three million of these end up living on the streets. (Operation World)
According to UNICEF, more than 1 billion children around the world are deprived of one or more of these essentials: adequate shelter, food, safe water, sanitation, health care or education.
Some of the most disturbing information that I learned from this book was about the Dalit’s or Untouchables. I’ve heard them mentioned before but this gave me a closer look. Dalit literally means “broken,” “crushed” or “oppressed.” They are the lowest rung of the ladder in Hindu society. They are considered to be polluted or unclean. If they touch someone of a higher caste, the upper caste would supposedly become contaminated. How sad to be thought of in this way.
Psalm 10:17-18 says “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.”
For more information about Gospel for Asia, go to www.gfa.org.
There are 50 million child laborers in India alone and 1.2 million children are trafficked as slaves and prostitutes each year. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” The dictionary states the word “despise” means “to regard as unworthy of one’s interest or concern.” Jesus sees, He cares, and He feels the pain of these children.
Calcutta alone is home to more than 100,000 street children. They are left to fend for themselves.
In India, there are 11 million children who have been abandoned, and 90% of them are girls. Three million of these end up living on the streets. (Operation World)
According to UNICEF, more than 1 billion children around the world are deprived of one or more of these essentials: adequate shelter, food, safe water, sanitation, health care or education.
Some of the most disturbing information that I learned from this book was about the Dalit’s or Untouchables. I’ve heard them mentioned before but this gave me a closer look. Dalit literally means “broken,” “crushed” or “oppressed.” They are the lowest rung of the ladder in Hindu society. They are considered to be polluted or unclean. If they touch someone of a higher caste, the upper caste would supposedly become contaminated. How sad to be thought of in this way.
Psalm 10:17-18 says “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.”
For more information about Gospel for Asia, go to www.gfa.org.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Control or Out of Control
Control--it doesn’t have to be cutting to make us hurt. There can be physical pain of course, but there is also heartache, emotional pain. Voices--or noises--in our head sometimes won’t go away. I’ve had times with no peace in my head. There were many nights I couldn’t sleep. No peace. And I know the biggest peace giver--He gives peace like no one can. But peace was nonexistent.
I’m listening to the song “Control” by JJ Heller and it brings back memories. Me, I’ve come a long way but many nights I needed something to take the place of those “noises” swarming around up there. Music or videos on the ipod had to put me to sleep.
Sleep doesn’t/didn’t often come til 2 or 3 in the morning. I could have spent those hours praying but I was too restless--I couldn’t focus--I couldn’t think. It’s been slowly getting better. Sleep comes easier now.
During that time, I found a church where I felt safe and could heal. The worship was what I needed. The messages touched my heart once again.
“Beauty Will Rise” (Steven Curtis Chapman) from the ashes in the troubles and trials we may go through. “We know joy is coming in the morning....So take another breath for now and let the tears come washing down-and if you can’t believe, I’ll believe for you cause I have seen the signs of spring.”
(“Heaven is the Face” Stephen Curtis Chapman)
“God, you know, I just can’t SEE beyond the door,
But in my minds eye I can SEE a place where your glory fills every empty space.
All the cancer is gone
Every mouth is fed
And there’s no one left in the orphan’s bed
And no more not enough
And there’s no more enemy.”
I love that--every mouth is fed, no one left in the orphans bed. Jesus does care for these little ones, the least of these. He will one day ease their pain. He will one day hold them in His arms. Until then, what are we waiting for? He has given us a job to do. It’s amazing to see others take these little ones into their arms, hearts and homes and give them a safe place to live. A home. Blessed are those who are parents, grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, those who serve in orphanages, in the slums of Kibera or in the dumps of Ecuador.
I love that the cancer will be gone. I lost a brother and father to cancer. I’ve had cancer. My sister has had cancer. It’s a scary thing so we put our hope in Jesus. He is the Healer. He is the Great Physician.
I was on the border of belief and unbelief. I knew in my head I needed to believe but I chose to begin wondering why. And I hear a song that helps me see truth again.
(“I Will Trust You” SCC)
“...And I will trust you, even though I don’t understand,
even then I will say again you are my God
And I will trust you
“Jesus Will Meet You There” because “Spring Is Coming”.
When I first listened to Steven Curtis Chapman’s CD, “Beauty Will Rise”, I cried. I cried through every song. I had also just read, MaryBeth Chapman’s book, Choosing To See. That also helped to put the songs into perspective. This was his first record since his daughter Maria went to heaven. I can’t even begin to feel his pain, or that of his family. But as I listened again yesterday, on the way to the mountains, without tears I might add, the songs spoke another story for me. I’m thankful for music--how it speaks to me personally--how it related on different levels to what I may be going through or a friend or loved one.
That was just “On My Mind”.
I’m listening to the song “Control” by JJ Heller and it brings back memories. Me, I’ve come a long way but many nights I needed something to take the place of those “noises” swarming around up there. Music or videos on the ipod had to put me to sleep.
Sleep doesn’t/didn’t often come til 2 or 3 in the morning. I could have spent those hours praying but I was too restless--I couldn’t focus--I couldn’t think. It’s been slowly getting better. Sleep comes easier now.
During that time, I found a church where I felt safe and could heal. The worship was what I needed. The messages touched my heart once again.
“Beauty Will Rise” (Steven Curtis Chapman) from the ashes in the troubles and trials we may go through. “We know joy is coming in the morning....So take another breath for now and let the tears come washing down-and if you can’t believe, I’ll believe for you cause I have seen the signs of spring.”
(“Heaven is the Face” Stephen Curtis Chapman)
“God, you know, I just can’t SEE beyond the door,
But in my minds eye I can SEE a place where your glory fills every empty space.
All the cancer is gone
Every mouth is fed
And there’s no one left in the orphan’s bed
And no more not enough
And there’s no more enemy.”
I love that--every mouth is fed, no one left in the orphans bed. Jesus does care for these little ones, the least of these. He will one day ease their pain. He will one day hold them in His arms. Until then, what are we waiting for? He has given us a job to do. It’s amazing to see others take these little ones into their arms, hearts and homes and give them a safe place to live. A home. Blessed are those who are parents, grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, those who serve in orphanages, in the slums of Kibera or in the dumps of Ecuador.
I love that the cancer will be gone. I lost a brother and father to cancer. I’ve had cancer. My sister has had cancer. It’s a scary thing so we put our hope in Jesus. He is the Healer. He is the Great Physician.
I was on the border of belief and unbelief. I knew in my head I needed to believe but I chose to begin wondering why. And I hear a song that helps me see truth again.
(“I Will Trust You” SCC)
“...And I will trust you, even though I don’t understand,
even then I will say again you are my God
And I will trust you
“Jesus Will Meet You There” because “Spring Is Coming”.
When I first listened to Steven Curtis Chapman’s CD, “Beauty Will Rise”, I cried. I cried through every song. I had also just read, MaryBeth Chapman’s book, Choosing To See. That also helped to put the songs into perspective. This was his first record since his daughter Maria went to heaven. I can’t even begin to feel his pain, or that of his family. But as I listened again yesterday, on the way to the mountains, without tears I might add, the songs spoke another story for me. I’m thankful for music--how it speaks to me personally--how it related on different levels to what I may be going through or a friend or loved one.
That was just “On My Mind”.
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