Smile! You Are On...

Last week our family friends, the Pensacks, visited us. Their daughter Laura is a budding photographer, so we had a photoshoot in our very own backyard on a warm, summery afternoon. Although Qavah and I were the main ones being photographed, everyone got involved. The men graciously carried the props down to the middle of the yard. Then the moms assisted Laura with setting up the layout before each click of the camera.

This photoshoot was what I like to call "an event". The end result of Laura's creativity was a lot of beautiful pictures and many happy memories. Thank you to the Pensacks for blessing our family! Below is a "snapshot" of the three hundred pictures Laura captured (this is just a slideshow with no audio):

Happy Days!

We are doing well at home, although I've had monitor my health closely and carefully. I will hopefully update more later, however it has been a very busy time for our family. I just thought that someone might wonder if Qavah and I are still at home and not in the hospital. I'm happy to report that we've had family and friends staying at our home (not the hospital!) for two weeks straight. It's been quite a blessing! One of my favorite things to do is to have company. I look forward to sharing pictures and stories with you, but it is now time to begin another work day.

Expandable Love

Today is my nephew, Nehemiah's, first birthday. He's a relaxed, smiley, easy-going little guy. It is a blessing to have him a part of our family! It's fun to watch his big sister, Annelise, interact with him. A couple of weeks ago, he began to crawl and now can he cruises on the floor so fast! Nehemiah's name means, "God is my comfort".

I remember back when I found out that Colin and Jennifer were expecting their second child. Besides being happily surprised, I thought to myself, "I wonder if I need to do something in order to love this new child as much as I love Annelise." I actually questioned my own heart's ability to expand its "love capacity". Of course my fears quickly evaporated the moment I saw Nehemiah. He was a content and cute baby, not to mention wonderfully and fearfully made (Psalm 139:13-15).

My heart's ability to love another person unconditionally is also true of God. In fact, the Lord's love for each person goes deeper and wider than what any human heart can muster or fathom. 2 Peter 3:9 states, "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance," and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. So, on this Father's Day as I celebrate Nehemiah's birth, I also rejoice that a Heavenly Father exists with an expandable heart, full of love and mercy.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3:16-18

A Stained Glass Life

Several weeks ago when "Grammy Helen" was here visiting, we shopped at a local antique store. I told Helen that I was looking for an antique wedding dress or picture to hang above my bed. Mom, Helen, and Qavah patiently and joyfully looked among many plates, clothes, and other "treasures" in hopes of fulfilling my request. I did not find what I first intended to use in my bedroom, but something even better! This stained glass piece of art is exactly what my room re-do needed in order to be "complete". The shape, the colors, the design; it's all so beautiful and goes with my bedroom decor perfectly! Even at night time, the moonlight shines through the stained glass enough that I can admire the birds and flowers while lying in bed.

The first time I saw this stained glass window, I was intrigued with how the light made the artwork "come alive." In general, it is sunlight illuminating behind the designs that make stained glass worth owning. Likewise, it is "Son-light"- Jesus Christ - that make our lives "glow". Apart from the inner presence of the Lord in our hearts, we present to the world a "dead" piece of art. Others may see what they believe is a pretty design, like the flowers and birds on my stained glass window, but as they get closer, they realize it's a facade of dullness and dimness.

However, if we have accepted the Lord as our personal Savior, than He can transform our hearts and lives into a gorgeous peace of art. In fact, as Christians, we are called to live in such a manner that draws others to God. Others should be so "intrigued" with our lives that they start wanting what we have, which is the presence of the Lord. I am thankful that my life has been "stained" with the shed blood of Jesus. And my daily prayer is that the perfectly true and pure Light would continue to shine in and through my life, making me a beautiful piece of glass for others to admire His handiwork.

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

A Positive Update

Last Sunday when I was in bed sick, I thought to myself, "How am I going to work this week, let alone help Mom while Dad is away?" The answer was, "With God's help and in His strength, of course!" I shouldn't have even worried about the future for I had already seen the Lord work miraculously in this way many times before. Though, He did amaze me again by providing our family with a wonderful week.

Dad's business trip to Sweden went well; he called us everyday with encouraging updates. Back home, Mom kept the house and family running smoothly. Qavah got her transfusion, so she is feeling better. I was able to work everyday this week, plus attend an in-service training, help Mom around the home, and babysit Qavah as needed. Mom and I even accomplished some more much-needed spring cleaning.

Late tonight, we pick Dad up from the airport. So tomorrow, life will probably return to our "normal" routines. However, until then, I'm smiling from ear to ear as I recount the many blessings and answers to prayers that have occurred in the last seven days. Since my joy is over-flowing, I hope it's also encouraging and contagious!

"How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You." Psalm 31:19

Wednesday's Writing Wishes

Today at work, the administrative assistant was using a typewriter to finish some letters and invoices (even though each employee has a computer of their own). Her fingers were moving very fast! Generally speaking, I do not like repetitive noises, but there was something strangely comforting and amusing hearing tap, tap, tap rather than click, click, click. The entire scenario got me thinking about my own writing preferences.

I have recently discovered that I enjoy reading and writing on others' blogs, websites, and posts more than updating my Kathryn's Keepsakes. I find it easier to write the old-fashioned way using paper and pen (thankfully not with a quill feather!) than typing on a computer keyboard. My thoughts flow more readily and smoothly that way.

During school, I would write out long-hand the first or second (third or even fourth!) drafts of papers instead of using "modern" technology like the computer keyboard or cassette tape recorder. And if that was not odd enough, I used a pencil only when it was absolutely required.

To this day, I generally prefer a fine point pen rather than a standard number-two pencil or lead pencil. As a child, my English teachers would sometimes shake their heads in disbelief or comment aloud regarding my method of writing. And to be even more complicated, I couldn't read cursive well. Even now, when I have the choice, I politely request the writer to jot down their thoughts in print instead of cursive.

Did you ever meet someone with such specific preferences for a "simple" task like writing?? Perhaps you shouldn't answer that question! *grin* Personally, I have never met anyone else with such precise requests. Yes, it is fun to be unique. Even my writing wishes are in an organized fashion!

**In conclusion, I can't believe tomorrow is Thursday already, but I'm glad the weekend is almost upon us. It was a long health week, because I did not have some of the medicines I needed to keep my body balanced, even though I had called the pharmacy and doctor last week. I finally got the prescription fulfilled today. Friday, I have a Remicade infusion, which I really need as well.**

Working Joyfully

I returned to work this morning with a surprise left on my desk: a pile of paperwork and a long to-do list! Somehow, I had gotten in my brain that since yesterday was a federal holiday, most people would be off of work and hence I could return to the clean cubicle I had left last Thursday. Well, that dream didn't quite happen the way I anticipated. As the morning hours ticked by, I completed my responsibilities and checked them off my planner one by one. By 3:00pm, I left for home with a much shorter to-do list and a satisfied smile on my face. It had been a good, productive day.

Since I was a little girl, I've generally liked work, especially when it involved cleaning or organizing. Some of my favorite memories are of Saturdays when it was "work-around-the-home-together-as-a-family" day. Sure, I prefer some tasks over others. However, I can state that in the last two years, I've become even more thankful when I have the stamina and clarity of mind to work.

Today, I heard a co-worker complain about something she had to do. This person didn't grumble for long and I could empathize with her frustrations. However, spending significant time in the hospital has made me aware of the blessings of accomplishing jobs. Each day that I can help someone else or tackle my to-do lists, whether at home or my place of employment, is a gift from the Lord.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation." Philippians 2:14-15a

Happy Monday

Maybe I'll have some time to write more later, but I wanted you to know that it has been a wonderful weekend. Qavah and I have enjoyed good health and lots of family time. Today, we hope to scratch off some more jobs on our to-do lists. I'm so thankful the Lord has given me the strength this weekend to help Mom around the house.It feels so "normal" and right. Last night, we had our small group here and that was another evening filled with many blessings and joyful memories. There are many things to be thankful for on this Memorial Day!

Amazing Week!

The house is quiet and it's time for me to sleep. However, I wanted to first write a short update before heading to bed. This morning, Mom sent me a quick e-mail while I was at work (which I received on my lunch break). The last line of her message said:

"P.S. You made it through a week of work!!!!!! God is good!!!!"

That pretty much sums up my news for this post. *grin* Since Monday is Memorial Day, I have a four-day weekend. Dad also has Monday off of work. Lord willing, we plan to complete some house projects that have been on our to-do lists for awhile.

Below is a picture I took one morning this week at around seven o'clock just before leaving for work. I love the shadows. The sky was perfectly clear, but sunny and it was very quiet and peaceful. There wasn't even a bird singing. Time seemed to stand still. I think the porch swings make this "scene" look very welcoming. Don't you want to just step into this photo and soak up God's amazing handiwork?

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:22-24

As God Wills It

Last week when Qavah received a VHS tape of children singing Christian music, I sat down and watched the video with her. Many of the songs I remembered from my childhood Sunday school classes. One of the songs I loved was called He's Got The Whole World In His Hands. I liked doing the hand motions, which visually symbolized God's sovereignty. I also remember distinctly singing that song with such concern in my heart for the many orphans around the world. It helped me to realize that God was taking care of the orpahns, even if I couldn't bring them "back home" to live with my family in America.

Now, I'm an adult with other serious issues in my life (my disease, job, finances, present and future relationships, church, etc). I also have many family and friends who have their own prayer requests. In fact, we all have a list of needs and desires. The simple message of He's Got The Whole World In His Hands is as true today as it was when I was seven years old; God IS sovereign! Today, whether you are caring a heavy burden or jumping for joy, remember that nothing happens without God's notice. He indeed has the whole world in His hands. I don't know about you, but that realization frees me to live my life with enuthsiasm and anticipation for what the Lord is going to do.

"[God] does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: "What have you done?" Daniel 4:35.