Treasured Lifetime Friendships

There are some friends that come into our lives for a short while. Then we lose touch and never really see them or hear from them again. However, some friends are tried and true, and stay with us for a lifetime.

Such is the case with my friend, Alice Payne. She and I and 2 other girls lived together in a house in Ft. Wayne for a few years. We were nurses and all worked at Lutheran Hospital. Then I went to Haiti for almost 2 years, and when I came back, I got married. Alice went to Bengladesh as a missionary. Ruth got married. So we all went our separate ways. (Donna Burd never married and worked at Lutheran until she retired). However, we all stayed in touch during all these years.

Alice has been a missionary in Bengladesh for 35 years! (she recently was honored for her service) She recently moved back to Marion, Indiana. I hadn't seen her in probably 25 years.(I showed her pictures of my kids and she said she hadn't seen them since they were quite small). Thursday was her birthday, so Donna Burd, Ruth Baxter and I were going to go to see her. However, at the last minute Donna got sick, and something came up for Ruth, and so they couldn't go. I was rather disappointed, as I was looking forward to a reunion with all 4 of us. But then I got a brainstorm--I could go by myself!

I called Alice and asked if she had lunch plans (of course she didn't!) So I went to Marion and took her out to lunch. Then we went back to her house and talked. We had 25 years to catch up on! We had a great time, and I think she was very pleased that I had decided to come, even though the others couldn't. We'll have to plan a reunion some other time. (Unfortunately this blogger forgot to take her camara, so I have no pictures to post)

I've had several friends along the way that are very special. They would, and have, stood by me through good times and bad. True friendships, are developed over time or through common bonds or experiences. I think these friendships should be valued and treasured.

Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz...

Recently I had a mammogram that was questionable, so I had to go in for a needle biopsy. I knew in my heart that nothing is a surprise to the Lord, and that He had everything under control. But I must admit, that being sort of a worrier by nature, I really was concerned.

I got a call yesterday saying the biopsy was totally negative,nothing malignant or pre-malignant. I must say the first thing I did was just praise the Lord for once again blessing me with a good result. My brother Lowell had e-mailed me before the biopsy and reminded me that no matter what the outcome, Jehovah Jireh--The Lord Provides. I guess the major feeling I had was one of relief. I happened to think of that little Alka Seltzer commercial for some reason--Plop,plop,fizz,fizz oh what a relief it is! Thanks be to God for once again providing in a wonderful way.

How Great is our God!

When I wrote my blog yesterday, I had no idea that I would see a video today that would make such an impression on me. We watched a video in Sunday School class today titled "How great is our God" by Louie Giglio. I believe this man is a christian who has an extensive background in science. He showed us a picture taken by the Hubbel(sp)telescope of a galaxy 360 million light years away. He tried to help us put that in perspective but it's hard to get a handle on it. He then showed us 4 stars, created by the God of the universe, that are absolutely amazing. The first is the Sun. We don't realize how big it is. He compared the earth to a golf ball and said that an entire bus load of golf balls would fit in the Sun. He showed us 3 other stars, the largest of which is equivalent to 6 empire state buildings on top of each other. The earth (again comparing to earth to a golf ball) would cover the state of Texas 22 inches deep to be as large as that star. Even in our own galaxy, the earth is one of the smallest planets. Yet, no other star or planet can support life as we have it on earth. The earth is indeed a special planet.
He then read scriptures that tell how special we are to God--the same God that breathed out the stars(millions of them like the ones he discussed) and created this vast universe--He knows our name and everything about us! We are fearfully and wonderfully made. He described some of the amazing things that happen in the developing baby in the womb. He then told about an amazing protein adhesion molecule in our bodies. We have many of them, and they literally hold us together, they are the "glue" of the body. He showed us molecular diagram of this protein adhesion molecule--called laminin--and it is in the shape of a cross. It made what I believe will be a lasting impression on me, and I hope I will have a much better idea of just what a wonderful, big, great God we have!
(you can see parts of this video by googling Louie Giglio--he has about 3 short videos on u-tube (sp?)

Reflections and Resolutions

I finally took my Christmas tree down today and put away all the Christmas decorations. It seemed kind of sad, as I had really been enjoying the tree lights this year. However, as with all things, time marches on. As I reflected on this Christmas season, the one word that came to mind was "blessed". I feel so fortunate to have a wonderful christian family, great friends,and an absolutely wonderful husband. The greatest blessing of all is that our Lord and Saviour who came to earth on that first Christmas, also made the extreme sacrifice to die so that I might live with Him.
I've also reflected on the loved ones that are no longer with us, and although we miss them very much, especially at these special family times, I know that they are celebrating and rejoicing with the Lord Himself. What a wonderful hope we have in knowing that we will see them again!
As for resolutions: I haven't really made any New Year's resolutions. I would really like to focus on being a little more healthy and losing some weight, but sometimes I think if I write it as a resolution, it sets me up for failure. (that's probably just a really good excuse!) However, mostly this next year, I'm really going to ask the Lord to help me to be a blessing and an encouragement to those around me, and to be a testimony to those who don't yet know Him as Saviour. We can't control some of the situaions we may face this next year, but we know that our Lord will never fail us, and will be there for us in good times or bad. There is a phrase that we say often and it's so true: God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.

Food, Fun, Friends, and Family

On December 18th I left a cold, snowy Woodburn In. and flew to Oklahoma City. It was mid-50's and sunny for 3 of the days
that I was there. I go back to OKC about every 3 months or so
because my son still lives there, and I have some really good
friends that live there. On Friday night my good friends Bertie

Gray and Shirley Hill and I went to Mimi's Cafe. I love their
corn chowder! We had really good food and a good visit.

This is Shirley's home. (Her home is where I stayed for over

4 months when I broke my leg in Aug 2004) Her daughter Judy lives with her. Another very good friend, Jaquetta, came over on Saturday night. We had a delicious meal and exchanged gifts. We always have such a great time together. W laughed and laughed over the silliest things! Really fun!

I don't have any pictures of this, but I also went back to the

hospital where I worked (Oklahoma Spine Hospital. It so

happened that they were having their carry-in Christmas

lunch so I got to see everyone and visit, and of course eat a little too! They were such a great group of people to work with, and it's always fun to go back and see them.

Of course, one of the main reasons I go back to OKC is to
visit with my son. He lives in an apartment and sort of works

at a little store near where he lives. He hangs out at the store
and helps them; I think he just really likes some of the people
that work there. We went shopping and I got him some
clothes and stocked his apartment with food. He also went with
me to visit G-Ma Lavin. For the most part, he seems to be
doing quite well.

Grandma Lavin insisted on having us for a meal, so Tim,
Donnie and Gene Hill (cousins of mine and niece of G-Ma)

and I went to her home on Saturday for lunch. We had
spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. It was all very yummy!
Mother Lavin doesn't see very well any more, but she still

loves to paint pictures--she does really nice work. I gave her
some art supplies, and canvas and wood pieces to paint on. She
was really excited about them.

Mother Lavin is 85; she doesn't see well, and has a hearing aid,
and she says she is getting weaker all the time. But she has
always been a really neat lady, and we still really have fun on
our visits together.

Well, I don't know how this blog will look when it's posted, as it seems like sometimes they re-arrange things for me! However, I wanted to just share a little about my trip. I am so blessed to have wonderful family and such good friends. The Lord is

truly good!

(This is mother Lavin--Gloria) I guess my narrative didn't quite

match up with my pictures.

Christmas Questions--Favorites and Stuff

Brenda sent me these questions so thought I'd try to answer them. (She originally got them from Nicole.)
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for most but bags for odd shapes or when I'm in a hurry.

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial-still have to take time to string lights (it's an old tree!)

3. ? When do you put up the tree ? Usually try to have it up by the weekend after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually on New Year's Day.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes; I especially like eggnog flavored ice cream.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Sad to say, but I don't honestly remember.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? A couple very small ones; One is from Haiti

8. Hardest person to buy for? Lynn; his family is used to telling family members what they want for Christmas, and then it is really no surprise-they get what they asked for. I like surprises!

9. Easiest person to buy for? My very good friends, Shirley and Judy

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

I tend to get things I don't really like from one of my first husband's relatives; ( I don't think they blog) It's not that these things aren't nice, but it's things I would probably never use-like a flame snuffer for candles-I just blow them out!

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? I really enjoy getting Christmas cards, so I mail them.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A lot of them are my favorites; I like some of the newer Christian-based ones that have come out-The Christmas Card, Christmas Shoes, etc.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Ideally, around October, but that usually never happens. This year I did start around the end of October, as I have adopted 12 "grandchildren" this year.

14. Have you ever re-cycled a Christmas gift? Yes. Once I think I even gave it back to the person who gave it to me!

15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas? Home-made cookies or candy; pumpkin roll

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I much prefer colored.

17. Favorite Christmas songs? I love most of them. I listen to Christmas music from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I really like the Hallelujah Chorus; there's a fun one that Lowell sings, and for the life of me I can't think of the name of it. ( I even help him sing it)

18. Travel for Christmas or stay home? We usually stay home. Our family gatherings are not actually on Christmas.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes I can. (You'll just have to trust me on this one.)

20. Angel on the top of the tree or a star? I have always had a star.

21. Open presents Christmas eve or Christmas morning? Usually Christmas eve. I sometimes have to work Christmas Day, which is the case this year.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? I don't know if it's annoying, but it's sad that so many people don't celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, because they don't know Christ personally. It's also sad thinking about family members who are no longer with us to celebrate-but they are celebrating with the Lord Himself!

23. What I love most about Christmas? Getting together with family, the Christmas music, the special programs at church, etc. There's not much I don't like. (except maybe the traffic.)

24. Do you believe in Santa Claus? I like the spirit that comes with Santa Claus-the elements of fun, surprise, anticipation, etc.

Christmas's Past

I put up my Christmas tree last Sunday. As I was deciding what ornaments to put on it, I was looking at all the "home-made" ornaments my kids made (many years ago!) and other ornaments that are way past their prime. I was wondering why I didn't just throw them away. Then I was reading through my "Christmas Ideals" magazine and saw this poem. I thought it was appropriate.

Christmas Angel

Half of me wants to throw away

This angel with damaged wings,

Stored in the attic at Yuletide's end

With leftover Christmas things.

Half of me sees that the gold on her robe

Is tarnished beyond repair,

And obviously the sheen is gone

From her halo-crowned, golden hair.

But half of me treasures the memories

That crowd in as I hold her near,

Memories of all the joys she has seen

From her treetop year after year.

So, I climbed the ladder, and put her there

In what is her rightful place,

Forgetting the injuries the years have brought--

She still has her angel face.

Though the glow she once had

Through the years may depart,

She retains, as always, her hold on the heart.