Here's your sign

Remember my blog a few weeks back (still available if you need to refresh your memory) about the guy who was so busy listening for the words, he missed the message?  I had my own 'ahhh haaa" moment this week.

Verse of the Day

Recently I have been praying about a situation that is troubling to me.  One could even say I have allowed it trouble me.  And when I pray about it, I give it to God.....yet it seems I take it back at some point throughout the day.

This isn't the first time I have felt the need to exert my control over events.  I could represent wonderfully at a "Controllers Anonymous" meeting (if such a thing existed-ask my husband).  You would recognize me because I would be fighting over the microphone to run the meeting.

And this is despite my prayers to the contrary.  Does that mean prayers don't work?

Every morning I receive a bible verse for the day.  In addition I receive "Encouragement for Today" and it was when I allowed the message (versus the words) to soak in this week, I began to see a theme.

This particular writer (Encouragement for Today-Dr. Tony Evans) talked about how when we are sick, we go to the doctor. The doctor may prescribe a treatment plan - possibly even medication and off we go.  Are we healed?  No, not yet.  As the writer explained, we must follow the plan AND take the medication if we hope to see some improvement.  It doesn't happen overnight and if we ignore the instructions we are given, we might actually get worse.

This made me examine my prayer life.  As noted in paragraph two, I have been praying ABOUT a situation.  That struck me as funny after I reflected on it, because God already KNOWS what is troubling me.  And while he rarely reveals his direction on a highway billboard, He is always present.

Though he has been known to be that obvious before - at least to me.  When I was contemplating buying a house for the first time, I worried about whether or not this was the right move.  Financially it made me nervous to make such a big commitment.  Then I started praying FOR guidance.  One morning, as I was driving to work, I passed a sign in front of a church that said "God will not guide where he does not provide".  I made the decision that day to go forward with the house.

Now I don't always believe I get that kind of direction so clearly, nor should I need it.
 But as I study God's word on a daily basis, whether it's the Verse of the day or other articles that share how God can work in our life, I am reminded that praying ABOUT and praying FOR are two different things.

If you find yourself praying ABOUT or sharing God's word as Gospel, and after careful examination you find your representation doesn't accurately reflect the message, it's time for a change.

So until next time, I am praying for ALL of God's people and that His Will be done.

He knows the circumstances.

Your pal,
#HisnotmyWill

Kari



  

Bruised but not beaten.....

It should not be compared to "riding a bike".  You know that saying, "it's like riding a bike.  After a few minutes all your skill comes back to you."

Getting ready to go!

Terry and I went skiing this past weekend.  We were bit by the skiing bug after Madison went on a ski trip sponsored by her school.  We reminisced over the beautiful pictures she shared and decided we did miss this snow - if it was productive.  For Iowa, Missouri and Kansas fans - we don't really see a point to your snow, but in Colorado there is a life that revolves around it.

So, it was decided.  Skiing, dog sledding and snow mobiles were on the agenda.  Plus a sleigh ride up to Beano's cabin - a very exclusive mountaintop restaurant with five course meals.  WOW!  

Now, I did do some preparation in anticipation of the reunion with skiing.  Have y'all ever heard for YouTube??  What a plethora of instructive videos that had for me.  And since I have been skiing before (albeit 37 years ago -to Terry's 40) and I had taken lessons all three (3) times I had been skiing, I was fairly certain that the videos would serve as a useful reminder of what to do.  Mainly - how to stop!

Dog sledding Monday

So off we go.  We arrived Saturday and it was gorgeous weather.  We became familiar with the area, bought our lift tickets for the next day (how do you spell highway robbery) and were fitted for all the ski paraphernalia.  We also enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by Terry's sister Kathy at her home in Eagle.  Very nice.  (I tried not to think of it as our last supper).

Sunday dawned clear, bright and cold but we were ready.  After donning all the winter garb (which almost took as long as the first ski run) we made our way to the  multiple choices of ski lifts and gondolas.  I was anxiously looking for the "bunny hill" as the other ski resorts I had been to in the past all had them handy in the lower areas.  After consulting with one of the workers, he enlightened us to the fact that all the green (beginner) slopes at Beaver Creek were located at the TOP of the mountain with their own set of ski lifts higher up.  O.M.G.

Did I mention it was a very big mountain?  So after stalling for a few minutes longer, Mr. French asked if I was ready to get on the lift.  Sure.

Once at the top (and we did have to transfer from one ski lift to another) I became reacquainted with skiing.  My Norwegian roots were bursting with pride.  I almost immediately face planted about half way down what looked like Pikes Peak to me.  No worries, all good.   I was back up in (practically) no time and decided on a new tactic.  Instead of looking all the way down (VERY OVERWHELMING) I decided to narrow the scope as I made my way down.  VICTORY.  We made it to the second ski lift we rode up and I did not fall again.  Let's do it again!!  Up we went and down we came.  This time when I fell, the impact was more focused on my right side (think knee and abdomen).  Practically the same place (possible someone should look into safety issues here).  But again, I was up and on my way.



This time (after no additional falls) we decided to continuing skiing down to the next level.  I was really getting the hang of it and was almost to the lodge (1/3 down the mountain) when my poles got caught under a ski and derailed me.  Well.....it took so long for me to get my skis back on (try doing that quickly when you are on a down hill slope) that I finally scooted to the bottom of small dip I was on and then got the #$**@ skis reattached.  The lodge was in sight.  So was Terry, who apparently had been waiting for quite some time (had taken off skis, put them back on and was making his way back to find me).  My keeper.

After a much needed break, the option was to continue down the mountain or to feign a broken bone so the medical team would put me in a basket and take me down.  After much consideration, I decided I CAN DO THIS!!!!

It was a slow go and involved one more major delay when I knocked a ski off, but I was doing okay.  The most unnerving part for me now was that I had to make sharp turns to the right to stay on the beginners trail.  It seemed like a very narrow path (perception could be off) to turn on to or end up falling down a ravine or accidentally getting on a much more skilled trail.

Snowmobile French couple in the middle

One hour and 30 minutes later I reached the bottom.  Towards the end, I was faced with a choice of continuing on Cinch (our trail name and what I hoped it would be) or going taking the remainder of a blue trail.  At this point, I just wanted to wrap things up and get in the tub for a hot soak.  Yes, I took the blue trail and in record time (so much faster going straight down versus all around) I made it with NO FALLS OR SKI LOSS!!!   WHOOHOOO

What a day!  Now as far as Mr. French goes - it was like a bicycle to him.  He was whooshing around like an Olympic hopeful.  And that's okay.

As far as dog-sledding and snow-mobile tours - non events compared to skiing.

Sign me - #backinthegame!!!!

Until next time,
#ski'supasyouexitthelift



your bruised in all areas pal,
Kari

There is a name for that!

The one in the middle is fake!

What is the word for a person who always takes pictures with statues or other inanimate objects? And I mean a word like...hypochondriac (someone who always thinks they are ill) or claustrophobic (doesn't like enclosed places).  I am sure one exists.

However, when you find this word and look it up in the dictionary, I think you fill find a picture of me...with some type of object.  I can't recall when it started, but I know it goes back many years.  Obviously it still continues.  I was scrolling through pictures on my phone the other day and was amazed at how many photos I had just going back six months.  I stopped after that because I just didn't have that kind of time.

A picture is worth a thousand words (or so I have been told).  I remember when I was employed at a utility in Kansas (to remain unnamed), there was a time when Catharine (my trusted assistant) and I took advantage of several photo opportunities to create a story to cheer Marissa up. Do either of you remember?

Business function-boss took pic

Notice the picture I recently came across of my brother dating back to his early twenties.  He obviously had the same "condition".  And now I find myself shamelessly encouraging other family members to join (and enable) me in my affliction.  Where will it all end?

Brother and his pals

While attending business functions (where you would think I could quell the urge) I have asked my co-workers, table mates....heck, even my boss one time, to quickly snap my photo with the object of my desire.

This entire page could be dedicated to various photos of me with (fill in the blank) and that is not a life time achievement....that might cover the past year.  When it comes to still life objects, I know no strangers.

People who know me will tell you that I rely heavily on humor - and I can think of very few exceptions where I would not (or could not) be counted on to behave irreverently.  I like to think in the big picture - it's just part of who I am.

Until next time,
#iheartmannequins


your pal,
Kari

One is silver and the other gold

Has become family- friend (going on 45 yrs)

When I was in girl scouts, there was a little song we always sang (join in if you know it); "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold."  I only remember the first verse but that's all I need.

Growing up, it was all black and white - either it was "She's my friend....or she's not my friend."   Friendships come so easy when you are surrounded by peers all the time.  School is a natural habitat to facilitate that growth and exposure.

As adults,  we have commitments to family, our job, etc. that push friends to the back burner.  We also have different categories of friends - work friends, childhood friends, church friends, couples friends..whatever interest and category we socialize in - there is another bucket of friends.

I listened to a podcast the other day and the topic was friendship and best friends.   It caused me to reflect on my many friends and best friends growing up.   I can think back to my first best friend (3rd grade).  Her name was Vivian and until I moved to another school district, we were inseparable.  I rebounded quickly in 5th grade when I met Marsha.  We were total opposites physically.  She was tall, blond and leggy while I was brunette, short and had to walk faster to keep up.  When she moved to Texas, my new best friend was Debbie.  For all of them to this day, I can still remember where they lived, and who was in their family.  Once junior high came along, I became best friends with Arlene.  This lasted until we went to different high schools.   Enter Cindy!

While I have had a best friend, I have also had a circle of friends.  Many of my initial best friends became a part of a larger circle.  Different friends serve different purposes.

It wasn't until I was an adult that I began differentiating acquaintances versus friends.  I also recognized the opportunity of having a more diverse set of friends as an adult.

New Texas fun friends!!

Since we have moved to Texas, we have made some new friends.  They have helped us become a part of a bigger family and provided a real sense of community.  We recognize this as particularly important - as most family members are a considerable distance away.  And since the advent of Facebook, I have "reconnected" with many of my friends from high school.

In reviewing and enjoying some of my high school memories, I was saddened to realize how many of those in my memory have died.  Milly, Gena, Belinda, Vivian, Mark, Tim, Rick..the list goes on.  And will continue to grow.  And then there are those friends who I have lost touch with.  In another sense, they are gone also.

Today I am going to reach out to a couple of friends - just to touch base and say hi. Or maybe share a memory that I thought of while thinking of them.

Until next time,
#whodoyoumiss

your pal,
Kari

Like sands through the hourglass...

How will spend it?

Happy New Year!  We are at that magical "blank slate" time of year - all things are new and the year holds much promise.  It appears as if we have all the time in the world to make good on our resolutions, cross items off the bucket list and make a big dent in our "things to do".

But even as the year begins, minutes are already gone forever.  Each moment in time is worth exactly that - a moment in time.  The value can only increase if we are happy with our choices in how we spend our time.  Because whether we stare out the window or invent a new medicine, that moment will be gone.

I was visiting with some folks I work with the other day about this very topic.  If we look back at 2016, are we where we thought we would be?  Want to be?  Did we accomplish what we set out to at the beginning of the year?  Or did we just let the year unravel, reacting rather than planning?

Lately, I have been focused on choices, followed by accountability.  If you haven't read it yet, please read "The Rhythm of Life" by Matthew Kelly.  I originally ordered this book on my Kindle, after reading a recommendation from someone on LinkedIn.  I enjoyed the book so much, I had to order a paper copy, not only so I could re-read it, but I wanted to highlight key parts and have it for a quick reference.

So after reading (and pondering) what was shared, one of my goals in 2017 is to make accountable choices for how I spend my time.  In the past, I have succumbed to the argument that there is no sense in making plans since we are not in control here.  If we don't die before our plans come to fruition (worst case scenario), there are still multitudes of "life" issues that could have impact.

I am not subscribing to that theory any more.  Now I look at the empty calendar and cross reference it with my list of "things I want to do".  Now, that list isn't full of travel plans and family visits (although both are represented) but other things that one might consider accomplishments.

Even as I plan on spending money, I want to have a plan to earn and save money.  Twice monthly piano lessons, Rosetta Stone Spanish, knitting for charity....all these things have a place on my list. So does sorting through a lifetime of pictures and creating some semblance of order, creating a spreadsheet of all the books I own (and what I want to do with them), the list goes on.

I will not do ANY of the above without a plan.  I need to look at the calendar and allocate time for all of these things.  If I wait for it to happen, or for me to "feel" like it, I will be having this same conversation with you next year around this time.

A couple of years ago, my sister Katy and I planned a "dream" vacation.  We spent an entire year determining what we would want to see and do, how much money should be allotted, etc.  We had the BEST TIME EVER and got to meet several family members for the first time.  It was a little sad when it was over, because we had enjoyed the time planning AND going.

2017 is going to be the year for me to make things happen and get things done.  How about you?  Do you have a plan?

Until next time,
#enjoythejourney

your pal,
Kari

Do you hear what I hear?

Do you ever find yourself getting so caught up in how something is presented - you fail to hear the presentation?

I know I have talked before about how three different witnesses at any given accident, will see three different things.  They may or may not complement the other's version and that is because we all bring our own personal bias, life lessons and viewpoint to whatever we are looking at.  The same can also be said about how we listen.

No matter what our intent when it comes to listening, if we can't hear, or have difficulty hearing, this will also change the message.  We have a choice to listen but may have physical limitations when it comes to actually hearing.

At my house, I generally repeat things at least twice, sometimes three times, depending on my audience.  When Madison was little, she was having a hearing test - both ears independent of the other and then together.  Madison has no hearing in her right ear.  It was a real learning experience for me to learn how some words could sound so different when you are only hearing with one ear.  I will never forget the time when I was talking with someone (about Madison) and all of a sudden she piped up "I can hear you, mom, I have ear".



This past weekend, as we were leaving church on New Year's Eve (the best way to close out one year and begin anew for the next), we stood in line greet Pastor.  I couldn't help but overhear an older gentleman make a comment to Pastor something like this..."You only used the word Jesus three times in your sermon tonight".  The man looked a bit unhappy and Pastor quickly asked him "an observation or complaint?"  And the man gruffly said "complaint".  It was duly noted.

I chose not to say anything to Pastor after we wished him a Happy New Year but I have thought about the conversation often since.  I wish I would have said "sometimes we get so caught up in listening for a key word or phrase, that we end up missing the whole message".  And I did hear a message that night.  I cannot tell you how many times Pastor said ANY word in his sermon.  I try to attentively listen to the words as a whole and the intent in which it is presented.  But everyone is different.

So, are we really listening or just hearing?  Because if we are just hearing, we are not listening.  And if we can't hear (physically), what do we need to do to effectively listen?  There are so many components of a message; voice tone, speed of delivery, eye contact, body gestures...and oh yeah, the words that make up the message. Then we need to take into account our mood, our receptiveness, etc. etc.  Finally, do all things relate, or in this instance, should they stand alone?

In an intense discussion, do you hear a verdict, or were you just offered a solution?  I guess it depends on what you were listening for.

Until next time,
#areyoulisteningtome?

your pal,
Kari

"A baby changes everything"

December is a diverse month.  Winter officially begins, shopping is in full swing, it seems dark more than it is light and for me, this month is bittersweet.

Over the years, December has proven to be a difficult month for our family.  We have suffered significant health issues and loss.  At times it has been difficult to hold on to the hope that this season offers.

no crib for a bed

This is in sharp contrast to growing up; this time of year was filled with anticipation and excitement.  By Christmas Eve us five kids never could seem to settle down and go to sleep.  I remember still being awake in the wee hours of the morning.  I am sure by that time, mom was desperate to finish wrapping and GO TO BED.

My earliest recollection of the true meaning of Christmas was when I was in 5th grade.  We did not go to church regularly as a family, but often times we were included and attended with neighbors and friends.  The lady across the street was our "before school" babysitter and her family attended a Nazarene church in the neighborhood.  I started going to church with them and they held a competition for the kids attending - who could memorize the Christmas Story in its entirety (Luke 2:1-20) .

Back then my memory was much more reliable than it is today and I won the competition.  The reward was reciting the story during the church service.  As the winner, I also received a Bible. While I didn't attend that church for a long period of time, it had a lasting effect on me.

I have had periods of time when I wasn't attending church.  Yet I was always searching.  My faith was always a part of me.  The particular denominations have varied but in 1983, I found my "forever" church home.

I was actively looking for a good fit at the time when a co-worker, Marlene Shellenburger, invited me to attend St. John's Lutheran Church in Topeka.  As I explained to the Pastor when I met with him to discuss joining, "this church felt like I had come home".  My sister and I took adult confirmation classes together and were confirmed later that year.  I have only changed churches three times since 1983 and it has always been precipitated by a move; never a change of faith.

Ironically, my dad was baptized, confirmed and raised in the Lutheran church.  It had been many years since he attended regularly.  However, before he died in June, 1985, he had come full circle and was attending with us, as health permitted.

So the other day I heard Faith Hill on the radio singing, "A baby changes everything".  A simple line that made me ponder that complex truth.  All new parents experience the profound changes that occur while here on earth.  However, this song is about the changes that occurred when an unwed teenage mother found herself carrying a child almost 2000 years ago.  I am including a link if you haven't heard it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D-DH9aT3bs

The last verse sums up the additional reward I received many years ago when my competitive nature memorized what Christmas is all about.

My whole life has turned around

I was lost but now I'm found
A baby changes everything, yeah
A baby changes everything


Until next time,
#Kingofkings

your pal,
Kari