Thursday, December 31, 2015

REFLECTIONS

REFLECTIONS! A time for reflecting is pretty common this time of year.
News commentators have already started looking back---almost ad nauseam in the "celebrity" realm.

Certainly as one reflects, there is a fine line between discernment and self-absorption.
For me, discernment can only come with an open Bible in my lap. 
Of course, also for me, it doesn't hurt to have a cup of tea (and maybe even a donut) to help me "stay in the Word" for more than a few minutes. Meditation takes perseverance, especially when encouragement and hope are desperately needed.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

Thanks be to God---who gives patience and encouragement (Romans 15:5) as we make our way in life....learning from one year, even the mistakes, and taking those life lessons from Him, into the next year.
"So long," 2015.......

Monday, December 28, 2015

I.D.

I.D. is the abbreviation for identity or a form of identification shown to prove one's identity. All of that involves outward identification. Just one look at my photo ID on my passport, accompanied by my Visa, allowed me to enter Turkey in November as a tourist. But....I was much more than that as I carried with me my educational background, my family love, my hopes and the testimony of my faith.

There was no way the airport security personnel could look into my "core."
I "looked" the part of a tourist---not a terrorist. Had security "looked within" my suitcase they might have questioned its "tourist's vacation" contents---tea cups, kiddie books, glue, cooking chips, Bible Study guides and dish towels. Recently, in our own country we have seen how outward appearance often belies inner beliefs or intentions.
To those who know me this picture offers many outward clues to my identity---
As a Christian, I can appear at church on any given Sunday outwardly looking much the same---happy, energetic, spiritual, "together." But somedays my outward appearance contradicts my inner disarray. Inner turmoil can be brewing yet smiles and conversation keep coming. That's okay because there is a time and place to deal with difficulties--- tho church steps on a busy Sunday morning might not be the best choice, at least not for me.

Inner disarray---how blessed to have a Lord who understands and friends in the faith who faithfully pray and offer wise counsel.

Then, one's true I.D. can show forth inwardly and outwardly---beloved child of God, the identity that counts. (Galatians 3:26, I Thessalonians 1:4)

Friday, December 25, 2015

"PERFECT GIFT"

All perfect gifts come from God. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Crickett's Christmas table says it  well!
Thanks be to God for giving His Son, who is the "Perfect" Gift for all mankind.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Tradition, Tradition.....TRADITION!! (x30)

Most families have many holiday traditions. Our longest lasting holiday tradition began Christmas Eve 30 years ago.
We gave an unusual gift to 3 of our couple friends and their children. Not pricey monetarily but for us......relationally priceless! 
Early Christmas Eve morning, 1986, we went to each home and loaded up the entire family in our "new" tan Ford Econoline 150 van. 8 adults and 10 children, a few over the passenger vehicle limit. Seatbelts other than the captain's seats, not even an option.
The "Girls" 1986
Our gift to each was the 99¢ breakfast special at Bryant's. (still at the corner of Summer Ave. & Graham) Plus, each child was given 4 quarters to play the pin ball machines. 
What fun! What a crowd. And so it continued----tho for a few years, Bryant's closed on Christmas Eve so we met at Perkins (2-3x) and Uncle Lou's (1). From tacky sweaters to denim and more subdued colors, along with dark hair and big hair to white hair and no hair---we've continued. "Life's too short to eat low-fat food----so eat at Bryant's" on Christmas Eve.
The "Girls" 1994
Over the years the crowds increased as grands were added to the mix. Today's total would be 48---too many for the small ""counter service" type breakfast.
Original 18 and cousin Betsy
Liles 1st Bryant's with a "grand" 2002---note Life's Too short to eat low-fat Eat at Bryant's sign upper left
But nowadays many of the original "kids" can't make it "home" (AL, IL, MS, NY, NC,  TX) on Christmas Eve....needing to work, be in their own homes for Santa or preaching Christmas Eve services. 
Last year all the Liles were to be together in Colorado so hubby and I weren't even there but daughter Molly and her family were our "remnant" and had breakfast and a picture with Carrie, owner and sometimes cook, before hightailing it to Colorado.
This year the tradition marked our 30th anniversary---with 3 of the original kids and their families (7 young ones) in attendance! 3 of original kids holding "sign" to be "photo-shopped" in to pic.
Merry Christmas Eve---a great tradition!!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Gift Extraordinaire

I know there is probably no such thing as a "perfect" gift but for needed a key-chain, "map lovin' granny" who loves her kids and grands where ever they are----this one is pretty close!!
A key ring map that shows all the places closest to my heart---New York---Lucy, Tennessee---Owen,
Texas---Nathan, Noah, Caleb, John Parker and Andrew. (Proverbs 17:6)

Thanks Day----this is truly a gift extraordinaire. A gift that touches my heart!

Monday, December 21, 2015

Monday, Monday.....

This "meditating Monday" a time of reflecting on yesterday's sermon. As always,  Pastor Cole gives much "food for thought."

He gave as an 8 second example of sharing one's faith. (2 Corinthians 8:9) Cole has a way of cutting to the chase. He is a master in the fine art of making a point. I on the other hand, ramble around with a plethora of words--struggling to pare it down or pitch it out. Not just with words but with everything.
Poverty is not just an economic state---it is also a social factor. It can be relationally distancing---even isolating. The "poor" can be exploited and easily taken advantage of. God's will is to close those relational differences by drawing near to God in order to draw near to others.
These "poor" ones in our society are often seen as having nothing to offer. How relationally demeaning that is!!

Yet, the passage from 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 emphasized those Christians who gave from the "muscle" of their means---NOT their fat, because there was none. "Their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality." (8:2) They gracefully gave out of their own lack!
A Shared Cuppa
They might have been sipping from their own cuppa pover-TEA but they were willing to share with others.
Now there's a truth to savor on this Monday, Monday.....
Monday, Monday, so good to meMonday mornin', it was all I hoped it would be (Mamas and the Papas)

...because the truth of this passage began to sink in and just like the "Grinch" I felt like my "heart grew three sizes that day." (Dr. Seuss)

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Giving and Receiving--More than an Adage

It is better to give than receive. An old adage that researchers say "proves" to be correct.

I had visual truth of that tonight as I saw grandaughter Lucy open and put to use the "gift" we sent her. Lucy is so-o-o "into" decorating this year. Her "gift" was a box of "treasures," her daddy's childhood ornaments---handmade, received and collected for many years. 
FaceTime with watching Lucy decorate and find just the right place on her tree was the BEST gift!
Lucy shows her favorite of Daddy's ornaments---an aluminum foil star made by him as a pre-schooler.

It is indeed better to give than receive but it's more than an adage, it's scriptural! And....the wording goes even deeper. (Acts 20:35)

Lucy received a gift. I received a blessing!

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Calculated Splurge

Only 2 a year---that's the deal! Chick-fil-A milkshakes that is.
After untold numbers of Chick-fil-A milkshakes during my 2009 cancer battle when eating could only be done thru a straw---I developed a "taste." Since life was more important than worry about weight gain, it worked. But....after that the 520 calories a "pop" began to take its toll----thus the rule. Only 2 Chick-fil-A milkshakes a year.
Wisdom finally set in and 2x earlier this year I had only 1/2 a peach milkshake and 1/2 a strawberry one. I love friends who indulge me and share with me to "enrich" my goal. So.....I had one whole one left for 2015 and sweet friend Drenda treated me to it.
A Peppermint chocolate chip milkshake with 2 cherries!!! YUM!! (
(I actually drank, ate and slurped mine before remembering to take a pic, so I borrowed one.)
Sweet friend. Sweet treat. A calculated splurge comes to fruition in the best way possible!!

Monday, December 14, 2015

Chair of Discomfort at the Table of Life

It is the holiday season---a joyous celebration for Christians throughout the world.
However, Christmas does not exempt believers from hard places----deep hurts----struggles and longings as they face Christmas without their loved ones. The best reminder is that Emmanuel is "God with us!" (Matthew 1:23)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God......(1 Corinthians 1:3-4)
That's what friends of the faith do----reach out to others to comfort them, even when they are suffering themselves.
That's what Jerrie did----she invited me to lunch. She shared her bounty and served me in a glass that reminded me, "Don't get tangled in the tinsel."

Such an act helped me refocus----enabling me to cut through the Gordian knots of life. Fear, sadness and disappointments being chief among them. Kindness can aid in disentangling those "impossible" knots that too easily surface this time of year.

Intuitively, my hostess listened to me "unload" from my chair of discomfort and made the table of life seem a lot more palatable. Just sitting at her table made me smile!

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Let them eat cake....

Let them eat cake is probably a misinterpretation of Marie Antoinette's, Qu’ils mangent de la brioche." Let them eat brioche" or rich & expensive bun, would have shown her disdain for the peasant class but was probably said 100 years earlier by the wife of Louis XVI.
Regardless, since I don't eat chocolate at night, I chose to follow my neighbor's offering----"let her (Dotsy) eat this rich, dense chocolate cake" for breakfast with a cup of tea! Fairmont Organic Breakfast* to be exact. YUM!

*Ali Baba, Turkish apple tea was hubby's PM leftover---but he says YUM to it as well.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Holiday Humili-TEA

Humili-TEA---a great cuppa to serve for the holiday.
Humility is the "tea" of our souls which nourishes and enriches others.
Humili-TEA, anytime of year is a great cuppa to serve others but especially during the Christmas Season as it personifies our Savior.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Sayonara Seattle

 Listed my  好きなもの  (Sukinamono, translated favorite things) as a way of saying sayonara (good-by) to Seattle.

Japanese language was used b/c topping off my favorites of NW Washington trip was our kind, capable, knowledgable and funny bus driver (think lots of verve) who spoke Japanese. He also steered us safely through the Cascades to SNOWY Leavenworth, WA via the Snoqualmie Pass and back to Seattle thru the Stevens Pass (Hwy 2) so we would not have to chain up twice. Chaining up is hard enough for cars BUT for a BIG bus it takes skill, patience, strength and perseverance---not to mention that he also did another bus for a lady bus driver. Raymond Borge is bus driver extraordinaire! Corey, our Viator tour guide, was great as well and had lots of snacks, music and Christmas movies available. BEST tour duo, for sure
Best Breakfast Treat---Lolo's donuts in a bag served with cranberry jam & vanilla mascarpone cheese* (Could eat the mascarpone on card stock and love it.) Yummy omelet with Beecher's cheese too. Seattleites love Beecher's cheese & Berkshire pork.
Best Lunch--Andreas Keller Bavarian Restaurant Leavenworth WA--Schnitzel---all 3 varieties. (I ate my weight, which has increased exponentially on this trip, in the Spätzle alone.) Courtney, the BEST waitress, booth in a barrel, and Bavarian decor of this "underground" establishment all added to its cozy ambiance. Of course, the snow falling and cold temps outside and warm mulled wine served inside heightened the appeal.
Best Tea---the  Fairmont "1907" black tea at the Georgian Room in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The elegant surroundings didn't hurt either. (Pix at 12/12/15 blog entry)
Best Fine Dining maybe one of the best ever for me--Canlis Restaurant---Pacific NW fare (Peter Canlis prawns) steak, twice baked potato, tho I was skeptical about this Canlis tradition served in a ramekin, it was yummy--- Best View--our table view of Lake Union, aglow with lights.
Best Christmas Display--21 miles of lights coming ablaze at the Christmas lighting in Leavenworth
Best Gingerbread House Display--Star Wars themed ones at the Sheraton hotel
Best Surprise--The Chihuly Garden and Glass. Amazing. Other displays elsewhere but this is TOPS!
Best Extra--a car available, compliments of the hotel, with a true gentlemen of a driver.
Best Reason to Travel this far---seeing Gigi and Bonnie, even in the rain and snow!

Saturday, December 5, 2015

LEAVENWORTH

Leavenworth.........and I'm "NOT" in Kansas anymore! 
But......I am in my cuddle duds!
There is snow! Lots of snow!!!
A true winter wonderland.
No wonder Leavenworth, WA was voted today the #1 Best Small  Town in America for Christmas.
Just click the link to see it and 19 other " best town" candidates.
Snow continued all day. Carolers, Santa, Snowmen, Elves and folks in crazy shoe-shaped hats walked the streets. Music groups performed all day at The Gazebo in the town center. Stars were carried in along with placards proclaiming being "born again" as the mayor reminded each of the importance of following the One who lights the way.
Prayers were offered in His holy name and all gathered together there sang "Silent Night"---3 verses!
How blessed I was to be there with friends to share this snowy day.  

Friday, December 4, 2015

HIGH! HIGH!! HIGH!!!

HIGH!!! HIGH!!! HIGH!!!......605' high. I said I was NOT going up!!
That's what I told myself long before I even boarded the plane for Seattle.
As my family knows, my feet hurt when I am high above the ground.
Bridges. Ridges. Skyscrapers. Elevators. Helicopter rides. Hotel rooms with a double digit number.
My head swims. My feet hurt. The tingling starts at my feet and goes all the way up----so, as I've aged, I've chosen to avoid very high places.
I know the spirit of fear is not from the Lord but was this endeavor in the sound mind category which He does provide? (2 Timothy 1:7) My mind was spinning just thinking about it.
My friend Gigi had planned this trip and reserved this "upward excursion" to the space needle as part of our fun. The 10 mph glass elevator ride to the top (on a very WINDY day) was a little unnerving to consider as was my fear of being in a place that might be considered a "soft target" by Isis.
The Paris massacres had occurred as I was leaving Turkey a few weeks ago and just 16 hours before I left for Seattle, 14 people were killed in San Bernardino, CA in a terrorist-style attack.  I checked the area for unattended backpacks. If I could sweat, I probably would have been doing that as well.

But.....I also don't like to hurt someone's feelings. So.... I went. I prayed. I peeked over at the downtown Seattle skyline and Puget Sound and across at Mount Ranier. I returned to earth and seriously considered kissing the ground.
This pic is a FAKE backdrop tho you can probably tell---'cause our hair isn's flying!!

No more High! High!! High!!! for me so don't even think about asking.....unless of course I'm worried about hurting your feelings.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

SEATTLE BOUND

The 25th year of Tres Amigas Trips. The first weekend of December since 1990.
Our "girlfriend getaways" started out with 3---expanded to 4 from the north (IN), south (TN) east (MA) and west--after losing Maureen to breast cancer and health problems thwarting Bev's travel---we became 2--- the last 10 years we have been back to 3 with another sweet Calkins gal.
So.....with Gigi's (Keith's gift) 1993 Dom Perignon in hand we toasted our 25th Anniversary trek!
Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle, Washington Room 838 

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Chemo Kindred

There is no color here. No religiosity. No gender differences. Cancer is no respecter of persons.
Chemotherapy is the common denominator.

West Clinic. Nothing seems changed since previous visits with different friends. 
This Clinic still has dedicated, friendly, capable staff and volunteers. People care for each other---even patient to patient.
Outside, the pond still reflects trees though sun is not shining and most of the branches are bare. Just a few scraggly leaves are holding on.
Inside, patients are holding on awaiting the drip that hopefully will save their lives. Some have been there weeks, others months and even years. But all with hope.
Seasons change. Weather changes. Cancer is the constant. Hope remains.
However, this is the last Tuesday at this location. Lots of emotional detritus will be left here. The good the bad and the ugly as cancer leaves it's mark.
But God .....is in this place. Today I once again saw "the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."(Psalm 27:13) 

The good news is----God and hope will be at the new location as well. I know because sweet friend Pam will take Him there! 

Monday, November 30, 2015

DOUBLE DIGIT

Double-digit birthdays are biggies. Hallmark knows this and takes full advantage.

But the first double digit seems the BEST---a real milestone! 
For Caleb it was an extended celebration of sorts---from party with friends earlier in the month to a celebration with extended family days before---a pogo stick was even delivered to the door and a family dinner at Texas Land and Cattle on the “real” day!

Happy 10th Birthday to our football playing fisherman CDL!
Cabela's awaits you with open arms anxious to help you spend your birthday "bucks."

Saturday, November 28, 2015

SAD-urday

Pinkness came......in her pink tutu pajamas.....
....Pinkness.......captivated her cousins from the youngest to the oldest.....
......and all the ones in between.
Pinkness conquered....right down to her pink-tipped socks in the cousins' "good-by" picture.
Saying good-by to all these "grands" made this a real SAD-urday!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Pre-Meal photos trying to "beat" the rain. Not a fave activity for kids but at least we have it!!
Plus, each receive an authentic soccer jersey from a Turkish team thanks to Serdar Bey who "shopped" for my grands so each one would have one. They LOVED them!!
Set up same as 2 years ago so we could see the changes. 

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

GLEANINGS

Gleaning. A picking up. A gathering. 
In Scripture we see it as the Lord's provision when Ruth came and gleaned in the field after the reapers. (Ruth 2:2-4)
I often glean spiritual truth from non-fiction books. Some gleanings are noteworthy.

For me, when short on time, I often approach a book with a glance at the Table of Contents. 
Much info can be gleaned from there to aid my "quick read" even if I read from the back...forward. 

The true gleanings, though, are the leftovers. Those phrases or thoughts which feed my mind after I have put the book down. Some books offer more than others.
With morning tea in hand, teach us to want : longing, ambition and the life of faith by Jen Pollock Michel offered a few gleanings:
Clarity and certainty are not the soil in which faith grows. (p. 112)
Prayer is where we meet God with all our humanity hanging out. (p. 113) 
The prayers of our struggle prepare the way for surrender, even praise. (p. 122)
Disappointing news might not have one in a conspicuous spiritual tantrum....but flinging silence at the sky is NOT at all a Mary type answer. 'I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' (Luke 1:38) (p.110)
Seeing agnostic Mary's life fall apart, her friends tell her to pray anyway.
"Yield up what scares you. Yield up what makes you want to scream and cry. Enter into the quiet. It's a cathedral. "
(But) how does getting on your knees do anything for you?" Mary asks.
"It makes you the right size." (p. 65)
That last one's a keeper---a true "prayer posture" gleaning for me.

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Happy 40th Birthday!

Today is the birthday of our middle child---our younger son, Megan's hubby and Lucy's daddy. Where has time gone??
Prayers offered---straight from scripture. 
Pix to follow---

Friday, November 20, 2015

Frail-TEA

A tea drinker in a coffee drinking world----that can prove problematic sometimes. Even inhospitable. 
Irrational ailurophobia.
An "old lady" chosen to speak and teach.
Second guessing. Questioning. 
These frailties continue to pop up. Robbing me of my joy of warm memories of a land and people who touched my heart.
Frail-TEAs----a cuppa served from the pit, if not used for His glory. 

Praises for a BIG cuppa Turkish tea in my special "gift" from those who accepted me with all my frailties and loved me for who I am in Him. Served with remembering MP's quote made it all the sweeter. (Psalm 90:14)

My frailty is an act of worship when turned toward Him. (Michèle Phoenix)

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Scarci-TEA to Opportuni-TEA

"In our weakness He is strong" is a familiar verse to most Christians. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
However, last week in Turkey, I saw the essence of that verse in a new light. His light. 

I saw my scarcity as His opportunity. 

My opening keynote speech was delivered with "scarce" light and "new" bifocals which made clearly reading my notes virtually impossible. 
The result had me sharing words  and experiences which I had not written down. Afterwards, a lady tearfully approached me and said thanks for sharing. 
"I thought I was the only one who had ever experienced that ." she said. 
We talked and it was as if the Lord used those words to release her from guilt and to renew a "right spirit" within her.

When my physical strength waned from lack of sleep, younger members of the team came alongside this "senior member" and offered "an arm" as we climbed the hill in Ulus toward the castle.
Last Wednesday, as we walked the road above the refugee camp, I was privileged to deliver food to families living down those narrow paths past the garbage. 
A needy place. A place of abandoned properties. A place with hungry children.
A place where the possibility of ISIS members roamed. A place deemed unsafe by some. A place of scarcity of food, both physical and spiritual. (Matthew 25:35)
At one crowded "home" a Syrian gentlemen invited us in. His "stove" offered us heat, and though he offered tea, we politely declined by "patting our chest"---  a gesture of thanks, but no thanks, as we were unable to accept because of time constraints. 
This stranger invited us in.....and offered hospitality out of his meagerness. S asked if we could pray.  He said yes. Together......Syrians, Turks and Americans bowed in prayer. 
I saw scarcity in lives of others that God used as an opportunity for the household of faith to share His love with both food and prayer. (Pix of family removed for their safety.)

Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, (Isaiah 58:10)
In Turkey, my cuppa scarci-TEA was clearly filled many times with His opportuni-TEAs.
Opportunities to allow me to experience afresh His sufficiency for myself as well as others.