Main Thing First

I am overly tired and a bit overwhelmed with the list of to-do's in my head. These to-do's are ideas and tasks that kind of came to mind in a rushing wave. I get inspired at Christmas time, and I want to do big things, but I need to realize I don't have to contain all my activities within the break between Christmas and the New Year.

So I've resolved for now to record my ideas here and come back to them.

Create a wall hanging/banner.
Sew sachets.
Make and package soaps.
Start coffee-can savings for charity.
Host cookie fellowship hour.
Start a sistergirls group.
Buy devotionals: Take Flight! and Women's Bible Journal
Celebrate Monte's 4th birthday
attend Christmas Eve service
attend Christmas Eve family party
Bake homemade cinnamon rolls
Mortgage stuff
University stuff
House stuff

Above all this busy Martha-like stuff, I want to reflect on Peace and Joy as we remember that our Lord humbled himself to come live among people on Earth, to teach us, and to give his life as a ransom so we may be reconciled to our Father in heaven. Penalty of sin is death, but Jesus conquered death for all who accept the gift of grace and forgiveness. Having faith in his promises, then let us live in holy obedience and make it our mission to be loving, peaceful, and compassionate.

Moment of Reflection

2008 is nearly a wrap. I was so happy to say goodbye to 2007, so full of heartache, and I entered 2008 cautiously hoping it would be a year of exodus. This year held grief as well, yet the promises of our living God kept me looking up and ahead with thanks.

So now that 2009 is upon us, what then? Only God knows.

A Vision Manifest

This is an historic time for the United States of America and the world. Barack Obama, former Illinois Senator, is now president elect! On January 20, 2009, our nation will have its first African American president. The world is watching. The nation is anticipating. I pray for God's protection over his family and staff, for their health and well being, and for God's direction as the future unfolds.

In a Few Words

Here's what I'm thinking about this week, following a sermon and small group led by Pastor Nelson of Capital Christian Fellowship:

What does it mean to be an ambassador for our Lord? --a light to the world--a living invitation, representation, loving those who don't necessarily care about us, extending mercy and compassion, being willing to yield


Because He first forgave us, and we're called to be like Him, we must forgive others--for God forgave us while we were sinners. He gave us this great gift of mercy, and we shouldn't refuse mercy toward others. In some cases, I'm convinced that forgiving is impossible unless God brings it about.

When we do forgive, it is as if we let go of a burden, an obstacle that's blocked our connection with another. When we release the burden, put it down, we're free to move on and see beyond the hurt. Holding onto hurt just keeps the hurt going. When the burden is let go, it may enable reconciliation.

Weekends with Monte

I was responding to an inquiry from an online sister, Peggy Sue, who is planning a book about mothers and their children. I really go into my response, and I've decided it deserves to be a blog entry here:

I have three great kids at home: an 18 year old son who is a freshman at U. Baltimore, a 17 year old daughter who is a high school senior, and a 3 year old son who hasn't started school yet. My youngest son ensures that I don't become rooted to the couch or permanently glued in front of the computer when we're home. I can become fixated on a book or in reviewing ideas for recipes for a long period of time. Certain times, I believe he calls on me every thirty seconds!

I purposely devote time to be with him throughout the day to watch a favorite DVD, read a story, or eat together, or else I encourage him to do one of his activities near me while I do whatever I'm into at the moment. Regardless, he requires a lot of face-to-face attention. Though my son keeps me busy, he has a way of making me slow my pace.

I'll explain in a bit. When it comes to kitchen duty, sometimes I can be hurried and wanting to "get it done already." I like to take out only what I need and clean up as I go--just being efficient. I have even been known to swoop into the kitchen and put away the milk or butter right after Hubby has taken it out for some purpose.

So, how does my son help me slow down? Here's an example from today. Feeling fatigued, I stayed home today (Sunday) even though we'd got up and preparing for church. I didn't venture out for the first half of the day. I hadn't slept well last night. Later in the afternoon I said, "Let me whip up a batch of oatmeal cookies. It'll be quick." I was ready to zoom through in like five minutes, but when my son saw me pulling stuff out the fridge, he got excited. He wanted to help. So I purposely slowed my roll because I knew he was used to doing something or other during the day, and we had been milling around the house--boring. I brought over a chair for him to stand on. I measured; he poured and stirred. When it was time for the electric mixer, I put my hand over his little hand and we watched the dry and wet ingredients blend. We both got satisfaction out of our fun work.

Not only did we bake cookies. He noticed when I pulled out the soap-making kit that my former boss gave me some four years ago. I was thinking of something to do for the holidays, but he was like, "yeah, let's make it now mommy. YES!!" as if it was a very special treat. I delayed for 20 minutes, reading instructions, and finally gave in. I figured hey, it's been four years. So we had a good time making fragrant soap this afternoon. Inspiring.

So I've told you how he motivates me while simultaneously slowing me down. Let me tell you another couple ways my son gets me off the couch. Last weekend, the last thing I wanted to do was go outside and play, but my 3-year-old son became restless and I needed to get him out so he could use up his energy. We took his bike, with training wheels, and a basketball to the park at the end of the block. This is so not me, I'm telling you! I brought along a book and a thermos of coffee. I figured I'd sit and read while he rode around the enclosed basketball court. Well it turns out I did no reading. Instead, I had fun like a kid. I jogged around the perimeter of the court while he followed me on the bike. Next I pretended to be a real baller and threw some layup shots and foul shots and we practiced passing and dribbling. After that, I jogged behind him as he rode his bike in wild circles and zig zags all over the court. It was fun and good exercise too. I was amazed at how youthful and invigorated I felt. We enjoyed mom and son time surrounded by nature with nobody else around, and before heading home down the street, we took time to swing and hang on the exercise bars.

Now back to today: after we'd made the cookies today, but before we made the soap, he begged me to go outside. I know he was tired of seeing me looking at web sites. Well, the teenagers wouldn't take him out, and his dad had already taken him out in the morning before he left to watch football. So I said, okay, okay. I'll read my book on the front steps and you fly your paper airplane in the yard. That lasted 30 seconds. He wanted to go around back. I followed him to the back yard where we pulled vines off the siding, cleared away sticks, picked leaves to see which smelled fragrant, and we took pictures with my camera phone. Again, I felt alive and rejuvenated.

I've learned that if I pause and listen to my little one and occasionally indulge him, then it adds new joy to any task or activity. (Now I'd better go see about him because he's been quiet for a good 30 minutes. I think he fell asleep on the couch. )

What’s in Our Back Yard

I have become very fond of Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Prince George's County Maryland by the DC/MD line. I think I recommended it to just about every one of my local friends and relatives. It has been a great open & natural space for a few festivals this year, but it is even more special to me on typical days when it is quiet. I'm always in awe of the ducks, geese, the occasional crane, the kayakers and canoers, the blue sky and its border-a colorful array of trees. The river is different each time, but it always sparkles and ripples and carries the ducks and geese. This time an algae-covered beachy area had appeared, and a multitude of ducks sat sunbathing and keeping company. They were quacking about something or other.

Normally the kids and I go only so far on the Anacostia Trail. Saturday, however, we went as far as we could and discovered a whole new park area. Pristine and beautiful--like something from one of those childhood books that depicted the new suburbs of the 1960s minus the houses and people. By that I mean we saw beautiful rolling hills, grassy expanses, open sky, and the roads we saw at first glance appeared to be footpaths until we noticed a stop sign. No one was around, and we played and wandered, marvelling at the trees with their fruit and bushes with their berries and pretty leaves. It was easy to image that I'd been carried off to the countryside.

Sunday afternoon we returned there with my older son, and we went even further. We climbed a hill leading to a ballfield, and we discovered not one but three ball fields and a great expanse of surrounding trees, open sky, no buildings--just nature. Hardly anyone was to be found. One small group of about 4 people were grilling. It was so quiet. On the way back we saw an older gentleman carrying golf clubs and a ball.

I hope the area remains unspoiled and that it will be a spectacular display of God's artistry to the next newcomer. Our only disappointment was that the seasonal pontoon boatrides are over. We'd hoped to catch the 5PM river tour, and I admit I wasn't confident enough to rent one of the available paddle or row boats.

For Tammy, Jonathan and Dad

I learned firsthand about stormy seasons in 2007. I witnessed in others and received for myself the grace and strength that the Holy Spirit lends us in our trials. My friend Tammy, my son Jonathan, and my dad Tony all exhibited the comfort and peace that passes understanding as they passed through storms and moved on to rest in glory. They blessed me, and this song is for them and our Lord:

http://fileserver.onnuritv.com/File2/Files/twinyj/06._Still.mp3 (Please download via the link.)

Hide me now, under Your wings
Cover me, within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

Find rest my soul, in Christ alone
Know His power, in quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

Find rest my soul, in Christ alone
Know His power, in quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

Too Good Not to Share

Speaking of tea, I had a loooong-anticipated girls' day out with my mom and sister on Monday. We ate at Bob Evan's (delicious and overly filling!) and shopped around out in Laurel, but what made our day was finding this little shop on the way home. I highly recommend it for a quick getaway from busyness.

Smile Herb Shop is in an historic house on quaint Berwyn Road (right off very busy Route 1 in College Park). It sort of beckons you. There's a sign that says "If you can't stop in, smile as you ride past." Well I couldn't help but turn at the corner, park and trek back. The front yard has a water work and some sort of herb garden. There's a front porch with sale items to browse, and inside on the ground floor is a tea shop including samples to taste. I saw cute ceramic pots, colorful glazed tea cups, loose teas, honey, and some other intriguing items to keep customers returning.

Just as we said goodbye and thought we were done, we realized there's a stairway leading to another level of shopping areas. One room held supplies such as a vat of shea butter for those who make products.

I lingered in a room filled with handmade fragrant soaps, scented oils and burners, candles, essential body oils, delicate earrings, lip balm, unique skirts and whatever else. It is a lovely place to browse, and the staff were friendly, nonintrusive, and quite helpful to us newcomers.

What Autumn Brings

Autumn is here. Once again, I get to wake up feeling extra snug and cozy in my bed. I love the crisp mornings that help lend some briskness to my steps. Now if only I could get downtown a little earlier. Marriage and motherhood has slowed me down in the mornings. No matter how extra early I rise, I seem to leave about the same time. The times that I do manage to get a head start, it is almost inevitable I have to turn loop back because we left the lunchbox or else I have to stop because the gas tank is on empty or if it isn't that, then the Metro has stalled. Oh well.

But back to Autumn: I was just thinking how it is time for chai tea again. Also, my daughter and I will probably bake cookies soon.

Night and Day

Sometimes I am really thankful that God made night and day. I mean, when we have pain, fatigue or maybe tension in relationships, a restful night makes a big difference. We wake up and most times the weight has been lifted and we have what it takes to make it another day. For those of us who have a very heavy burden like a lingering illness, we trust that God renews our inner spirit daily and gives us strength for each day. Also, when the physical becomes way too much or we're simply worn out, then he promises to give us rest in his glory.

Three Generations

I still have the same admiration that I held for my mom since I was a little girl. I used to feel proud and happy to see her prepare for a long-deserved infrequent evening out. She is not the fancy type, but she is a natural beauty, and I liked to see her with her earrings, eye makeup, and heels. Those childhood days are long gone. I'm 40 now, but as Mom is getting ready this evening, I feel the same as I used to. She's still lovely with natural grace.

We had a great time today at Port Towns Day 2008. I had the company of my mom and little Monte. Live reggae music, kebabs, local artisans, moon bounces and the backdrop of the Anacostia River and surrounding grassy area. Lots of geese, seagulls, ducks. Children having a great time, adults smiling and enjoying the outdoors.

I hope to enjoy more outdoor festivals with Monte. I want him to have good memories of growing up in this area.

A Snapshot of My Life as Mom

I’m such a mom. My kids made sure I knew it yesterday evening. I was sooo kaput after work, and I was ready to disappear into some room. That didn’t happen though. It seemed that everytime I sat down, one or the other of the three would ask me a question:

“Mom—do you want to see the shoes that I think are perfect for my birthday?” “Mom—put on my movie!” “Mom—what’s for dinner? You’re not cooking any sides with the chicken?” (sorry—thankfully hubby took over for me) “Mom—you didn’t look at the shoes yet!” “Mom—I pooped!” “Mom—I need something to drink. And my movie didn’t start!” It was truly a restless evening, which was not about me at all but at the same time was all about me.

Maybe I need to work on my household management skills, in particular, delegation. Yeah, that sounds good. (I need a plan.)

Tonight will be different. I decided that I will attend the kickoff bible study at Capital Christian Fellowship where we’re to delve into 2 Corinthians. This is new for me. I haven’t attended a group session for my whole adult life. I’m looking forward to it! (Evidently, God saw fit to give me renewed fervor. I’m still amazed at how he’s changing me.)
As much as I was overwhelmed with mommyhood yesterday evening, I appreciate every minute of it (after a night’s sleep). I love my family, and I prefer to have activity and life in the house--just let me catch my breath.

I won’t go on and on, but I have to say my littlest one, aged 3, was so grumpy last night. He was a little congested and very sleepy. In the end, he fell asleep next to me on the couch, looking very much like a giant baby. His teenage brother and sister laughed at his red pajama short-shorts. He’s got to be 3 ½ feet tall by now, and he’s heavy, but I lifted him and carried him over my shoulder. It is such a sweet moment to put the sheet over him, kiss his cheek, and say a prayer with him (even though last night he was so moody he asked me to be quiet—and quickly fell asleep).

resonating ideas

Do you ever have times when God's word keeps being repeated to you from various sources in a short timeframe? That has happened to me before, and it happened twice this week. Gave me a funny feeling too. I need to write it down and ponder in case I need to act on the message.

1. So, Pastor Noah links to Mark Batterson' s blog where I first heard of him and his new book, "Wild Goose Chase." The other day while on Crosswalk.com I clicked on a regular commenter's blog link. She had a review of the book and the one thing I took away from it was Batterson's point: Don't let what's wrong in life stop you from praising God for what' good. (that's my paraphrase)

I really like that thought and considered adding the quote under my signature somewhere, but I didn't. That was yesterday.

Now today, on Pastor Noah's blog were some thoughts shared by a woman, Lisa. One thing she said is "When you hit an obstacle, don't focus on it because there is too much beauty around to look upon." paraphrasing again)

Both statements remind me of a more familiar message that I try to adhere to: When you face trials, look beyond your current circumstance and look up to our Lord. (like Peter in the midst of the storm, out on the boat)

A second message has repeated itself too. Sometimes I wonder if it is because believers tend to read and reflect on the same material, and other times I wonder if it is because it is what God is relaying through us all. OK, the second message is simple and apparently well known, but I'd never heard of it until this week, and now I've seen it three times:

2. An article in the September issue of In Touch mentioned a small plaque that said, "One life, will soon be past, only what's done for God will last." Never heard that little poem in my life, though of course the message is familiar. Well, on Pastor Noah's Twitter update today I see "only what's done for God will last" and then a short time later on Mark Batterson's blog I see the little poem repeated.

I wonder what our Lord has for me to do this week.

What is Sweet and Simple

Today I actually did have a decaf latte (from Starbucks) as in the blog title. I'd given them up for the summer. More often I brew a cup at home on my downtime, and I guess it is cafe con leche. I add evaporated milk for just the right level of creaminess--not too much, I don’t want milk with a touch of coffee--and I've taken to using brown sugar instead of refined white sugar for whatever that’s worth.

This afternoon I wanted to reflect on what especially impressed me this week:

What I’ve appreciated the most are basics—like, I’m thankful that it is possible to find a quiet moment of solitude. It amazes me sometimes that with our relatively dense population, it is still possible to be alone. I relish it.

Similarly, I sometimes marvel when I’m outdoors and, for a few seconds, there’s no detectable sound of traffic or people. I try to stop and take in the silence. I live just outside DC, so we have a lot of bustle.

I appreciate my husband. The other day after work he wanted to run me a bubble bath. That was the first time since my childhood that my bath was prepared for me. Although I really had planned to take a shower and rush into our home office to get on the computer, I took time to sit in the tub and reflect on his thoughtfulness and to realize that I’m special to him and that my husband is a gift. Awww!

I am proud of my 3 ½ year old son who only recently is beginning to sleep in his own bed through the entire night. I’ve been used to having little feet pressing into my back for the past few years, and now I get to stretch out some. Truth be told, I'll miss the nightly routine that was a sweet time of bonding. He would drift off to sleep beside me after we had our chat as I rested on a pillow beside him while reading a book. It is a little sad for me to know the toddler stage is over, but I encourage my son to stay in his own bed through the night. (and not be fearful) We still have our time, but now I go to his room and kneel at his bedside to talk, listen and pray with him before he goes to sleep. He tells God what he enjoyed and what he’s looking forward to. “Spiderman and moonbounce”

They're All the Rage

My inner circle must be a little smallish, because I somehow missed out on the new trend toward the use of bpa-free, nonplastic beverage containers. In fact, I was informed yesterday that plastic, which America knows and loves, is now hazardous to our health because, for example, it can leak harmful chemicals into bottled water or other beverages that are stored for long periods of time, and perhaps even more potentially harmful--it can break down and contaminate food that's microwaved in plastic dishes.

So, I'm advised to do a Google search on "bpa free" to find out more about this. In the meantime, I've learned that Sigg company of Switzerland is in high demand to produce their cool and attractive (really artsy) aluminum/ceramic bottles. The demand is so high that when I visited their online store yesterday, I read that Internet sales have been discontinued for the indefinite future because they simply don't have enough product. Check out www.mysigg.com.

You don't have to order from Switzerland though--at least, if you act quickly you may be able to purchase from a selection at certain Whole Foods stores and REI outdoors stores. There are some others too that I'm less familiar with.

The bottles I saw were $19.00. They cannot go into a dishwasher, and large ice cubes won't fit into them. Because they are narrow, an assortment of bottle brushes have been offered to help with cleaning. But these bottles are so cool and personalized! I recall the joy we had as kids in the 1970s drinking from the thermoses that came with our lunchboxes. ("You have Scooby Doo, I have Micky Mouse")

However, Sigg isn't the only company with an alternative to plastic bottles. Also very cool, from what I saw yesterday, is the cheaper selection (less artsy) by Klean Kanteen (www.kleankanteen.com). These canteens are made from food-grade stainless steel, and they can go into the dishwasher. They have small sizes for kids to sip from and several larger sizes and an assortment of caps to purchase.

Honestly, I don't use much bottled water and when I do, I recycle the bottles so that they won't overflow the landfills. But that's an environmental issue. If we're talking health, then what about my beloved Tupperware pitcher that has served me so well for the past 15 years? What about my plastic sandwich bags?

For now, I'll continue heating my food on stoneware plates and worry about the rest later. But I may get some of those cool new bottles.

Farewell Dad

Daddy departed this life at 7:15 this morning, August 1, in peace. With great fortitude he endured the long journey, and we know the Lord has allowed him to enter His rest. I am grateful that, as a very proud father, Daddy got the chance to see his children mature into competent and compassionate adults and to know and delight in his grandchildren -- 16 and counting! I thank God for our opportunity to love and care for Daddy through his trial and to say our goodbyes, and especially, for Mom's faith and peace in Christ.

May God bless all the family, friends, medical caregivers and others, known and unknown, who have helped our family. In love, Alexine

..."The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

from Matthew 25: 34-40
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:34-40;&version=31;

Midsummer's To-Do List

OK, just consider me spontaneous. I am not one to plan much in advance. Well, I have my must-dos and I do play it safe, but as far as mapping out my weekend or my summer or my yearly vacations...never happens. Even my wedding was planned and held within three months of my husband's proposal. It was a lovely wedding too. I just can't get caught up in too much complexity or discussion. Simple, straightforward, and pleasant is what I like.

This is not always good, because I find that entire summers can pass without my doing or experiencing what I had in mind. This summer my to-do list is simple again:

• order book for girlfriends' bookclub in time for August meeting (couple weeks left)(canceled)
• order something from Carol's Daughter store (going on two years now)
• visit Capital Christian Fellowship in Lanham, MD (done)
• return to Capital Christian Fellowship in Lanham, MD (done)
  
• visit 49 West restaurant in Annapolis w/Mom in Sept to see Crabgrass--my favorite prof's bluegrass group
• visit St. Michael's, Maryland w/Mom and Charlita--check out Crabclaw Restaurant
• visit Ebenezer's Cafe on 2nd and F Sts. N.E. , DC near Union Station(did a drive by)
  
• order Corinne Bailey Rae's CD
• order Tye Tribbet's CD and new releases from Emtro Gospel (you guys check out Emtrogospel.com) (done)
  
• have a girlfriend's get-together

Highlights and Insights on a Welcome Friday

Today was good. Busy workday, but a productive end of the work week. Looking back, it was a stressful week: stalled car, scarce dollars, empty cabinets, headaches, twice forgetting to take my son's cup to daycare, two wet-bed accidents from my 3-year old (middle of night and early morning), last-minute laundry and grocery errands on the way to work, and low gas...argghh! But I made it through with sanity intact and some laughs and love mixed in. Oh, and a good performance review at work. Thank God.

Small pleasures today:

Oh my goodness, the Oscar Meyer deli creations "flatbread chicken w/ bacon ranch sauce" Delicious! Every one of the deli creations that I've tried has been excellent. Two for $5.00 is decent too!

Ahh! Had to stop at Safeway on the way to taking Monte to daycare. They had that new coffee that we got as a sample in Silver Spring--Seattle's Best. I had no idea about all the varieties, but I was pleased to see a mark-down bin full of ground and whole beans for $3.99 each. On the aisle shelf I'd passed them over because I couldn't afford them at nearly $9.00 for a smallish bag.

Another treat, I got four Kit Kat bars for $1.80, less than .50 cents each. Don't see that nowadays. I'll give three to my family.


Grace and Light:
I'm thankful for my family and friends for so many reasons. I'm so appreciating the peace that comes when praying to God. Our family so needs God's comfort and strength as my dad enters hospice. Thankful that he didn't have to stay at the first dismal, inadequate long-term care facility and a that a quality hospice has arranged to care for him. God bless my father and his care team. Bless Mom as well as we all trust you to carry us through and address our immediate needs. May we also be useful in service to you in a demonstration of your love to others. Amen.

In Defense of the 'Hood

In response to comments on a Washington Post article concerning crime in the N.E. Washington, D.C. Trinidad neighborhood, I had to add my two cents' worth today. I wish I had more answers and help, but what I know is this:

My parents moved there 7 yrs ago after raising us in S.S. & Tak. Pk., MD. I was taken aback because I remember hearing of that exact street in the late 1980s and it wasn't the place to be. I've learned, however, that it isn't the residents who commit these crimes. My parents' neighbors (friends) are old fashioned, southern, (many retired), friendly, everyone-knows-everyone and their mama, brother, cousin...They will look out for your car, bring you a Sunday newspaper or a plate of food, even medical supplies for your sick spouse. They repair each other's cars, do DIY projects and fundraisers for each other and support good causes. They give rides to church and to hospital.

The male babies grow up and perhaps to some they are suddenly viewed as a threat, but we know that they are the same kids that have been there the whole time and who have loving families who are proud of them.

Whoever has commited these murders needs to be taken off the street. They too are someone's neighbor, of course, but I seriously doubt they live in the Trinidad neighborhood and shoot at people who would ID them. It isn't an all-black neighborhood anymore. It is fast-changing--on the block is a mixture of families: Afr. Am. (young/old), Latino, Asian, and white singles. Also, Gallaudet students pass through and live in the vicinity.

See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/20/AR2008072002025.html