End of an Era

Today was the end of an era. Today Dad moved. Today I cried as I left the house mom died in. It’s peculiar, really, to be sad to see the house go on to another owner. One would think that I would be happy to leave my keys on the counter and walk out the door to never return. Yet, so much happened in that house. Even though Mom and Dad actually lived in it for such a short time, a lifetime worth of memories flowed through it.

There are some things that I won’t be sorry to never see again, such as wallpapered kitchen cabinets and carpeted bathrooms. At least the kitchen carpet is gone. We never did get the cupboards done though. Maybe that is it. There was so much more life to live there with Mom. There was so much more we wanted to do. I don’t have regrets over the time we had; I only wish we had more.

Odd, how I love change in most things, yet this change is so difficult. But time moves on and things change and people move. And life does go on, from generation to generation, the ebb and flow of life continues. That is the legacy we leave as we travel through space and time.

My 100th Post!

I started blogging last July. I took a look back at where I was and remembering why I started the blog. I started because I wanted a way to keep in touch with people, but also I wanted a way to share my life and remember the positive. In the last few months, I have met some great people—people I would consider my friends. I may not agree with all of them on everything, yet they all make me think. I want to introduce you to a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

Gayle ~ A Texan with spunk and a great mind as well as an amazing sense of humor
Patrick ~ A fellow Oregonian, a true Renaissance man with eclectic interests
Suzie ~ A woman with a huge heart for those dealing with injustice
Little Miss Chatterbox ~ A Christian, conservative mom with some of the same struggles I have
ABFreedom ~ A staunch conservative Canadian, oops, Albertan!
Big White Hat & Echotig ~ A couple with a great sense of humor
Neo, Soc ~ His profile shows his interest as “that everyone come to a saving knowledge of Christ,” need I say more…
Cheryl ~ A So Cal mom starting a new career
Lone Pony ~ The teacher I wish I had in high school!
Capt B ~ One of our amazing men on the front lines of Iraq
Pirate ~ An Oregonian with a great sense of pride in his family
Shoprat ~ A well-spoken conservative
Clew ~ A woman who blogs about a little bit of everything
Jon ~ One of the first I started reading, both his blogs make me ROTFL

And a few others:
Peace Moonbeam, Son of Adam, Arod, Cori, Tanker Brothers, K-Dawg, Crystal, Curious Servant, Jeff H, Hick, Chas, Mark, TexasFred, Crazy Politico, Nettie

Fresh Flowers

The flowers in the yard are starting to bloom. First the daffodils and now the camilias. The rose bushes are starting to really get new growth on them as well. I love this time of year!

Good Samaritans

There are still some people who get involved when they see injustice.

Bystanders Tackle Man Who Grabbed Child

PORTLAND, Ore. - Bystanders tackled a man who swiped a toddler from a stroller Sunday in downtown Portland, Portland police officials said.

Read the rest here.

The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Chorus:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
Wondrous beauty I see,
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
Where his glory forever I'll share.

Lyrics & Music: George Bennard, 1873-1958

The cross. The cross of Christ. In 1913, George Bennard was struggling with a problem that caused him much suffering. His mind went back again and again to Christ's anguish on the cross. This was the heart of the gospel! The cross he pictured was no gold-covered icon. It was a rough, splintery thing, stained with gore.

"I saw the Christ of the Cross as if I were seeing John 3:16 leave the printed page, take form and act out the meaning of redemption," he said later. (John 3:16 is probably the most familiar verse of the New Testament: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.")

This theme was so great, it needed a song. In a room in Albion, Michigan, Bennard sat down and wrote a tune. But the only words that would come to him were "I'll cherish the old rugged cross." He struggled for weeks to set words to the melody he had written.

As a Methodist evangelist, Bennard was scheduled to preach a series of messages in New York. He found himself focusing on the cross. The theme of the cross grew increasingly more urgent to him. Back in Albion, Michigan, he sat down and tried again to put together the words. This time the lines came. He later told Dr. Al Smith, "I sat down and immediately was able to rewrite the stanzas of the song without so much as one word failing to fall into place. I called in my wife, took out my guitar, and sang the completed song to her. She was thrilled!"

H/T: Christian History Institute

Daffodil Walk

Today we went to the Amity Daffodil Festival. It has been a bit cold so there were not as many daffodils as hoped for, but there were still enough to enjoy the sunny colors. (Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t as sunny as the colors.) The signs of spring were all around us—new lambs, tulips and even the rain and wind.

Who would've thought...

I love this picture! I would never have thought a dog and a lion could be friends. Makes me think of the lion lying down with the lamb!

Lioness 'Soonee' and South Korean traditional breed Jindo dog 'Tangchil' play together at a zoo in Chinhae, about 410 km (255 miles) southeast of Seoul March 20, 2006. The 10-year-old Soonee who was raised by zoo keepers and the 5-year-old male dog Tangchil have lived together in the same cage since 2002, local media reported.

H/T: Yahoo News & REUTERS/You Sung-Ho

Old Photos

I have been going through some old photos. I need to do that once in a while to remember how blessed I have been throughout my life. This photo is of my oldest sister. I didn't just want to be like her, I wanted to be her. She was always nice to me even though I was almost 10 years younger than her. This particular shot is one of my very favorites. It was taken after we returned home from a beauty pageant. She didn’t win. That was great tragedy in my opinion. After all, she was the most beautiful girl there. She would be 48 today. I always thought she would live forever. She didn’t. She died almost 10 years ago. I still miss her and our late night phone calls.

My Goal

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me".

~Erma Bombeck

This is my goal and my dream. When I meet God, I want to be able to give an accounting of myself which shows that I used all I have that He gave me. I know that my works on earth do not make a difference on whether or not I see Heaven. “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:9) I know I will see Him because I believe He paid the penalty for my sin. Yet, as Paul says, what I do here on earth is of a benefit for everyone. “These things I have told you are all true. I want you to insist on them so that everyone who trusts in God will be careful to do good deeds all the time. These things are good and beneficial for everyone.” (Titus 3:8) When I give everything I have within me for others, I show them how much God loves me and in turn how much He loves them. It also brings glory to God. “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” (Philippians 1:11) My ultimate delight would be for others to see Him in me and choose to follow Him.

Sister Update

If you are interested in an update on my sister, click here.

Welcome SPRING!

Yes, I know some of the country is still in the embrace of winter and we are still in for some wacky weather. Yet, for me, spring means hope. There is hope that the weather will turn and the sun will return. Hope that I will be warm and my mood will brighten with the days. Hope for long evening walks in the dusk. That is why I love spring even with its storms and unpredictability--hope.

I Can Only Imagine

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

Chorus:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You, Jesus, or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

Lyrics By Bart Millard

The lyrics grew out of a period of tremendous personal pain. In 1991, his father died after a long battle with cancer. When people told him that his dad would choose heaven over coming back, the 18-year-old began thinking about what his dad was experiencing in heaven. After that, he found himself repeating the phrase "I can only imagine." He began writing it on napkins, paper bags, and anything he could find. The phrase resonated in his heart and gave him the strength and hope he needed to move on.

Somehow, wondering about that awesome moment when he too would lay eyes on the Lord helped dull the pain of losing his father. This isn't a permanent separation, he told himself. One day we'll be enjoying God's presence together.

Years later, in 1999, when Mercy Me was writing songs for its freshman project, Millard stumbled across that simple phrase—"I can only imagine"—in an old notebook. About ten minutes later, the song was written.

"People say it's amazing that it was written in ten minutes, when really it had been on my heart for almost ten years," Millard says. In fact, not many days go by that he still doesn't ask himself those questions that form the chorus of his song.

"I have faith that Christ is real," Millard adds. "Therefore, I ask him questions."

Hat Tip: Christianity Today

Whew!

I made it through orientation. Today I got to start working on some of my “real job.” So, anyone in the Portland area that wants to volunteer, send me an e-mail! I am on the roll for recruiting!

DH & I were out walking this evening and I was telling him about my day. I was talking about some counseling I was doing with a volunteer this morning. I talked with her about the death process. I started telling DH what I told her. I talked about the differences from one person to another. Then I went on to other things we talked about. DH said he didn't think he was going to want to hear much about my job. He thinks it is rather morbid and depressing.

I can understand where he is coming from, but I still love the philosophy of hospice and the work we do. The picture explains one of the reasons I choose to work in hospice. This is my mom. Mom died on September 29, 2004. Hospice was a blessing to us. Even though I have worked with people that are dying for years, it is very different when it is personal. Hopefully, I can be a blessing to someone else in the same way.

A Quiz to Relax!

Blue. Your heart is blue. You are a very calm and relaxed person. You are very caring and like helping others. You're grateful for what you have in life, even if it's not perfect. People love you for who you are, don\'t ever change that- it's what makes you the great person that you are.

Blue		86%
Yellow		68%
Pink		46%
Green		43%
Purple		36%
Red		29%
White		25%
Orange		25%
Black		21%

~What colour is your heart?~
created with QuizFarm.com

< You scored as The Notebook. You have strong, passionate love like the notebook!

The Notebook		92%
Charlies Angels		75%
Legally Blonde		50%
A Cinderella Story		50%
Mean Girls		25%

What Chick Flick is just like Your Life?
created with QuizFarm.com

Long Day!

I am tired tonight! After 6 1/2 months of unemployment and living my own schedule (which is up late and up late) , I was up at the crack of dawn and headed to work. Now, don't get me wrong, I am very happy to have a job. I just don't like mornings. An alarm going off at 6:30 am is just wrong on so many levels. Yet I did get out of the house at 7:30 and discovered that I can sleep another 15 minutes. Now to find a shorter route to add a few more minutes of sleep each day.

As to the work, this week is orientation. They are very serious about orientation and training. I like that a lot. (I am a firm believer that turnover can be decreased with proper orientation which can decrease costs. All this while increasing employee satisfaction. I often wonder why more companies don't take it more seriously. But, I digress...) One of the other points made was how the employee is their first priority. They believe that if there are happy and satisfied employees, they will have happy and satisfied clients.

The people I met today are great and I look forward to being around people again.

How Great Thou Art

Verse 1:
O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power through-out the universe displayed.

Chorus:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Verse 2:
When through the woods and forest glades
I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:

Verse 3:
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:

Verse 4:
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God. how great Thou art!

By Pastor Carl Boberg
The Original Swedish lyrics, titled "O, Store Gud" and written in 1886 were inspired by a visit to a beautiful country estate on the southeast coast of Sweden. Pastor Carl Boberg was suddenly caught in a midday thunderstorm with awe inspiring moments of flashing violence, followed by a clear brilliant sun. Soon afterwards he heard the calm sweet songs of the birds in nearby trees. The experience prompted the pastor to fall to his knees in humble adoration of his mighty God. (Osbeck 133) As the result of this experience he wrote a 9 stanza poem, and several years later at a conference, was surprised to hear his poem sung to the tune of an old Swedish folk melody. It was translated into German, then a literal translation by an American in 1925: "O Mighty God, When I behold the Wonder." The song was also translated from German to Russian in 1927. Missionary Stuart Hine, inspired by the Russian words coupled with the awesome sights of the Carpathian mountains, wrote the first three English verses, the fourth came after WW II.

The hymn was made famous by George Beverly Shea during the Billy Graham Crusade in London.

Hat Tip: Dr. Chadwick's Hymn Backgrounds

Yesterday Snow, Today...

Hail!

This is a really bad picture, but it is hail. I know it is spring in Oregon when the weather changes by the minute. Today it has been brilliantly sunny, followed by rain and wind, then hail, then sun...

First Snow

It may be March, but we had our first snow of the season at our house this morning. The forecast was for possible snow at 500' or above. It was wrong; we are at about 100' above sea level. I took the dog out with me when I took some pics, but he hurried back inside.

It isn't much and it is already melting, but it is still snow and I love seeing it!

I have a JOB!!!!

I was offered a job this morning. I am the Volunteer Coordinator for a new hospice company. It is only 20 hours a week for now, but looks to go full time in six months or so. But it is a paycheck anyway.

I am excited about the opportunity. I love the philosophy of hospice and the company has a culture that appears supportive and fun. The president is known for being the best in service and has a reputation for thinking outside the box.

So, on to the next challenge...

It Is Well With My Soul

Verse 1
When peace, like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll.
What ever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Chorus:
It is well (It is well) With my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Verse 2
Tho Satan should buffet, tho trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul!

Verse 3
My sin - O the joy of this glorious thought-
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more:
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul!

Verse 4
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll.
The trump shall resound And the Lord shall descend,
"Even so"- it is well with my soul.

By Horatio Spafford

The author of this hymn was a layman, a lawyer and professor of medical jurisprudence from Chicago who maintained a close friendship with D.L. Moody and other Christian leaders. During the 1871 Chicago Fire, Spafford lost all of his real estate holdings. The year before his son had died.

In order to assist Moody in a Great Britain campaign, Spafford planned to travel there with his wife and four daughters. Due to business commitments, he was unable to travel with his family, but planned to join them within a few days.

On November 22, 1873 two ships collided; Mrs. Spafford was rescued, but their four daughters were lost. While Horatio Spafford sailed to join his grieving wife, it is believed that he penned the words to this hymn, including the words, "When sorrows like sea billows roll...." In the face of overwhelming tragedies, he was able to declare, "It is well with my soul."

Hit Tip: Dr. Chadwick's Hymn Backgrounds

Update

Sister is feeling better. A change in pain meds has helped. She is able to get around more and her kids are great help. Her husband has also spent a lot more time at home to help out.

Hip! Hip! Hooray! I have a job interview on Monday!

Please Pray...

For my sister, M. Yesterday she seriously injured her left hand. She spent the night in the hospital following emergency surgery to repair her bone and reattach a tendon. Fortunately, she should regain nearly full use of her finger. But it will be a long rehabilitation.

Please pray for pain control, patience with herself and her children and quick healing.