book review of Tramp for the Lord

"Tramp for the Lord" author Corrie ten Boom

This title threw me at first, but here the word tramp means to travel all over the place. This senior christian woman from Holland survived a harsh Nazi concentration camp when she was in her early 50's. While not Jewish, members of her immediate and extended family were imprisoned for protecting Jewish families in the family home. ten Boom's father and sister died at the camp. Upon her miraculous release, Tante Corrie embarked on a lifelong mission to spread the gospel around the world, even in Germany where she'd been persecuted. This woman lived out of her suitcase as she was constantly on the go, on a mission to shed the light of Christ across the globe. Each chapter is engaging and made me feel like I was there in all the faith building encounters. This woman truly lived by faith. No income, no home, no family. But she loved God and she loved people, and she was faithful to stay on her mission even into her 80s! This book tells some of what God will do for those who seek him, trust him and his Word, and follow him.

I highly recommend this book.

comments on my readings

comments on the book--

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World--by Author, Joanna Weaver

This book gives a thought-provoking, nonjudgmental and engaging discussion of how, as busy women with many responsibilities, we may balance service and worship. Having passion for God inevitable involves having compassion for people. Sometimes a person can be like Martha, who is described in the bible as a busy task-oriented sister, taking care of household preparations whereas her sister Mary let it all go for the opportunity to sit with Jesus. Author, Joanna Weaver describes it as kitchen time versus living room time, and discusses the reason and way to handle both.

I found that this book is worth more than one read. I wish I'd taken notes as I'd gone along. Although I read a library copy, I would like to purchase a copy so that I can ponder certain chapters for a longer time. Here's something I took away from the book as I summarize in my own words: if we invite the Lord to come and dwell with us, although we certainly bring him through the kitchen and serve, we also must settle into some meaningful togetherness and the quiet of the "living room" of our heart.

Appreciating My Surroundings

Spring is back, and I love it! This time of year, I'm drawn outdoors and long to linger. Vibrant colors here and there create a real-life backdrop. Sometimes, when the sun is just right, it seems almost unreal. Vivid, clear blue sky, tender soft green leaves, full and delicate clusters of pink flowers decorate the trees. Oh, and the tulips, yellow, red, pink...and the daffodils...and the soft deep green grass. It makes me say thanks to God our creator. I appreciate his artistry. I'm thankful for the beauty in our world.

Faithful Obedience

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, and my actions, be acceptable to you Lord, my strength and redeemer.

I am in an odd season, not quite sure what God has me to do except live out my faith humbly, gently, in prayer, in kindness and with graciousness. But this is all in general. Right now, I don't see a specific task or project for myself.

I pray that as I act in faithful obedience, to the best of my understanding, that he will use my life to touch others. I hope to be a beacon of light that helps lead God's children home to him. May the Spirit of God in me do His work, and may I be willing, ready and responsive to his promptings.

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul and all that is within me. Bless His holy name.

a book review

I recently wrote and posted this book review on the social networking site, My Sister's Keeper (mysisterskeeperonline.ning.com). Since I gave the book a favorable review, I decided to post my review here too.

Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson

This is a fictional novel about some women who meet during a Chicago Women's Conference and strike up an unusual friendship by way of an assigned prayer group. I'm about a third way into the book, and I'm glad there's more to read because it is good! This is easy to get into, and for me it was hard to put down.

The theme is sisterhood, stepping out in faith, making connections, sacrificing personal ambitions to support others in need, even when it is inconvenient or unexpected. Another theme is individuality and personal growth. Most everyone feels awkward or out of place at some time or other, but we all have a unique gift to offer that develops out of our unique life's experiences.

See the book series on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Yada-Prayer-Group-Women-Fiction/dp/1595544399...

2009 happenings

AFFIRMATIONS

For me, the new year has started with a running theme of affirmation. Much of what I've been learning, and aiming to mature in spiritually, is being affirmed and called into action. I pray that I will continue to respond and walk according to God's purposes.

I see God's work in my new friendships, in feedback from supervisors, friends and pastors, and in the lives of family members. Praise God! He will finish was he's started, and it will be for the good.

I am thankful that he's planted me among loving and supportive people.

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OBAMA

I want to acknowledge our (the U.S.) new president, Barak Obama! Yesterday, watching the inauguration activities from my living room from 6:30 a.m. until at least 6:30 p.m., I was amazed at the show of support and at the incredible mass of people gathered around the mall grounds. A helicopter hovered close to my home, filming the long winding lines at the nearby Metro station. Before dawn, the garage was packed full.

I'm very hopeful and optimistic about Americans taking action and extending helping hands here and across the globe. See USAService.org for local opportunities.

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”