Truth

 

We watched a wonderful documentary about the creation of the universe called "Universe Designed."  It is available on Angel Studios for those thinking persons who ask "Why is there something rather than nothing."  Through science there are truths that can be known and there are those who are discovering those truths.  The bible says, We will know God through his creation (Psalm 19:1-4). And that if we seek him, we will find him (Matthew 7:7-8).

I believe the more we discover in the universe, the more science proves an intelligent creator.   

Why does anything exist?  There is a reason...what is that reason?  As human beings, we have an innate curiosity as to why are we here, what is my purpose.  Without purpose, we are just taking up space. The show explores that the universe has not always existed and if it hasn't always been then something outside of the universe always existed who created it. 

Differences

This week has been tough. Gone it seems are the days when different sides could just agree to disagree, when we didn’t cancel each other for those differences, no matter how vastly different. I miss the days when family and friends loved each other unconditionally, despite how wrong we feel they are. When we could proclaim our values and beliefs without worry that someone would turn on us, hate us, cancel us, delete us.

 

I am overwhelmed and hurt by the “If you do/don’t __fill in the blank__, then I want nothing to do with you” mentality. Both sides can live in bubbles and not be willing to understand. Why is it no longer safe to express one’s beliefs? I can discuss my beliefs in a God who loves all people and a Christ who wants to redeem them all, but I don’t demand anyone accept that and I certainly wouldn’t hold it against them for not wanting to accept it. In this country more than any other, it is your freedom to believe whatever you choose to believe. 

 

I didn’t know much about Charlie Kirk before September 10th because I’d been out of the political loop for a while. So, curiosity got me doing my own investigating. And what I’ve found is a man who loved God, loved family, loved his country, loved people, all with all he had. A man who accepted anyone who wanted to ask him hard questions. A man who loved all people, right, left, black, white, men, women. He had a desire to tell them about a different way to live. But, he never used hate against them, always told them they were given the right to choose. They chose to show up to his events, they sure weren’t forced to be there. And, honestly, I believe most of them are seeking a better way.

The first murder in the Bible was brother against brother. Two different views on life and how it should be lived, jealously and revenge took the life of one and so it began. I am sad that anyone would celebrate an innocent person being murdered. It breaks my heart the things I’ve heard in my exploring. I am heartbroken that a young man felt it necessary to take a life and in the process destroy his own. But in the words of Erika, “I will forgive him!” Because that’s what we are called to do, because we must, because that’s where healing begins.

 

I raised my children to believe in a God who loves them, who values them, who accepts them unconditionally. I instilled values of loving God, loving your neighbor, loving your country, working hard, being kind. If we want to be accepted, we must be accepting. There is a difference, accepting the person doesn’t mean accepting their beliefs and values. When faced with opposition choose LOVING over BEING RIGHT. Jesus didn’t force anyone to his side. He invited and if rejected sent them on their way. God gave us all the power to choose. It’s a valuable freedom in this country, as well, the right to choose who you want to be. 

 

And I hope all my family and friends know that no matter what, I love you and accept you. I won’t cancel you or turn my back on you. Our values may differ, our beliefs may differ, our faith may differ, our politics may differ, but you will always be loved.

Your Parents Age Quietly

 

 

I wish I had seen it coming.

Agreeing to move to Germany was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make.  I fought it for several years, as John had actually wanted to apply for this job four years ago.  I dug in my heels and adamantly shook my head NO.  For many reasons, but one being our aging parents.  We all know time is short and the unexpected can happen at any time.  

So here I sit, fighting the urge to rush home.  But, I'm trying to be 'still and listen.'

 

Many of you know that my dear momma got very, very sick on June 29th.  After a church picnic, she, along with others, became sick with food poisoning.  Hers, however, turned very serious very quickly.  The first couple days, they couldn't figure out what had made her so sick and ran many tests.  One of those tests, a CT scan with contrast, caused her kidneys to shut down.  For the next 2 weeks, she fought to regain kidney function with dialysis.  She started to recover a little and it was decided she should go to a rehab facility to regain strength so she could go home safely.

 

Things didn't go as well as planned at this facility. She started having A-fib episodes causing dizziness and passing out.  One of these episodes, they had trouble getting her to respond and she was rushed back to ER. Once they got the A-fib under control, she was again sent to a new, better rehab hospital.  They were trying their best, but for some reason, we are still trying to pinpoint, she is not eating.  A feeding tube was put in and she did not respond well, so, again, she was rushed to ER a third time, where they are now running massive amounts of tests, trying to get to the bottom of what is going on.  She is very sick, very weak, and very exhausted.  But, she's a fighter and she's got lots of support and family cheering her on.  I am desperately hoping they will help her get her strength back so she can go home.  If you are reading this, please say a prayer for her and our family as they continue to navigate through this and advocate for her.  

 

Positive news: Her kidneys are recovering, not fully, but well enough to have the dialysis port removed. She is getting some nutrition through a feeding tube successfully the past couple days, and her levels are beginning to stabilize.

 

Update:  Mom made it home last week!  We are all very grateful for her progress and hopeful she will return to full health.  Thanks for your many prayers and well wishes! 

 

I truly believe our Father has us exactly where we need to be.  That He is orchestrating everything.  I believe He will bring wholeness to my mom.  It may not look the same as it did two months ago, but we are all trusting Him for the best.

 

Our first 3 months here in Germany have been a bit rough.  It took over 5 weeks to get our belongings and we lived in the house with minimal furnishings, just enough to get by on.  Then, literally, a few days after getting our household goods delivered, mom got sick.  I'm hoping that we are past the hardest part and that the rest of this tour will be easier. 

 

 John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. 

Moving Again!

We've moved again!

This whole new adventure started last July when John came home and said there are a couple of jobs open in England and Germany.  Before he even said, "I want to apply," I was shaking my head no with tears in my eyes.  I, honestly, at that time thought there was no way I could do this again.  Leaving my home, my family, my kids, my friends, my grandbaby would be way too hard.  We talked about it and he convinced me to just let him apply and see where it went.  You know, in my mind, it was well if he doesn't get either job then God didn't want this for us.  So, he applied and we waited anxiously through the interview process.

I was convinced he wouldn't get either of these jobs as we'd already been to England for the same job.  Well, he didn't get offered the England job, but he did get offered the Germany one.  He called me, sounding like a little boy excited about Christmas, to tell me he'd been offered the job as I was on my way to the Women's retreat, thankfully driving a dear friend, Diane, to the retreat with me.  She was a great support as I just about had a meltdown in the car.  Had she not been with me, I'm sure I'd have turned around and gone home, but God had other plans. 

I had to work through a lot during those couple days.  And I believe God gave me reassurance that this was His plan and so after more discussions, John accepted the job.  I had a lot of fears about leaving.  But it seemed everything was falling into place.  The kids were being taken care of (marriage and new homes), our house sold quickly and easily in 2 days.  One thing remains that makes me regret and that is the new grandbaby on the way.  My heart breaks to be so far away.   

Ari and Jerret are settled into a condo in the St Louis area and Jerret recently got his promotion.  Beki and Canaan got married, got pregnant, and bought a home...all very exciting!

 

As I said things have fallen into place pretty nicely.  I've decided to resurrect this old blog as a way to document the next 3 years and all the adventures I'm sure we'll be taking.  One thing has not changed and that's John.  His love for travel and his energy have not changed!

 

When They Ask For Advice

There's been a nasty virus going around here in the UK... and I got it!  Sorry, it's been a couple of weeks since I've felt well enough to do anything.  Here's a little post to finish up our Porto, Portugal, trip.

We spent an awesome weekend in Porto with friends where we went on a couple wine tours.  During the last one, we met a sweet, young, French couple.  Well, actually, she was from France, he was from the states, but they are living in Paris.  Wow...living in Paris!  They were about 25, had been married a year, and were celebrating her birthday that weekend.  In the course of talking to them, he asked us "old" married folk how we did it...how did we stay married so long.

You know, in a world of throw-away everything, I'm very proud that we've "made it" over 30 years together and I suppose we have a lot to offer a young couple looking to stay married forever.

We threw out a few ideas like...

          Be each other's best friend

          Never be willing to give up

          Forgive always

          Take time for yourself.

But I got to thinking about this conversation later and wondered if we could have said more.  I met John when I was 16...a long time ago!  We practically grew up together.  There were things we learned the hard way along the way.

          Make faith a priority

          Be honest...always

          Put each other first

          Compromise...there's always a solution if you take the time to pursue it

          Spend quality time together away from kids

          Never threaten the "D" word...divorce

          Be a team, work together

          Listen with your heart...what are they really saying underneath the anger and hurt

          Choose to LOVE even when you don't always LIKE them

Choose to love, it's a hard concept for some.  But it is possible and, I think, it's one of the most important aspects of marriage.  Marriage is not always a piece of cake with a cherry on top, sometimes it looks more like a squished donut!  Sometimes it's just really hard work.  It may start out all rosy, but life happens, feelings get hurt, we hurt them, they hurt us.  It's these moments, you must choose to love them.  Put it in God's hands, forgive, talk it through, and then put it behind you. 

Well, Porto turned out to be just beautiful our last two days.  Sunshine and a little surf to make the soul feel well!