It's Official! She's a Nurse

Meet my daughter-in-love, Michelle. If you think she's looking excited here, you are correct. In this photo, Michelle is just about to receive her "pin" from Metro College for successfully completing their LPN program. She has every right to be excited. She put in long hours of studying and practicing medicine both in the classroom and in various hospitals throughout the Omaha area in addition to working! Way to go girl! You did it, with a lot of help from the Heavenly Father. We're so proud of you, and looking forward to the road ahead.

In typical "God fashion," all of her cards had pictures on or emphasized stars. Here's the verse that speaks about Michelle (and you, too, if you're a believer!):
Phillipians 2:15: "...so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."
I present to you ONE SHINING STAR!

She's HERE!

Little Johanna Mae arrived September 24th, just on schedule. (Okay, she was a little early in the worldly time, but just perfect according to God's timetable. How does He do that, by the way??) I just spent ten wonderful days holding and cuddling the little "slug," as we affectionately called her ('cause she slept all the time-- 'cept at night!) and attending to Mom and Dad's needs so they could try to relax and get used to life as a "three-some." My favorite part during those ten days? Hmmm...kissing her head and praying over her. I can't wait to see what God has planned for Johanna!

still not worrying?

If I didn't know better, I'd say that God was allowing way too much in my life. But I'm choosing to not complain or worry. Still, let me recount the things that I've been facing since my return from two summer mission trips:
1. Father-in-law had surgery the day after I returned...husband went out of town, so I took him home following the "outpatient" surgery (at age 86). We returned to the hospital by ambulance that afternoon.
2. Father-in-law had two other hospitalizations and numerous trips to the e.r. Praise God, he has recovered and is doing well now.
3. Daughter Rebecca had possible complications with pregnancy that could have resulted in death to the baby. Praise God the test was negative.
4. Brother Jim had serious open-heart surgery (two valves and aorta repair). Praise God again, he just arrived home after a short six-day hospital stay.
5. Mother (age 84) extremely worried about her son's surgery. Am visiting with her in Wisconsin right now. Praise God, she seems to be doing well despite the stress.
6. Daughter Maribeth has possible H1N1, or an infection. Will this interfere with our trip to Nashville for the birth? Praising God even though we don't know the answer. It will all work out according to His perfect plan.

Conclusion: no worries.

Fighting for this child

Dear God,
It's my first granddaughter. I know You know. And I know You know her and love her more than I or her parents could ever. Lord, like You have reminded me in the last week, be a shield around her. Protect her from harm and bring her safely to this world. Keep her mom safe, too, and help her not to be afraid in the midst of the uncertainty. Abba, in spite of everything we see with our eyes and hear with our ears, we are going to trust You and You only. You have a perfect plan. Thank you for hearing this soon-to-be Nana in Jesus' name. Amen.

Puppet Musings

I love puppets! This is me with "little girl." (Her name changes with the Bible stories.) Interesting, isn't it, how her expression and mine can look so similar. What's up with that? I guess it's called, "getting into character." I can pretend to be someone else: a person from Canada (eh?), or the South (you'all), or even Moses ("God? Is that you??")! I make people smile, or even laugh out loud. I can 'preach a sermon' without putting my listeners to sleep. Ha! In Big Trout Lake, I sometimes even have a minute or two where kids pay attention to what I say. My favorite thing about being a puppet is the freedom to ad lib. What freedom there is to say what comes to mind...after praying for God to speak through me. Then, if what I say is good, it's all God. If not...it was the puppet speaking!

Northwoods - Year No. 8

This is the beautiful northwoods of Kitchenuhmaykoosib (Big Trout Lake). The LAMP team encountered lots of rain and mud, but we had a great time teaching Bible School and running into people whom God had desired for us to minister to. The team learned a lot about life in the North and even more about ourselves and each other. I continue to maintain that He "delights in every detail of my life," (even the ones I don't understand.) Life on this beautiful land is hard. The battle is real. But GOD is faithful, and He hears the cries of His people (and those standing in the gap).

Every Detail

I just returned from a week in the beautiful area of Hazelton, British Columbia. What a blessing to be there, not only to enjoy God's creation all around me, but to spend time with more than 100 wonderful volunteers working with LAMP, Canada. Over and over I was reminded that the battle is not ours, but God's. I was amazed to see how He works everything out for His good and His glory. Psalm 37:23 says, "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." If I had the time, I would write for you every detail of this awesome trip so you could see that this is true! But alas, I'm off on Thursday to Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug...pray that I continue to remember that the battle's not mine.

Spring? July?

It's spring in Portland. (These are dogwood flowers.) It's just so weird that the blooms would come soooo much later than our warm midwest, if...if...we could even grow the darn things! Last week was my first visit to Oregon, but hopefully not my last. I was in a convention center for the 3 days I was there, but would love to return again some day. I love the huge trees! In fact, my friends and I were walking to a hotel, and I found myself stopping under a gigantic evergreen (later identified to me as the Lebanon Cedar). I stared up into the enormous branches, just trying to get a handle on how this tree could possibly grow so large right next to a building. Massive! Not seen here in Omaha Nebraska, that's for sure. This week I'm preparing for the first of two back-to-back mission trips to Canada. Saturday I leave for Smithers, then Hazelton, BC, where my friend and I will spend the week with LAMP teams teaching VBS and spending time with youth through sports programs. With all that's been going on this week, I had to remind myself that my God knows "when I sit and when I rise" (among other things, like everything about me!). I sure needed to hear that today. He's got in handled. Ha, yeah, that's right: the battle's not mine!

Toys from God

Wow! I am amazed by the "coincidences" that God orchestrates. So my flight to Portland was delayed due to a jump seat repair issue. We sat on the tarmac in Omaha, waiting for hours. Finally the attendant allowed people to deboard. The girls in my row and I decided to wait it out on the plane. An incredible conversation ensued in the next several hours. Sandwiched between me and a young woman who had been a missionary with YWAM (April) was a young woman from LA (Sonja) who was struggling with her faith. God led the conversation in such marvelous ways. We all told stories about how God showed Himself to be real in our lives. Sonja had stories that just blew us away. A "kid at heart," Sonja is convinced God understands that, and encourages her in the most unusual way. She finds little toy balls wherever she goes. It seems to happen each time she needs to be reminded that He loves her and cares about her. She has a whole jar of little balls, and is starting to take pictures of the unusual places she finds them! Reminders of the love of Jesus for Sonja. Yay for God! He loves each one of us so much. How often do we "miss the little things" God uses to remind us of His love??

Changes All Around Me

Changes, changes, changes. Life is full of them. Which brings me to the questions 'change' always brings me to...is God enough? Does He hear? Is He almighty? Does He care? In my heart, I know without a doubt the answer is "YES!" In my brain, though, it's "hmmm...let's see...hold on a sec...let me think" But THINK is all I need to do to remember amazing, miraculous things that God has done in my life and the lives of others. LIKE: changed my life (speaking of change). And did my life ever need changing! I was a wretch! Huh, yeah, still am, sometimes. Just not as often. You see, I am in love with the One who overcame, and He helps me to overcome! I am in love with the God who changes not. How 'bout you? Are you "hanging in there, just barely," or are you overcoming?

He Cares for the Birds of the Field

Thought I'd share these photos of the baby bird nests in my yard...the nest on the left contains Mourning Doves; on the right are five (count 'em!) bluebirds. and...AND...I finally have something good to say about blackbirds! Yesterday we had a huge old hawk-like bird in the corner of the yard. I think it was a turkey vulture. (ugh, now THERE's a bird to hate!) The starlings were 'on the ball,' though. They drove him (her?) out of there in quick order. YAAAYYYY for "starlets!"

Work?

WORK...HA! YOU try to work with this on your desk!

NestWatch

Can you believe there's no one from Nebraska on Nestwatch? It's a fun site where you can log the progress (or lack thereof) of bird nests in your yard, or elsewhere that you are watching. Check it out, all you birdwatchers!

The Battle's Not Ours

Reminder to self...the battle's not ours...it's God's. Boy, do I need Your help today, Lord! I'm angry...frustrated...overwhelmed. Not the first time, yeah, I know. Won't be the last, either. Seriously, how long can I be treated this way by someone whom I know I need to be Jesus-light to before I say, "no more." Is putting myself in this position of recipient of his anger helpful to me? Helpful to him? Helpful to anyone? But...like I said, it's not my battle, it's Yours. Fight, Lord! Fight for me...to be able to say, "doesn't offend me. I take no offense..." Fight for him...for his heart to be opened to You, Jesus. I know it doesn't always stop when that happens, but at least I would know that I will see him someday in heaven. Thanks for the help, God. I know I can count on You.

ANSWER TO THIS PRAYER: Phone rang a little while later..."Jeanne?" "Yeah." "I'm sorry, hun. Didn't mean to treat you like that." YAY GOD! Way to hear the prayer and help him to act quickly!

Kitties Kitties Everywhere

These were my buddies while in Nashville. Well, Ami (on the left) not so much. He doesn't really interact. I think he has kitty autism or something. But Soco was real sweet, crawling up to my neck in the evenings as I settled in to bed. So, I'm back from Nashville...weather's a little nicer here in Omaha. At least I'm seeing some sun (although we are under a tornado watch at the moment). Never a dull moment. Speaking of the "battle," (you know, that day-to-day struggle we all face in our Christian walk) I had an awesome time last night during our last Wednesday high school group 'grow deeper' meeting at Beautiful Savior. We said goodbye to three awesome seniors (that was emotional) and hello to a whole bunch of new 8th graders and new attendees. Wow, is God working through these kids! I'm blessed to be in on a little bit of their spiritual growth.

Forgot I Had This Blog...Ha!

Well, let me try to update at least once a week. That's the goal. Of course if no one reads it, I probably won't keep up. Then again, I DO like to hear myself "write," so, what the heck? This week I'm in Nashville visiting daughter Beck and her hubby Chris. She's pregnant with the 1st grandchild, due in October. Their dog Moby ate my sock today! Learned I can't leave the socks (or any other clothing) on the floor of the bedroom. I have the best news! Corn Chex is now gluten-free!! We researched diapers today. There's Bummis, Tiny Touche, Happy Heiny, Fuzzy Bums, and Bum Genius! Who woulda thought. And to think we just had Carter's! Bummer dude! (Hey ~ a new diaper name!!)