Laurinda Wallace's Blog, page 4

Accountable--Who Needs It?

Accountability is one of those words we avoid. It's downright uncomfortable and we tend to become instantly defensive. It's kind of like using "budget" in a sentence. Both of these words have negative connotations, but both are in reality good. Everyone has a budget--some are bigger than others, but we all have financial limits.

Accountability is everywhere in the work world, from a timesheet to using the company credit card. As believers we need to be accountable for the life we live. The word is defined as the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable. (dictionary.com) Humans don't like to answer for their actions. Watch the news and see how people work so hard to squirm out of being responsible for their own behavior. Accountability is living a transparent life, one full of God's light shining unhindered to a very dark world.

Everyone will stand before God one day and give an account of his or her life. Romans 14:12 says, "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." As Christians, we will give Him an answer about what we've done for Christ. We won't answer for the sins we've committed; they are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. But we will answer for how we've lived as Christians.

Paul's letter to the Corinthian church comes to mind in 1 Cor. 3:11-13.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.

Life is full of choices--opportunities to do good, do evil, or do nothing at all. Lest you think that doing nothing might be the safest route, here's what James has to say about that:

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:17.

It's hard to stay encouraged and live as we should. Many Christians like to keep one foot in the world and one in the church. The lure of what the world offers snares us --making more money, having more stuff, being popular, focusing on entertainers' lifestyles rather than the way Jesus lived, and the ever popular "everyone else is doing it" keep us from walking with our Savior.

If you're serious about "laying up treasure in heaven," an accountability partner is invaluable in staying focused and committed. Charles Stanley warns us "Among the Christians you know, do you have even one relationship that involves praying together, transparency, counseling each other, and mutual encouragement? If not, you may be headed toward spiritual stagnation or disaster."

The reason is two-fold. Satan certainly wants to render believers ineffective and we are drawn away and enticed by daily temptations. Some very special women have been accountability partners in different seasons of my life. The mutual encouragement and counsel we shared are treasured times.
We were designed to do life together--to help carry each others burdens, pray for one another, ask the hard questions so that the account we give to Jesus on that Day will be one that is full of joy.

Crates are Great-Why Dogs Need Crate Training

If you're a new puppy owner and don't have a crate, you don't have all the tools necessary to train your dog. The crate isn't about punishment; it's about a safe place for that four-footed ball of fur with the wagging tail. 

Here's why you need a crate:

1. Dogs naturally love a den and the crate can provide that space of comfort and safety for the new addition to the family.
2. A crate will help you housetrain the new puppy with less stress on you and the dog.
3. It's a safe place for napping and getting away from the bustle of the household. (No--not you, the puppy.) Puppies are babies and need their rest.
4. A crate-trained dog will travel better whether in the car or in the air.

Here's how to start crate training your new puppy:

1. Purchase a crate that comfortably accommodates your dog at his anticipated adult size.  If you're bringing home an 8-week old Labrador, don't purchase a small crate that fits him this week. Puppies grow quickly, so purchase once and get one that will accommodate him when he's 80 pounds. You may want to block one end of the crate if you need to get an especially large one.  

2. The puppy or dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the crate.

2. An old towel works wells on the floor of the crate until the puppy is housetrained. Provide one or two toys and let the puppy find the way in and out without the door being shut. Don't force the puppy into the area. Puppies are naturally curious and will want to explore. Positive reinforcement always. Happy puppy and happy owner. On the flip side, don't let the puppy out merely because he's whining and barking. He'll learn that if he makes noise, instant freedom is the result.

3. Dogs don't like to soil their sleeping area, so the crate is an essential tool to successful housetraining. A regular schedule is a must. Young puppies simply do not have the control to "hold it" for hours.  Here's the schedule provided by www.dogbreedinfo.com



6 weeks—elimination every hour
2 months—pup should have 2 to 3 hours of control
3 months—4 hours
4 months and up—5 hours
Many young dogs can go all night at 3 months.

4. Feed the puppy at regular times and take her out right after eating. Lots of praise when she does all her "business" outside and then give her some playtime before returning inside.

5. Dogs shouldn't be crated for hours on end. The crate is for sleeping and when you can't watch her. Phone call or someone comes to the door? It's crate time for the puppy until you are able to supervise the furball again. More frustration with puppies happens when they are unsupervised. Chewing, peeing, pooping, and eating random things are all some of the problems that come with a puppy left to her own devices. Think of it as the playpen. You certainly wouldn't leave a toddler unsupervised with run of the house. Too many bad things can happen within minutes, even seconds. It's the same with puppies. 

6. It's recommended that you keep the crate in your bedroom while the pup is young and has to go out in the night. Yup, that's right. You will have to get up and take her out. In a few short weeks, you'll find that most are able to sleep through the night with no accidents. 

Our old Lab still loves to sleep in his crate which is in the garage. He traveled across the U.S. in the back of our Jeep Liberty in the same crate. He was just over a year old then, with tons of energy. He was more settled and I knew he was safely contained while we were on the road for that long four day trip. These days, the door is always open so he can come and go as he pleases. Your dog should feel the same way about his or her crate. A lifelong friendship with the crate is desirable.

For more info on crate training try these links: 
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cratetraining.htm  
http://www.perfectpaws.com/crt.html

Flying with your dog? Airlines have their specific rules, so be sure to talk with your airline before the trip. For general information on flying with your four-footed companion check out:  http://www.bringfido.com/travel/us_regulations/.

Casting Your Care

God knows us so well. We're anxious, fearful people--ever worrying about life. No wonder  He says, "don't be afraid," over 300 times in Scripture. I did a little research on anxiety and it's everywhere. The Anxiety and Depression Assoc. of America reports that over 40 million adults in the U.S. struggle with some sort of anxiety disorder. From occasional bouts of worry to debilitating lifestyles of fear, worry often accompanied by depression permeates our culture. Christians are not immune. 

We toss and turn in our beds, minds fully engaged and sleep elusive. God says, "Trust Me and don't worry. Tell Me everything that's bothering you. I will take care of you." But do we believe Him? 

Richard Foster in his book, Freedom of Simplicity says "The pressing question today is not, "Is there a God?" but "What kind of God is there?" Is God cruel or is He good? In short, can He be trusted?"

Anxiety has trapped me from time to time. Fear about money, illness, travel, jobs, family situations--you name it, I've worried about it. Sleepless nights, irritation with everything and everyone are only some of my responses to worry. It's not a good place to live, nor is it pleasant for those around me. 

Most of the things we fear, never happen. But we think they might and so we're caught in the spider's web of "what if." David Jeremiah asks in his book, What Are You Afraid Of? 

"What immobilizes you? What is stealing your joy and destroying your hope? What keeps you from giving your life wholly to a loving God who wants nothing but the the best for you?"

At the end of the day for the Christian it boils down to whether we believe God is for us. He has already told us that life is tough. There are challenges every day. We live in uncertain times just as our grandparents did, and their grandparents before them. Will we trust Him to take care of us and our families?

Jesus tells in the Gospel of Matthew--

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.  Matthew 6:31-34

I don't want to live an anxious life. You probably don't either. God promises to be with us every moment of every day. He is for us, working for our good in every situation. He will give us everything we need. He is everything we need. I am constantly learning He is sufficient, He is trustworthy, and He loves me more than I can imagine. His Word is full of assurances of these very things. I encourage you to find them and commit them to memory. I can tell you that His words will push out the fearful thoughts that so easily spiral out of control.
And I'm grateful for old hymns that help me sing those truths. 
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed!

Jesus I am resting, resting, in the joy of what thou art. I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.

Western Flavors

Every region in the U.S. has its own unique flora and flavors, and the Southwest is no exception. You won't find strawberries and tomatoes growing without a lot of assistance in the high desert. But there are native fruits and vegetables that are surprisingly tasty and have the stamina to thrive in tough Arizona soil.

Tomatillos (pronounced toe-ma-tee-yos) are small green fruits that look like little tomatoes--hence their Spanish name tomatillo. A member of the nightshade family, it's a near relative of the Cape gooseberry. It's also called a husk tomato because the fruit is wrapped in an inedible husk that browns as the fruit ripens. The tomatillo has a high pectin content making it suitable for preserves. The fruit has a bright, rather sour flavor and is used in salsa verde. Tomatillos grow wild on the roadsides near Casa Wallace. I haven't harvested any since wild plants produce tiny fruits but salsa verde is great. Here's a link to a recipe for making your own with fresh tomatillos: Salsa Verde

Jicama (pronounced he-ka-ma), is a tuber and another native of the Southwest. It's also called the Mexican yam or potato. A large whitish root vegetable that's delicious raw, it has a somewhat sweet flavor and a nice crunch. The jicama vine is poisonous as are the seed pods. You'll find jicama used as extra crunch in salads, or in soups. The vegetable is also used in Asian cooking, showing up in stir-fries.

Prickly Pear - Cactus abound in the Southwest as everyone knows. The fruit of the ubiquitous prickly pear makes a wonderful jewel-colored jelly. It's a ton of work, and fortunately a co-worker gifted a jar to me, so I was spared the labor. The jelly has a clean citrusy flavor that's great on toast or with peanut butter. The "pears" are called tunas in Mexico and the link below will show you the process of preparing them.  Gloves are involved since the tunas have thorns. The paddles and juice of the cactus are edible too, making it an all purpose plant. Click here for more on the prickly pear.

Mesquite (pronounced mess-keet) trees are everywhere in Arizona. The tree is as tough as nails and can withstand just about anything. I'm sure the roots of the mesquite go all the way to China. Not only can you smoke meats with the wood, but the seed pods can be ground into flour. We harvested the pods from several of our trees last summer and had them ground into flour at the local farmers market in October. The flour is gluten-free and has a high sugar content. Used sparing in your baking, it adds a nutty flavor to muffins and pancakes. If you use too much, baked goods will burn before they're done. The flavor is strong and can overpower other flavors easily, so the less is more approach is wise. Check out my blog from October to see the process.

Chile peppers come in all sizes and heat variations. Poblanos are fairly mild and roast up great on the grill. Cheese and chiles were made for each other. While bell peppers can wither in the heat, chiles tolerate it and we even had a few volunteer chiles appear by our front door in November. They actually produced a couple of peppers in the cold of January. There's nothing like the smell of roasting chiles in the huge drums rotated over the fire at the farmers market. Chile rellenos are one of my favorites. Here's the link to The Pioneer Woman's easy recipe.

If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, a Southwest culinary adventure might be just the ticket.

Taking Care of Your Older Dog

If your dog is getting gray on his or her muzzle and is over seven years old, you've got a senior canine in the house. Just like us, there are signs that age is creeping up on them.  Joints may be stiff, hearing and eyesight may decline. Older dogs may lose some of that keen sense of smell and not be as interested in their kibble.

A dog's lifespan is dependent on breed and size. Usually extra large dogs have a shorter time with us, such as Great Danes. The expected lifespan is 6-8 years for them. Other large breed dogs may live to age 10. The little guys, especially terriers may see 16 though, so be aware of what is typical for your breed.

Just as you paid special attention to that puppy, now is the time for a little extra care for your aging dog. Here are some ways to make sure your dog is enjoying his old age.

1.  Regular vet check ups and immunizations. Preventative care and early detection of problems are important, just as it is for us.

2.  Older dogs still need walks and play times. They may be a little more sedate, but they need exercise. So enjoy your calmer senior dog that may not yank your arm on the leash now. And throw the ball a few times if she still enjoys it.

3. A dog may start to pack on the pounds in the senior years, so pay attention to how much and what you're feeding. A senior formulated dog food may be just the thing, with lower fat and more fiber. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? There are also foods with glucosamine/chrondrotin already in them, which may help with joint issues. Our older Labrador hates supplements and medication-no matter what flavor, so food with these supplements already in it saves a lot of hassle. An overweight dog is unhealthy. It's more stress on the joints and heart. That also sounds familiar.

4.  Heat and cold may affect your dog more severely at this stage of life. If your dog is outside during the day, make sure there is shelter from sun and cold. During extreme cold temps - teens and below, all dogs should be kept inside. In extreme heat, plenty of water and a comfy, shaded shelter are necessary.

5. Pay attention to changes in habits. If your dog doesn't seem to hear commands, he may have some hearing loss. The same with eyesight. It's possible for dogs to get cataracts that will impair their vision, but a common occurrence is nuclear sclerosis which is a discoloration of the eye. Dental health is important. Incontinence and loss of bowel control should be reported to your vet. And dementia is possible. If in doubt, have your vet check it out.

6.  Senior dog accessories can make life more pleasant. Orthopedic foam beds, higher feeding dishes, steps to get into vehicles or your bed are a few of the products that can help the aging dog.

Clancy hiking along the San Pedro River.7. Be realistic about the dog's life expectancy. This is the hardest decision many of us will make. I know, I've had to make that decision. When is it time to say goodbye to your four-legged companion? Even if you have scads of money for treatments, consider the quality of life for the dog. It's not about us at that point, it's about what's really best for the animal. Work with your vet to determine when the dog is suffering. You don't want your faithful old buddy to suffer unnecessarily.

There's a lot to be said for old dogs. They're calmer, and love to hang out with you. Our dog, Clancy is 11 and in good health. His step is a little slower, but he still loves to go for walks, he plays "chase me because I've got your shoe in my mouth", and begs for treats. He needs a little help getting into the truck, and he barks at non-existent visitors. His hiking days are over--that happened about a year ago. He's always glad to see me, is ready to go for a walk or a ride, or sleep at my feet. Napping is his main activity. He does watch the time and lets my husband know when it's 9:00 p.m. and the last walk of the day. But, he has no idea that glucosamine is in his food. We'll keep it that way.

Four Ways to Improve Your Pastor

Management expert, the late Peter Drucker once observed that the four most difficult jobs were: President of the United States, a university president, hospital administrator, and you guessed it--pastor of a church. I can hear some of you saying "Are you kidding? He only works on Sundays." 
Well, that's not quite true, is it? The research shows that pastors are burned out, prone to moral failure (and not just sexual), and their marriages are often troubled. Who in their right mind would want to be a pastor? It's a tough gig, and God most definitely needs to call you to the pulpit. It's not for the faint of heart or the thin skinned. 
There's also this warning from James: Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. James 3:1 NLT  
The job is 24/7/365, shepherding the flock of human sheep who, if we're honest, aren't great at following. The church is full of critics and usually the most severe criticism is directed at the pastor. The average pastoral tenure is less than four years. That's a high turnover rate and who wants to sit on a pastoral search committee? Since it's hard to replace pastors, how can we improve and keep the ones we have?  Here are four ways we can start today.
1.  Pray for your pastor regularly, try daily.  I don't mean "God bless the pastor and please let him finally have a good sermon this week." I mean get serious about praying for the pastor, Pray for his health-emotional, physical, and spiritual. Pray for strength, wisdom, the ability to resist temptation, leadership skills, etc. Pray for his wife and kids. They have a tough job too and have the same struggles we all do.
2.  Don't whine about church "stuff" on Sunday morning.  As one who's been in church leadership for a lot of years, there's nothing worse than a church member who must complain about the music, the carpet, the temperature, or that someone is sitting in his or her special pew right before the worship service begins.  Really? That's what's on your mind on Sunday morning? Nothing will take the wind out of any church leader's sails quicker than a Sunday morning complainer.This includes your Sunday school teacher and worship leader. I double dog dare you to say something encouraging to your pastor if you must say anything. If the carpet is such a distraction, call the church office on Monday and make an appointment to talk about it. Bring your checkbook too. I have a feeling when Monday rolls around it may not be such a big deal.
3. Support your pastor. By this I mean show up if you've volunteered for a workday, or to teach, usher, serve in the nursery. Don't be the person who "forgets" the commitment, or calls his cell phone 15 minutes before a service to say you won't be there because you have a hangnail. Be quick to speak positively and steer conversation away from a sermon critique at church, and in the car on the way home. Both my grandfathers were pastors and one wryly commented that most parishioners had roast preacher for Sunday dinner. Don't let that be the entree at your table.
4. Express your support and love. A card, an encouraging phone call, babysitting the kids, so he can take his wife out. What would you like someone to do for you? Do it for your pastor. 
Paul warned the young pastor, Timothy of the hardships in the pastorate. There are plenty of teachers/pastors who eagerly tell us what we want to hear. If you have a faithful pastor who preaches the Truth of God's Word, be grateful and show it.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT
The Apostle John expressed a pastor's/teacher's greatest joy in his third epistle.

I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. 3 John 1:4 NLT

Improving our pastors has everything with making a change in us.God takes care of the rest. Follow the truth, brothers and sisters as we begin the journey of 2014.

A Moving Christmas

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of talking to the ladies of our church about that first Christmas. Our little group is going through a lot of changes--mostly moves. People we dearly love are moving away and things are changing. All things we don't like at Christmas. I like my family around, lots of comfort food, and time to slow to a crawl. That's a perfect Christmas - savoring the moments and doing everything the way we've always done it. I think most of us want the familiar traditions of home and hearth for the holidays.

But the first Christmas was nothing like that. A very pregnant Mary was enduring an uncomfortable three or four day trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I can't imagine riding a donkey or even walking 70 miles while nine months pregnant. She and Joseph were obeying orders from Caesar Augustus. A decree had gone out for people to return to their hometowns for a census and to pay taxes.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. Luke 2:4

That wonderful night when Jesus was born, shepherds who were outside of Bethlehem got startling news from a sudden appearance of angels in the night sky to leave their sheep and go see the long-awaited Messiah. The journey wasn't far, and they wasted no time in finding the lowly stable and the baby lying in swaddling clothes in the manger.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:15-16

There were the Magi (the wise men) who had studied the Scriptures and were watching the skies for the very special star, which they found. Without hesitation they loaded up their camels and headed out to follow that star for probably over a year before they found Mary, Joseph, and the very young Jesus in Bethlehem. They weren't sure where they'd end up or how long it would take, but they came prepared with gifts for the King of Kings. They took a real step of faith.

...they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9

The one who made the longest trip of all was Jesus himself. He willingly left heaven's glory and became flesh and blood, man yet God --Emmanuel, God with Us. The Son of God humbled himself to walk in this world, showing us how to live, and laying down His life to save us from our sins.

Who,(Jesus) being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!           Philippians 2:6-8

None of these moves were about comfort or tradition. They were in fact downright uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even dangerous. But the common thread is obedience which ultimately displayed God's plan for the best move of all--the way to heaven to live with Him forever. When God is getting ready to do a great thing, He starts moving people. Each person that experienced the first Christmas had to step out of his or her comfort zone, trust God, and change locations.

Things to ponder as the New Year approaches.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

All I Want for Christmas

A Christmas short story for my faithful readers. Did you ever peek at the presents before Christmas? Here's one boy's misadventure about that very topic.

The packages have been arriving in the mail almost everyday. There was one that came today from Grandpa and Grandma Harding that Mom whisked upstairs to her secret closet.  We're not supposed to go anywhere near the secret closet starting the week of Thanksgiving. But it's not really a secret since my brother and sister and I know where it is. In the hallway between Mom and Dad's bedroom and my brother, Jerry's room is a closet with a special lock at the top of the door. I can't reach it and neither can Jerry or my sister, Darla. My hand can just brush the bottom of the deadbolt if I stand on tiptoes, but I'm not tall enough to pull it back. Not yet, but maybe next year.

I wish I could open that door to see what's really in there. Mom says peeking will ruin Christmas. What? How could knowing ahead of time ruin anything? If I don't get what I asked for...now that'll ruin Christmas morning for sure.  There's this really great race car set that I've wanted forever. It wasn't under the tree last year, and I asked Dad for it again weeks ago. He got a funny look on his face and rubbed his whiskers like he was thinking it over. He gave me the same old answer. "We'll have to see what Santa brings you."

Santa? Do they think I'm dumb? The presents are already in the secret closet. Mom took some shopping bags upstairs last week. Nothing looked big enough for the box the race car set would be in though. I'm probably not getting it again. But, that's all I want. Why can't I have it? It isn't fair. Jerry and Darla got what they wanted last year. Jerry got a dumb dinosaur that roars and Darla got the Barbie Dream Castle--a hunk of ugly pink plastic. I got a robot. It was OK. Maybe it's time to come up with a plan to see if my Christmas is ruined or not.

Mom had Christmas music on and the house smelled like gingerbread--my favorite. There were already some frosted gingerbread men piled up on a her special cookie plate. She said "Donny, you can have two," so I grabbed them and sat in the big chair by our huge Christmas tree in the living room eating and thinking. Gingerbread cookies must be good for thinking because I came up with a plan to get into the closet right away. I'd have to keep Jerry and Darla from seeing me, otherwise they'd tell on me for sure. They were always following me around, except for right now. Where were they?  I checked each room looking for them. Finally, I went back to the kitchen and asked Mom. She said they were at practice for the Christmas program at church. That's right--the Christmas play was next week. It was the first year I didn't have to go. The little kids Christmas program was for kids who were younger than nine. I was tired of being a shepherd anyway. I'd been one every year since I was three.

Then Mom said she was going outside to get the mail. She already had a jacket on. Here was my chance! Dashing up the stairs, I got the red wooden stool from the bathroom. Darla still stands on it to brush her teeth. It had to be tall enough. It was so easy! Why hadn't I thought of this before? I ran to my bedroom window to see if Mom was still outside. She was, and old Mrs. Gardener was talking to her. They'd be out there forever. Dad calls her Mrs. Gabby Gardener because she talks a lot. I can't ever understand what she's talking about. A lot of stuff about when she was a kid, I guess.

Well, anyway I shoved the stool in front of the secret closet door. The stool made me tall enough to slide the bolt back and then I was standing in front of piles of boxes and bags stuffed in between old coats hanging on a pole. There was a doll for Darla--it figured. I pulled a game out of a big bag. It looked kinda interesting. I pushed it back behind the coats. There was a bag with pajamas, and some candy. More girl stuff for Darla. Why did she get so much? Nothing--no race cars. Then I looked up. The two shelves above the rod where the coats hung had lots more boxes. There was the one that had come from Grandpa and Grandma. But that wasn't big enough.  I put the stool inside the closet to get a better look.  There was a bag--a really big bag with something really big in it on the top shelf. It could be the race car set. I stood on my tiptoes on the edge of the stool. If I could just reach the bag to look inside.

But then it happened. I tipped and grabbed the edge of the bag to catch my balance. The bag came crashing down on my head and I fell into the coats, knocking bags and boxes everywhere. I felt something trickle from my nose and when I swiped my finger under my nose, it was blood. My shirt sleeve took care of that problem. The bigger problem was the mess of packages that had tumbled into the hallway. The front door hadn't slammed, so I might still be OK. It's a good thing I'm nine and pretty strong because I got all those packages put back in the closet. I couldn't get the big bag on the top shelf though, so I shoved it behind the coats and shut the door...very quietly.

Then I pushed the bolt through those little hoops and locked the door. The bad part was that my nose was still bleeding and I had to wipe it  on my shirt again. I sat on my bed wishing that it would stop. Some Kleenex from the bathroom helped when I stuffed it up my nose. The front door opened--Mom was back in the house.

She called for me, but I couldn't go downstairs with blood on my shirt. So I answered that I was busy doing homework. Then she asked if I was sick. I hollered "no" and pulled off my shirt. I took another one out of the dresser drawer and hid the bloody one under the bed. Carefully, I pulled out the Kleenex. No blood. Good! But then, I remembered. Oh no! The stool was still in the hall. If she didn't come upstairs, I could sneak it back to the bathroom.  Tiptoeing like a Ninja, I picked it up and put it back---everything was OK.

Then I realized, I'd never looked in the bag. It had been for nothing. How dumb! But I hadn't gotten caught. Maybe doing my homework was a good idea after all. And waiting for Christmas might be OK. Maybe a really smart thing, even if there wasn't any race car set.


Merry Christmas Readers! Thank you for stopping by SimplyLife in 2013.  Don't forget to watch for the release of the next Gracie Andersen mystery, By the Book in early 2014.
P.S. Donny did get his race car set.

The Christmas Miracles

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke tell of the miraculous circumstances and birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I never tire of reading about the angel visiting Mary, Joseph, and Zacharias. Or of the verses about the shepherds being scared out of their wits by an angel invasion, and taking off for Bethlehem to verify the angel's proclamation. And of course the passage about the wisemen heeding the angel's warning in a dream, sneaking out of Judea by an alternate route. Read the first couple of chapters in Luke and Matthew to see for yourself.

AustinMiracles do happen during the Christmas season, although technically Jesus was most likely born sometime in September. This year marks six years since our own early Christmas miracle, which was actually a double miracle. Our grandsons turn six this week. And yes, the birth of a baby is always a miraculous thing, but quite frankly these boys are exceptional miracles.  Because of Twin-to-Twin Tranfusion Syndrome they were born eight weeks early, Austin under three pounds and Brayden just over four pounds. Our daughter had spent six weeks on bedrest in the hospital alternating between having labor stopped or amino fluid reductions over that time. Two days shy of 32 weeks they were delivered by emergency C-section. Breathing and heart issues were some of the most immediate problems. The doctors gave our daughter and son-in-law bleak news on what outcomes were possible--significant physical and mental disabilities or worse. Those tiny boys in their incubators hooked up to all sorts of machines were even too fragile to hold.

BraydenThe next few months were a roller coaster of emotions and health issues as the boys struggled to get well. Brayden came home after four weeks and continued to progress, although reflux and apnea were concerns. Austin languished in the NICU, diagnosed with chronic lung disease, severe reflux, a hernia, and then MRSA. It seemed like there was a new complication every day.

During that time, we learned about the power of prayer from a network of family, friends, and strangers literally from around the world, who prayed for the health of the boys. God  worked in each of our lives strengthening our faith and giving extraordinary grace. The prayers of so many were answered graciously, miraculously, but in God's time.



May, 2013I was finally able to hold Austin in the NICU and feed him a bottle for the first time at the end of February, 2008. His big bright eyes locked onto mine as he ate. I marveled that he was getting better--finally. He would go home in the next week after three months in the hospital, although he would be on oxygen until he was eight months old and suffer with painful reflux until he was two.

Today, you'd never know (except Austin is a touch smaller than Brayden) that they ever had any health issues. They're healthy, happy, bright, and naughty little boys with no ill effects from such a traumatic entrance into the world. They started Kindergarten in August and as you might expect, the school hasn't been the same since they arrived.

I am reminded of Matthew 19:26 whenever I see their smiling faces.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible."

For more information on TTTS, please visit the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation.

Offering a Hand of Hope

I caught up with a childhood friend recently who's been giving back in a whole new way. Rather than writing a check, she's been on flights to Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Africa to offer the gift of her time, resources, and nursing skills. 
My friend, Gail and I grew up in a small country church, singing duets for special music on Sunday mornings. When missionaries visited, it was a big event. After the slideshow of the work in that exotic, foreign country, we'd rush back to the table where pottery, toys, and other curiosities would be on display. Going to the mission field seemed to be the height of adventure and one that was totally out of reach. That was then. 
Gail in the middleGail, who's an RN discovered that foreign mission work isn't out of reach at all. In 2009, she made a short-term mission trip to Mozambique with Children's Relief International. Due to government regulations, Gail wasn't able to use her nursing skills on that trip, but it gave her a taste for what missions was all about. It sparked a love for Africa and a passion to serve, which has led to four more excursions. 
Her latest was to Ethiopia where she was in charge of the pharmacy.  The trip was through Hand of Hope which organizes short-term medical outreaches to needy areas around the world. Gail was part of a 30 member team that put their faith into action, offering medical and dental treatment. Ethiopia has been ravaged by famine and the people suffer from the lack of basic nutrition and daily needs. Over the course of five days, more than 12,000 medications were dispensed from the clinic's pharmacy. Seven Ethiopian pharmacists and three RN's from Hand of Hope staffed the pharmacy. Not only were the people's medical needs addressed, but the gospel was presented, offering hope for the spiritual needs as well.  Gail tells me that 475 responded to the invitation to accept Christ and local pastors were tasked with the follow up for these new believers.
What's in it for Gail? Is it just a "feel good" experience? Not at all. Gail has learned a lot over the last few years. Her heart has been captured by the people of East Africa and she can't wait for the next trip.
"I love the country and the people. They have nothing in material wealth, but are happy. Their worship is AMAZING! I go to serve God and provide the people with help, and always come back blessed."
She's seeing God at work in amazing ways. She says, "When 30 strangers can come together and work as a team, only God can make that happen. This last trip ran so smooth. You would think we had been working together for years."  
Friendships are formed with people from around the world. And even after long days of giving injections and dispensing medications, the team doesn't quit. A worship service breaks out with dancing and singing before the day ends. 
Most of us are familiar with the Scripture-- But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it...So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29,31. That Scripture was proved when Gail was helping with a tiny baby who was getting an injection of Rocephin, an antibiotic. When they asked the mother how old the baby was, she told them 10 months. Deeply concerned, the nurses consulted with Pat Bradley, head of International Crisis Aid which partners with Hand of Hope in Ethiopia. Their feeding programs have saved many lives. Although Pat knew the baby had been identified for the feeding program, no record could be found. It was taken care of on the spot. The baby was days away from starving to death, but this little one wasn't overlooked. God was at work in correcting the paperwork. 
Gail can't wait for the next opportunity to serve. Her advice for those who may be thinking about short term missions is this:
1.  Pray about it.2.  Talk to others who've already done it.3.  If God is leading you--don't hesitate. Just do it.
It brings to mind this from Matthew 10:42:  Jesus said, "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
Who knows what wonderful things we'll see God do when we take that step of faith into service, whether it's at home or far away? Gail isn't wondering anymore; she's experiencing God at work through her hands of hope. 
My thanks to Gail Beardsley for sharing her missions experience with SimplyLife.