fragile

One of the instructor's from our Master's in Counseling program became the victim of a horrible accident in the snowy, icy weather here in Michigan. The severity of her injuries sobers me, even though things could have been so much worse.

Here are the words of her husband describing the accident:

She was involved in a horrendous head-on collision on M57 on Tuesday morning. Another driver attempted to pass a long line of slower traffic (who were wisely traveling slower due to the weather conditions). He hit her apparently while she was attempting to brake, as most of the damage was sustained on her right leg. She had five surgeries, lasting seven hours, on Tuesday: rebuilding the leg above her right kneecap (which was also shattered in the accident and was removed); stabilizing her right ankle (which was also shattered and will be operated on in the next two weeks); placing a rod through her upper left leg, which was broken in two places; placing screws in plates in her broken left ankle; and placing rods along the two broken bones in her left arm. Yesterday we learned that her right hand is broken in at least four places, but a cast should fix most of that damage. She also has a neck brace due to at least one fracture in her neck (although it is not impacting her spinal cord). No vital organs were damaged thanks to the deployed airbags (I am grateful that my wife has better taste in cars than I do). She has been alert prior to and after her surgeries. She is scheduled to have some more surgery today to clean out the two most serious injuries. She is expected to be her at least 10 days and then will be moved to a sub-acute care facility. She will not be able to use her limbs for up to six weeks and will not be able to stand for at least three months. Even though her body is shattered in many places, I am aware it could have been much worse. Given the nature of her injuries, she has required constant attention above and beyond the excellent care she has received from the staff here at Spectrum Downtown. Even the most simple needs of life - like blowing her nose and scratching an itch - has required someone else's assistance.


I wondered about how many times I've been impatient and peered around other cars in order to pass. The reality of crashing in to another car, for the sake of gaining a few minutes on the road seems so trivial. The need for speed, or to be in a hurry doesn't compare to the severity of this type of accident. Have mercy Lord.

And please, know that ur prayers would be gladly received on behalf of Angela and Brian, too. Thanks.

record time

It's back. My mac is safely home.
The timing was amazing. Bear with me as I brag.

I received a box (all cushy and protective packaging) last week when I was out of town.
Monday I called for it to be picked up.
Tuesday AM I received an email saying it had been received (in Tennessee) along with a link to check the status.
I checked the status Tuesday afternoon and it was already on the way back home.
My doorbell rang at 8:45a Wednesday ad I signed for my box.

I expect u might agree that they provided some excellent service.

Hooray!

The above photo? One of the lovely flowers I gazed on in CA two weeks ago. Sigh!

Justice and the Kingdom of God

I'm grateful for the day off today, but I wonder if I really "get" the sacrifice made to experience such a holiday. I'm far from an expert on Martin Luther King, Jr, but I do know his heart and passion proved an invaluable voice for the future of the world, especially for people of color, but additionally, for all of us.

At class with Dallas Willard a week or so ago, he talked to us repeatedly, patiently, constantly, lovingly, about the kingdom of God. He challenged, encouraged, and admonished us to live the Kingdom of God now which includes and demands justice and mercy. I can't adequately offer his heart or his words to you, but I'll offer a few quotes.

"The Kingdom of God is the heart of everything."
"Racial discrimination is not a racial issue [it's a spiritual one]. If we approach it [as purely a racial issue] we won't solve it. We must approach it through the love and power of Jesus Christ."

We must realize we'll never
"do justice
to justice
with justice.
We must overcome with love."

"Become a disciple of Jesus because you think so highly of him. You can't imagine doing anything else.
Preach Jesus!!! Put in a good word for Him."

Our main task is to "help people see Jesus.
Make Jesus plain--ravishing people with the kingdom of God."

Today is more than a non-work day for me. It's a day to ask, what am I willing to sacrifice for the good of all? What ways can I make the kingdom of God evident, and Jesus visible, for all people?
How am I growing more as a disciple of Jesus Christ?

and, I expect, these questions will demand more examination and consideration than this one very day. On the journey...

Reentry

So after being on the west coast for three+ weeks, the adjustment to "my" time zone and regular life routines challenged my sleeping and waking rhythms. I enjoyed my time in Seattle with family. I enjoyed my class (and classmates) in California.
But I missed things here, at home. Despite the 70 degree California temperatures, and the certainty of winter waiting in Michigan, I wanted home.
As u may recall, I surprised my parents coming home for Christmas. I like surprises. Part of my return to life in Michigan included a surprise. My friend Cathy offered to pick me up from the airport. But when I arrived I was greeted by not one, not two, but three lovely friends. And later that day I hung out with another friend for the rest of the day taking in the sites of Grand Rapids.
Later in the week, friends Beth and Rachel came for dinner. Being with them provokes the types of conversation that find one talking late into the night. I love those! [Although, part of the time we talked about how I ruined the vegetables for dinner. How does one ruin vegetables you might wonder? Well...I guess that's just another story. Needless to say, my vegy's would not have made it on our friend Sabrina's blog (she often displays the latest and greatest culinary works she's created or she enjoys), except perhaps in a "things to avoid when hosting dinner guests" log.]

And currently, I'm hanging out with some other friends...just for a spell up in sunny, sparkling, frozen wonderland Branch, Michigan. Good food, laughter, intentional and frivolous conversations, and the overall blessing of community makes me realize why it's a privilege to call Michigan home! What better way to "re-enter" life than in the company of friends?

unplugged

I'm back home!! Hooray! But, I'm Mac-less.
U pc owners may groan, but it's not a status I enjoy.
One should not be without their Mac.

That said, it really couldn't have happened at a better time.
I can finish up my papers (er, start) on my work computer.
There is plenty of time for Apple to fix, repair and/or replace my lil Mac.
And, well, I've picked up some additional hours per week at work, so I need to get into a new routine. Of working more. (Who has time to work more?)
So I don't have much time for my computer.
But my budget is rejoicing (or I'm rejoicing, whatever).

It's good news.
Unfortunately, there's some not as good news.
It's 99% likely they won't recover my photos.
I'm every shade of sad.

Which will also affect the look of this blog for a wee while...

But let's stay in the rejoicing mode as there is MUCH to be thankful for!

virtual community

These are some of my new friends. I've remembered that when I looked into this master's program, I wondered how an online program in spiritual formation could really work. One of the things I appreciated was the hybrid aspect--we meet face to face once a year (hence this time in CA), we meet with a spiritual director, we must plan and engage in three retreats a year, etc.
And here's what i'm concluding: God wants us to grow in community. He loves when we participate actively in our spiritual formation. He is not bound or confined by technology. And so He is blessing this program like crazy.
I couldn't wait to see my classmates (some who I didn't meet last year). And they are blessing me beyond measure. (It is a challenge to measure spiritual formation afterall.)
And I can't imagine it any other way.

In other less positive news, my computer crashed today. This was after I talked with one of my classmates yesterday about computers. She mentioned she was interested in a Macbook. I raved about mine. And said something like, "oh, and, Macs don't crash. You don't get those nasty bluescreen errors."
And you don't. You get a folder with a blinking question mark screen.
It's nightmarish.
And so I'm packing my trusty sidekick and sending it to Apple's fabulous techies...hoping they can rescue my 7000+ photos among other things. And praising God that I don't start my regular routine of classes again until February 4.
And thanking God for Hildred's advice to get Applecare!! :-)

California Dreamin'

This blog may sit dormant for a wee while. I'm off to CA for class these next eight days for my (otherewise all online) Master's program.
Of course, I'll drop by if I'm able...but we're at a retreat center...and I'm meeting some of my dear classmates from around the world for the first time...and I'll have papers to write and books to read and class sessions to attend (not necessarily in that order)...and I'll be around people all the time, did I mention that?
I'll definitely have tons to reflect and blog about,
but likely, I won't have the time.

Take good care all.
Bye for now...

Too glorious to capture

The completion of 2007 here in Seattle could not have been more fabulous.
For you who may have never viewed this fair city,
nothing really compares on a sunny day
when the mountains frame all directions
and the sunlight dances on the various bodies of water.
It is stunning and brilliant.
In keeping with the waiting of advent, I'd been longing for such views. Monday offered such a day.
Sadly, my lil' camera can't do the scenes justice...but I persisted none the less.
In late morning, Jenni and I chased the sun to Golden Gardens where half the city gathered to enjoy the day's beauty. The mountains did not disappoint. Sea birds frolicked in the water. Various boats sprinkled the water's horizon. Chunks of wood served as lures for spritely dogs to splash and capture.
Part of the day included chasing the mountains. By this I mean, driving to find a spot where I might possibly photograph the beauty of Mount Rainier. So we drove to the heights and around corners attempting to escape the concrete of the city to fully glimpse and perhaps capture the view.
Partially through these moments, some hunger pains struck. I asked my sister if she had any food in her car and was excited when without hesitation she said yes and reached into the back seat. The excitement disappeared completely, however, when I viewed the bag of cheetos she triumphantly offered me.
"That's not food," I said.
She quickly countered, "it is for me!"
So we agreed to disagree, cheetos rejected (by me), and moved contentedly (albeit still somewhat hungrily) along for more mountain views.

We picked up Jonathan and Amara, my nephew and niece who were married in August, to enjoy their company and the real food my stomach craved. I was not disappointed!


I don't have photos to recount the close of New Year's Eve. But it was fantastic, too, as Jenni and I headed downtown Seattle to take in the sights and sounds of the Seattle Symphony and Beethoven's ninth.
(The song "Ode to Joy" comes from this Symphony.) It was a metropolitan-feeling year end and a definite treat to enjoy music as a worshipful end to the year.

Thank you God for your beauty in the heights and the depths,
in the melodies and harmonies,
in the crowds and on the beaches,
in our homes and with our families.
May 2008 be a year of your glory God!

Pressing on

I was reading a friend's warning on her blog that today's post would be reflective. It's the final day of another year. Such passages require reflection. Consider that fair warning for my (non-comprehensive) review of two thousand seven. Yikes--Can it really be? Were we not just watching Buck Rogers? (Does anyone even remember Buck Rogers?)

Despite appearing otherwise, unemployment provides benefits.
I began 2007 unemployed, unsettled, and unsure. Such words typically inspire action or reaction. In the craziness of unemployment, God provided rest. Individual rest with the Lord and rest with dear friends provided a portrait of life early on in 2007. Life doesn't often afford or honor rest as production and to do lists mark much of our lives. Something in the unknown, even in the mysterious waiting, and through intentional listening compels us to open our hearts to something new. Perhaps as we dig through our fears and voice our insecurity only then do we see and fall into the saving grip of God's greater plan. It does feel a bit like stepping off a cliff without knowledge of rope, or ledge, or parachute. Strange exhilaration that. A wise man named Isaiah once declared "don't dwell on the former things. Look and see that the Lord is doing a new thing." I hope that 2008 also provides moments of resting with and in the Lord in hopes of participating in His new thing.

Despite the test of death, God prevails in life.
Both with my nephew, days before his wedding, and with my Father's health this fall, our family watched, waited and interceded for God to bring health and wholeness. When my nephew's truck rolled and crashed, and he walked away with minor injuries, we marveled at God's grace and mercy. When my Dad's exchange with cancer found God (and my Dad) victorious, we remain humbled by God's saving grace. This may not always be God's way. And it's not always God's best, perhaps, but we're grateful for these rescues and for the abundant life on offer as a result.

Despite potential good, a job does not define me.
If I've heard God correctly in this year, He continues to remind me that my identity rests NOT in my occupation, job title, or other accomplishments. At the end of the day, these things shape me, but my identity remains held in God. He defined me long ago as His child, His masterpiece, and even His delight. And He gave me a job description, regardless of my employment. "Love me," he says, and "love others!" I have a long way to go before this is perfectly accomplished. But I want to keep living in to it. I hope God grows in me a greater capacity to love for 2008. And I've no doubt that God will keep reminding me who I am.

Right very now
Friends kid (mock?) me about the use of this phrase. It works, however. Perhaps a financial analyst, or other forecasters might argue for more future vision, but one of the things I'm grateful for in the past year is the availability for the present. As my friend Jordan likes to say, "fear of tomorrow robs me of today," and "too much looking back may mean I miss today's sunrise." God extends precious experiences in the right very now. I hope 2008 continues to provide plenty of moments to lean into and the adventure of experiencing life to the full.
May the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart, and the interactions of my days be pleasing in your sight oh God, my Rock and Redeemer.

appreciating the artist

I'm not sure when my eyes were opened to the great world of birds. It helps to hang out regularly with birders. Much of my life, however, I didn't really notice or really care. But that is changing. I'm getting to know and appreciate certain calls and some of the birding lingo.

Yesterday, I was able to show my birder friend, John, a new place here in Seattle. Apparently this was a place my Mom took me and my sisters when we were little. I confess, as John and I approached the site, I wondered if we'd see anything at all. I don't know what I was expecting exactly, but what we "discovered" was a person's side yard, made in to a pond. (But it's truly much more than that as this article records.) At first glance, it looked like just a few ducks were hanging out there...but then, I'm telling you people, more and more different varieties became clear.
Here is the list:

-Northern pintail
-American wigeon
-Northern shoveler (big ol bill on this one!)
-Cinnamon teal (love this name!)
-Green-winged teal
-wood duck (needs a different name for how glorious it is!)
-redhead
-mallard
-hooded merganser
-ruddy duck
-and what we called a Eurasian Wood duck

(oh, and not spotted yesterday,
but last weekend I spied a burrows goldeneye. Very fabulous as well!)

This particular duck, pictured above, was spectacular. Seriously. I have never seen a more glorious duck. It's a duck people. But the colors so take my breath away that I hardly know how to describe it. Different sites call it different things. This picture was titled the mandarin wood duck. Other places called it a European or Eurasian wood duck. I'll call it Fabulous!

It drives me to appreciate the creator and artist and declare again, "God, you do such a great job!!!"

the original

Retro and things of the past may be great...but one thing I don't really
want to return to: dialup. yikes.
remember the day when dialup was the internet connection? (my parents have dialup if you hadn't already guessed.)
I've been enjoying this lil coffee shop by my parents house here in Seattle. Loads of people to watch. And high speed. Did I mention I so appreciate high speed??

Here's a scenic tourist spot on the "see it in Seattle" guide,
the original starbucks coffee shop.
And so, like a happy tourist, I took photos, too.
Can you tell the difference between this original logo
and the current one used on all starbucks products?
And lastly, i have some of the cutest nephews in the world.
Really.
Caleb the "gangsta" on the left
and Nate, "risky business" look on the right!!

It was a happy, snowy Christmas here in Seattle! Fun.

Operation "Seattle Surprise!"

As a young girl I loved mysteries. My sister Carmen and I and a neighbor friend often "played" Nancy Drew. We read all the books, and the Hardy boys book, too.
I loved Charlie's Angels.
I've confessed my Alias "obsession" here many times.

Perhaps that's why I love surprising my parents. As some of you well know, I "landed" here in Seattle yesterday to surprise my parents. It's been ten years since I spent the Christmas holiday season with my parents in Seattle. So in some ways, it may not have seemed too challenging to surprise them. The truth is, over the years we all have surprised my parents many times. (You'd think they would catch on by now...or stop trusting us. Or something!)

But it DID involve some deception, and because of a phone call from my Mom yesterday, after I had arrived here in Seattle, but had not made it to their house for the official reveal, it included out right lying!!
Here's my Mom explaining her "understanding" of some of my lies...(really, she's nice enuf to think that I tell her the truth most of the time.)

But it was worth it! (Not trying to justify lying, but you know what I mean!)
The mission was a great success!!!

I believe the first words from my Dad were "Ooooh, no!" I think that's something akin to, "welcome home!
We're so glad to see you."
or something like that! He says it was his way of reflecting that he couldn't believe that I'd surprised them again. :-)

Oh the life of a wanna-be spy...

owl post

From the land of JK Rowling and Harry Potter a wee parcel arrived recently.
I knew it was coming.
Our British friends gave us the alert.

But that was weeks ago, already, when they acquired our addresses. So I plum forgot (strange phrase, that). Suddenly then, there it was.

Only, since three of us received parcels, we needed a group opening ceremony to mark the moment.
So we did.
Beth wrote about it here so I won't offer too much more. Except a few pix.

Belts, "biscuits," and a bag I left in the UK in February!! colored these great packages (seriously, where did u find my bag?). We only wish our friends could have accompanied the parcels!
Thanks pals! We think u're the best (even if you didn't send chocolate, we'd think that)!

taking Chicago by storm

Or would that more accurately be, being smacked by a storm in Chicago?
Thanks to the winter storm blast (don't you love how network news name things?)
which slammed Chicago all day Saturday,
what was scheduled as a day trip became the weekend.

During our leisurely drive to Cathy's favorite bakery, for instance, where we enjoyed rich cake for breakfast, to finding our host, Morgan, and heading on the eL downtown, the snow steadily blanketed the already frosted Chicago streets. We knew more snow was predicted and that the around-the-lake-return promised to be icy.
However, it wasn't until we reached Moody's church, receiving calls from family back in Michigan with updated weather reports, that we were forced to make a decision whether to stay or go. But the city is so glorious. and the company so delightful, we were lax to leave it. Since it was the weekend it didn't really matter. (Well, save for worshipping at "my" church, and planning to complete homework, and other such Sunday agenda items.)

So we took it all in...from the Hancock to the Daly (sp?) center, we saw and walked it all. I confess, i was really, really cold toward the end of the night and sheepishly sought shelter in a Walgreens while the rest enjoyed the elements. But it was all good. And we gratefully didn't have a white-knuckled drive home.

Instead, we wakened to sunny skies, glistening snow, and lots of Chicago activity. Part of our activity included meeting a new friend, Lizzy. Lizzy's expertise of skincare and other salon-related things prompted many intriguing conversations. If we lived closer, Lizzy, we'd definitely come to your salon again!

trimmed

In my "typical" myers-briggs labeled "P" personality, my tree did not get trimmed all at once.
I started the Tuesday after Thanksgiving by setting it up,
and plugging in the lights.
That's when the discovery of 1/2 strands of lights working was noted.
I replaced a bulb, only to realize it made that strand blink.
Mind you, this was one string of 100 lights within about 450 lights total.
Melissa, my house mate affirmed, we really weren't appreciating the partial blink action.
So the tree sat.
Partially exposed.
Somewhat neglected.
Until last week.
I finally changed out the lights (which, oddly, after plugging into a different outlet, worked perfectly and are now happily back on the tree in their original position).
And then completed the essential detail trimming.
Happy Christmas time!
We wait in expectation, Jesus, Savior of the world!

What not to do with a blankie

Here's a tip:
blankies and lightbulbs are not meant to come together.
Beth told the story here so I'll let you read the detail she provided. Just know it was traumatic. Poor buddy!

In other news the same night, while we were running around chasing Sep, Baz, and Zeke, prior to complete exhaustion (how do K & K do it? Oh yeah. They're parents, the kids don't care quite as much if they are chased by their Mom and Dad.), when I caught Sep, she studied me a bit and asked, "Diana, are you a kid?"

Well, yes, Seppy, I sometimes am!!

mandatory fun

I'm borrowing this title from friends of mine who use the phrase to reference playing hand and foot, the card game (not to be confused with hoof and mouth disease) as a family (thank you! Timmers). For my use, however, it refers to my work Christmas party this past Friday.

Because we have to work together, even though most of us work from a great distance (as we're in SAU "centers" throughout Michigan), it's delightful when the work and interactions can also be fun. Of course it's sometimes stressful, too, but the people really make the difference. (ugh. I just quoted channel 13. sorry.)
At said party we played the tried and true gift exchange game. Except, everyone wanted to explain the best way to play. Until LeAnne, my coworker finally declared,
"you can offer any rules you want.
But we're playing it my way!"
And so we did.
We could open a gift, and then steal, or actually, really trade.
And a gift could be "stolen/traded" without limit.
The gift of highest desire?
Homemade bread with dipping sauces.
I loved that it wasn't the target gift card.
Or the lovely smelling lotions.
Or the candles.
Or anything besides homemade bread! Sweet.

Here's a few more photos
with my friends Chrissandra and Kati...
with and without antlers,
silly as we are,
just because!

for consideration

I'm reading this inspiring book as part of my current class. It's so inspiring, honestly, that sometimes I want to fling it in a bin, or in some dark place, because the challenge to live it is so fiercely contrary to what the world communicates
and even what my heart desires.
Instead, I pick it back up, and today I'm inviting you into some of the journey, should you care to think on such things with me!

"You must believe me when I tell you...
what blessings are to be found in learning
to be detached from all your material possessions...
It is so good to practice spiritual poverty.
I have learned to see, with the eyes of my heart,
that no possession can give the eternal joy my soul hungers for.

The practice of spiritual poverty
leads you into a wonderful kingdom.
Here, paradoxically, you find yourself free
to enjoy all the good things of the world.

For the man or woman who has no cares about worldly goods is,
in spirit, lord over them,
for possessions do not rule and direct their lives.

If you embrace this virtue--
desiring to be poor in heart
because you want to learn to love
and rely on God and Him alone--
then you are free indeed.
For your soul will not be bound to any person,
and you will not live to please anyone, except God."
-Theresa of Avila, in The Way of Perfection

in the category of miraculous

This isn't as great as my Dad's cancer report. But it's really cool. As you may know, I'm the youngest of four girls. My parents like to say, "we specialized." (As in, they specialized in girls, which never fails to draw a smile or a grimace around the room.)

I don't remember asking for this as a Christmas gift. It's not really a missing part of my life. But the idea of a younger sibling is rather intriguing. Oh, to say someone else was spoiled rotten and hear their creative defenses...or to imagine hand me downs lasting for one more "season" on someone else. (Course, it'd have to be another girl.)

And lest you think I'm suggesting my parents in their 70's are expecting another child, that would be miraculous. But no. (Aren't we all exhaling sighs of relief!!)

Rather, today I became a big sister to a little girl at a school my church works with. Actually, I was matched to her and met her last week. And she's already captured my heart. She's eager to learn and creative and imaginative and delightful. But she hasn't quite mastered reading...so we have a fair amount to work on. But still, I have a little sister. And I'm so excited for the opportunity. And hopeful that I can make a difference.

Hmmm...wonder if my sisters EVER were that excited about me? As if it really matters... :-)


above photo: me and one of my older sisters :-) 0807

more thanksgiving

i appreciate that at Thanksgiving time we often ask and answer the question, "what are you most thankful for?" It's good to reflect on and give thanks. Personally, when I'm lowest or even points when I am anxious, or at all self-absorbed, it helps me to assess and offer thanks and praise to God.

After church today i listened to a voicemail from a friend. She invited me to drop by her house after church and pick up a little gift. It was a gift of firewood. She knows about my love of fires, and my fireplace. and she knows I don't have a steady supply of firewood. Another friend has supplied me with a fantastic supply of kindling. So, those pieces make the ingredients for a great fire. And on a slushy, rainy, grey day like today, a fire is definitely calling my name.

I couldn't do it however, without the gifts of these friends. So thanks Stephanie, Mary, and Jack, for supplying the fuel to create warm and cozy fires!!