My driving career has been colorful, to say the least. I think there is an angel or two in Heaven who will probably pat me on the back one day and say, “You kept us on our toes, Jeannie.”
My first real car to call my own was one of the early Hondas – the kind with the round headlights, beige, and a sweet interior that felt sporty and fun. My Grandma was getting a new car, and this one was coming to me. The other vehicle I drove fairly often was my Mom’s red Dodge Sundance – remember those? I loved that car. Sadly, both of these cars would be totaled by yours truly in my junior year of high school. I wouldn’t say I was a terrible driver, but I did get easily distracted. I learned the hard way how to pay attention. (This would come in handy when I became the mother of 3.)
The next car I zoomed around in was another Dodge Sundance - a two-tone with silver on top and a burgundy/raspberry kind of color below. This was the car I took to Indiana Wesleyan University. This car survived. Well, almost. There was this one incident where someone came into the house where I was visiting a friend and said, “Is that your car in the ditch?” Apparently, I had left the car in drive, so it had rolled down a gentle slope, across a street, and headlong into a ditch. It was still in great condition, just looked a little neglected there down the hill.
Just a side note here, I can’t believe my parents didn’t just send me to college with a 10-speed and say, “Have fun!”
Staying in the Dodge family, the next vehicle would be a red Shadow. This was the car Aaron and I would drive the many miles between Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. We kept it until just a couple years ago; and now it’s still in the family with Aaron’s aunt Patty as the new owner.
When we knew Gregory was coming along, we invested in a “family car” – our dark purple Dodge Intrepid. That was the car we brought Greggie home in. I remember driving around with him and watching the baby mirror more than I watched the road!
And now I’m one of those mothers who live in their mini-vans. We struggled with that decision….a mini-van before we turned 30? Is that really what it’s come to? But we realized how convenient it would be with two little guys and now a third. It’s a two-tone blue and silver Mercury Villager and it gets us around, even if it is lacking in zip and hip.
Be kind to those mothers in mini-vans…their road rage is boiling before they ever get on the road! Just kidding…sort of….
Driving now takes a great deal more concentration with a 4 year-old in the back, yelling about how he dropped his toy, a 2 year-old who thinks he has to stop and go potty in the field, and a newborn fed-up with being buckled in the car seat. Let’s hope I can keep it between the ditches.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
What Did He Say?!
I am still a little shell-shocked from the recent words that I heard come out of Pat Robertson’s mouth. Let’s assassinate the leader of Venezuela? Did I hear him right? Is this a bad dream? I am confused, angry, and discouraged.
Robertson has to be one of the most recognizable Evangelical Christians today, and yet what is he known for? What is his reputation? Is it one of honor and love for the unbeliever?
Which brings me to the reputation and impression the world is receiving of Christians in general: it ain’t pretty. It seems all I hear from Christians on TV is politically-oriented and it’s getting tiring. Shouldn’t we be talking more about Jesus Christ and Grace and Truth rather than the agenda we think is right for the country?
I hate to even bring up this topic because lately it seems like the popular, post-modern thing to do, but I just couldn’t help myself after this latest scene from the 700 Club. I have no answers or solutions. I’m not saying we shouldn’t be concerned about our country, it’s values…I just think we’re fighting the wrong enemy sometimes.
Robertson has to be one of the most recognizable Evangelical Christians today, and yet what is he known for? What is his reputation? Is it one of honor and love for the unbeliever?
Which brings me to the reputation and impression the world is receiving of Christians in general: it ain’t pretty. It seems all I hear from Christians on TV is politically-oriented and it’s getting tiring. Shouldn’t we be talking more about Jesus Christ and Grace and Truth rather than the agenda we think is right for the country?
I hate to even bring up this topic because lately it seems like the popular, post-modern thing to do, but I just couldn’t help myself after this latest scene from the 700 Club. I have no answers or solutions. I’m not saying we shouldn’t be concerned about our country, it’s values…I just think we’re fighting the wrong enemy sometimes.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Meet the Parents
This week, my parents celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. I thought I’d share their story with you – I’ve always found it fascinating.
Dad and Mom were raised very much the same. Their parents were members of the Wesleyan Church and held to the beliefs and doctrines of that denomination. They loved music – Dad sang and played his trumpet, Mom loved to sing. But since they were miles apart with Dad in Ohio and Mom in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s amazing they ever crossed paths at all.
But God had orchestrated it all from the beginning. Mom’s uncle just happened to be the pastor of my Dad’s church – Trinity Wesleyan in Greenville, Ohio. When she and her parents went there for a visit, Mom and Dad met for the first time.
If I remember correctly, it was Mom’s aunt who introduced the two teenagers to each other. Even though they barely spoke that Sunday morning, they sensed a connection right away. My Dad was attending Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois, my Mom at Central Wesleyan College in South Carolina (now Southern Wesleyan University). They began writing letters, making phone calls, and trying to visit each other as much as possible. I think my Dad said something romantic like, “Don’t you think it’d be cheaper to get married than to keep spending money on long distance and airline tickets?” Mom was ecstatic and happily quit school to get her MRS degree.
They walked down the aisle on August 15, 1970 – Dad was 19, Mom was 20. They had seen each other face to face only 10 times before saying “I do.” Dad transferred to the Ohio State University where he graduated, then they moved back to Greenville, where my Mom learned what it meant to be a farmer’s wife – a big transition from being an Atlanta city girl.
Thirty-five years later, they are still saying “I do” everyday. Thanks, Dad and Mom.
Dad and Mom were raised very much the same. Their parents were members of the Wesleyan Church and held to the beliefs and doctrines of that denomination. They loved music – Dad sang and played his trumpet, Mom loved to sing. But since they were miles apart with Dad in Ohio and Mom in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s amazing they ever crossed paths at all.
But God had orchestrated it all from the beginning. Mom’s uncle just happened to be the pastor of my Dad’s church – Trinity Wesleyan in Greenville, Ohio. When she and her parents went there for a visit, Mom and Dad met for the first time.
If I remember correctly, it was Mom’s aunt who introduced the two teenagers to each other. Even though they barely spoke that Sunday morning, they sensed a connection right away. My Dad was attending Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois, my Mom at Central Wesleyan College in South Carolina (now Southern Wesleyan University). They began writing letters, making phone calls, and trying to visit each other as much as possible. I think my Dad said something romantic like, “Don’t you think it’d be cheaper to get married than to keep spending money on long distance and airline tickets?” Mom was ecstatic and happily quit school to get her MRS degree.
They walked down the aisle on August 15, 1970 – Dad was 19, Mom was 20. They had seen each other face to face only 10 times before saying “I do.” Dad transferred to the Ohio State University where he graduated, then they moved back to Greenville, where my Mom learned what it meant to be a farmer’s wife – a big transition from being an Atlanta city girl.
Thirty-five years later, they are still saying “I do” everyday. Thanks, Dad and Mom.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Authentic Community
(This is a devotional I recently wrote for a booklet our church is publishing for an up-coming sermon series. www.crossbridge.cc)
There is a scene in the film Return of the King (third in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) that always inspires me. Aragorn and his army stand before the gates of Mordor, where a great evil army awaits. Meanwhile, Frodo, the one chosen to carry the ring, is at the threshold of Mount Doom, just moments away from finally throwing the all-powerful ring into the fires there, destroying it and its’ evil forever. In the silence before the battle begins at Mordor, Aragorn stands alone in front of the army, looking toward Mount Doom. He slowly turns around to those behind him, friends who need hope, inspiration. With tears in his eyes, he whispers, “For Frodo.” And with these words, the army charges into the battle.
When I watch this scene, I’m touched by Aragorn’s obvious devotion to his friend and his willingness to fight for him. As believers in Jesus Christ, that is the kind of fellowship we all want to belong to. We can point back to our Creator to understand authentic community and why we so desperately need it. God has never worked or dwelt in isolation. He has always been surrounded by the Trinity. There is true communion there between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Likewise, when Christ came to earth, he didn’t go solo. He surrounded himself with twelve men, not perfect people by any means, but men who would be there to share the vision and the journey. An even closer authentic community for Jesus was the fellowship of three of those twelve disciples: James, Peter, and John, who witnessed the transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17). So we must follow the example of Jesus, recognizing the fact that our faith journey cannot be walked alone.
The problem is that we so often come and go from our spiritual communities without offering our hearts. We stand back-- watching, observing-- but rarely engaging. We feel much safer sneaking in and out of church than taking the time to cultivate any kind of real relationships. We only discuss surface issues at small group for fear of sharing our real hearts. After all, many of us have been hurt by other believers. Why should we risk that pain again? In Christ, with all humility and grace, we need to find the courage to be broken before others and vulnerable. By broken, I am referring to the quality of being strong enough in Christ and who he says we are to be willing to let others in, no matter what they say or how they treat us.
Being a part of a rich, authentic community also takes a great deal of time. We can’t learn to trust or understand each other until we have really spent time together. Look for ways to meet and touch base with other believers with whom you sense a connection. Call them. Have them in your home. Keep in touch through email. Acts 13: 42-47 tells us that the fellowship of believers met every day. Although that may not be possible in today’s culture, we should be challenged to stay in touch with other believers more than once a week.
Jesus says in Matthew 9:12, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” An authentic spiritual community is where sick people have found the cure and now long to spread the news that broken people can live. It’s a place where our hearts are fought for through the weapon of prayer, and spiritual victories are won.
There is a scene in the film Return of the King (third in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) that always inspires me. Aragorn and his army stand before the gates of Mordor, where a great evil army awaits. Meanwhile, Frodo, the one chosen to carry the ring, is at the threshold of Mount Doom, just moments away from finally throwing the all-powerful ring into the fires there, destroying it and its’ evil forever. In the silence before the battle begins at Mordor, Aragorn stands alone in front of the army, looking toward Mount Doom. He slowly turns around to those behind him, friends who need hope, inspiration. With tears in his eyes, he whispers, “For Frodo.” And with these words, the army charges into the battle.
When I watch this scene, I’m touched by Aragorn’s obvious devotion to his friend and his willingness to fight for him. As believers in Jesus Christ, that is the kind of fellowship we all want to belong to. We can point back to our Creator to understand authentic community and why we so desperately need it. God has never worked or dwelt in isolation. He has always been surrounded by the Trinity. There is true communion there between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Likewise, when Christ came to earth, he didn’t go solo. He surrounded himself with twelve men, not perfect people by any means, but men who would be there to share the vision and the journey. An even closer authentic community for Jesus was the fellowship of three of those twelve disciples: James, Peter, and John, who witnessed the transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17). So we must follow the example of Jesus, recognizing the fact that our faith journey cannot be walked alone.
The problem is that we so often come and go from our spiritual communities without offering our hearts. We stand back-- watching, observing-- but rarely engaging. We feel much safer sneaking in and out of church than taking the time to cultivate any kind of real relationships. We only discuss surface issues at small group for fear of sharing our real hearts. After all, many of us have been hurt by other believers. Why should we risk that pain again? In Christ, with all humility and grace, we need to find the courage to be broken before others and vulnerable. By broken, I am referring to the quality of being strong enough in Christ and who he says we are to be willing to let others in, no matter what they say or how they treat us.
Being a part of a rich, authentic community also takes a great deal of time. We can’t learn to trust or understand each other until we have really spent time together. Look for ways to meet and touch base with other believers with whom you sense a connection. Call them. Have them in your home. Keep in touch through email. Acts 13: 42-47 tells us that the fellowship of believers met every day. Although that may not be possible in today’s culture, we should be challenged to stay in touch with other believers more than once a week.
Jesus says in Matthew 9:12, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” An authentic spiritual community is where sick people have found the cure and now long to spread the news that broken people can live. It’s a place where our hearts are fought for through the weapon of prayer, and spiritual victories are won.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Favre Forever
Last Thursday night, I watched the first Green Bay Packer game of the pre-season with a little sadness. This could be the last season for Brett Favre.
I can remember the moment I became a huge fan of Favre. It was 1996 and Aaron and were glued to the TV all winter, watching the progress of the Packers to the Super Bowl. (Good thing we didn't have any kids at the time!) Many of you have seen the clip - it was the first throw for Favre in the Super Bowl and he hit Andre Rison for a touchdown. Favre rips his helmet off and goes running to his teammates and coaches on the sidelines like he'd just won the entire game right there. I remember laughing so hard with Aaron at this crazy young quarterback who was bound to lead us to victory.
Now, years later, I feel sort of like we've grown up with Favre. We've watched him win and lose; we've seen his battles with himself and his own addictions. And more recently, we've witnessed his suffering through the death of his father and the diagnosis of cancer in his wife. He strangely feels more like family than some player in the NFL.
I think what I like about Favre is his authenticity. He isn't like any other quarterback who has ever played the game. He has a leadership quality that comes from being himself and being confident in his abilities. He's like your favorite uncle at the family reunion who plays with all the kids even though he's twice their size, and has a maturity you admire without taking himself too seriously. We've been watching him for so long - it's going to be hard to see him retire.
I watched with a slight scowl as the Favre heir-apparent, Aaron Rodgers waited on the sidelines last Thursday night. He's a top pick out of California - blah, blah, blah. The verdict is out on California boy. I must admit, though, in a short interview I saw on ESPN, he acted pretty humble and low-key. I guess that's a good sign.
For now, I'd just like to vote for a few more years of Favre. At least until we win the Big One.
I can remember the moment I became a huge fan of Favre. It was 1996 and Aaron and were glued to the TV all winter, watching the progress of the Packers to the Super Bowl. (Good thing we didn't have any kids at the time!) Many of you have seen the clip - it was the first throw for Favre in the Super Bowl and he hit Andre Rison for a touchdown. Favre rips his helmet off and goes running to his teammates and coaches on the sidelines like he'd just won the entire game right there. I remember laughing so hard with Aaron at this crazy young quarterback who was bound to lead us to victory.
Now, years later, I feel sort of like we've grown up with Favre. We've watched him win and lose; we've seen his battles with himself and his own addictions. And more recently, we've witnessed his suffering through the death of his father and the diagnosis of cancer in his wife. He strangely feels more like family than some player in the NFL.
I think what I like about Favre is his authenticity. He isn't like any other quarterback who has ever played the game. He has a leadership quality that comes from being himself and being confident in his abilities. He's like your favorite uncle at the family reunion who plays with all the kids even though he's twice their size, and has a maturity you admire without taking himself too seriously. We've been watching him for so long - it's going to be hard to see him retire.
I watched with a slight scowl as the Favre heir-apparent, Aaron Rodgers waited on the sidelines last Thursday night. He's a top pick out of California - blah, blah, blah. The verdict is out on California boy. I must admit, though, in a short interview I saw on ESPN, he acted pretty humble and low-key. I guess that's a good sign.
For now, I'd just like to vote for a few more years of Favre. At least until we win the Big One.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Questions Asked in Grief
For the past few days, I've been in a bit of a fog as Aaron and I received word that some friends of ours are grieving the loss of their 3-month old daughter. I can't stop thinking of these dear friends and praying that God would be their rock during this time when they feel like they will drown in their grief. How does one wrestle with God over the death of a child?
My grandparents received a call in the middle of the night many years ago. It was someone from Central Wesleyan College (now Southern Wesleyan University). Their oldest daughter had died in a dorm fire there at the college along with one other female student. My mother remembers hearing the cries of grief throughout the night. How does one trust and believe in the Light of the World when all is darkness?
My brothers and sisters-in-law have lost children, some they have never held. I have wept at the funeral of a small baby boy who lived only hours after birth. How does one breathe when the heart breaks?
I ache tonight. I grieve for my friends and their family. I cling to the God I love. His heart is good... His heart is good. He will never leave us; He will never forsake us. He is all we have. He is all we need. Praise His Name.
My grandparents received a call in the middle of the night many years ago. It was someone from Central Wesleyan College (now Southern Wesleyan University). Their oldest daughter had died in a dorm fire there at the college along with one other female student. My mother remembers hearing the cries of grief throughout the night. How does one trust and believe in the Light of the World when all is darkness?
My brothers and sisters-in-law have lost children, some they have never held. I have wept at the funeral of a small baby boy who lived only hours after birth. How does one breathe when the heart breaks?
I ache tonight. I grieve for my friends and their family. I cling to the God I love. His heart is good... His heart is good. He will never leave us; He will never forsake us. He is all we have. He is all we need. Praise His Name.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Reid Report - August
Happy Birthday to one-month old Jonathan Michael Reid. He is a beautiful boy and we fall in love with him more everyday. He is good at eating, sleeping, and setting off small explosions from his diaper area. We've enjoyed his recent attempts at smiling and cooing. He seems to resemble Gregory as an infant, but his hair is still dark reddish brown and we haven't decided what color his eyes are. Brown? Dark Blue? Time will tell.
The big brothers like talking to Jonathan and holding his little fingers. Daniel also enjoys burping him for some reason (tapping him gently on the back while mommy holds him) - it's a sweet picture. He likes to call him "Jon Michael" - while Gregory prefers "Jonathan Michael" - so I guess he'll have a big name for awhile. I spontaneously called him "Johnny Bravo" the other day, but I don't think that will stick.
Our 12-year old niece, Kaela, has been here all week visiting from Minnesota and that has been a lot of fun. (And great help for Mommy.) Hard to believe this tall girl was just a little peanut of a miniature bride in our wedding a decade ago!
The three boys and I all picked her up from the airport on Monday, and boy, was that a trip. Putting a double stroller, a toddler, a preschooler, and a new baby through security is not a walk in the park, my friends. Oh, one funny story: Daniel saw one of those Shriner guys with the big hats with tassles and he starts yelling, "Mommy!! A King, A King!!" Oh, I love my children.
We will be going to the airport again around Labor Day for a big trip up to Wisconsin. We can't wait to see family and get out of this pit of humidity for awhile. I've heard it's pretty hot up there right now, too, though. Cool off before we get there!
On a sadder note, we'd appreciate your prayers for our friends, Josh and Shelly Buck. They recently lost their 3-month old daughter, Ava. I can't imagine what they are going through, but I know God will hold them through this.
The big brothers like talking to Jonathan and holding his little fingers. Daniel also enjoys burping him for some reason (tapping him gently on the back while mommy holds him) - it's a sweet picture. He likes to call him "Jon Michael" - while Gregory prefers "Jonathan Michael" - so I guess he'll have a big name for awhile. I spontaneously called him "Johnny Bravo" the other day, but I don't think that will stick.
Our 12-year old niece, Kaela, has been here all week visiting from Minnesota and that has been a lot of fun. (And great help for Mommy.) Hard to believe this tall girl was just a little peanut of a miniature bride in our wedding a decade ago!
The three boys and I all picked her up from the airport on Monday, and boy, was that a trip. Putting a double stroller, a toddler, a preschooler, and a new baby through security is not a walk in the park, my friends. Oh, one funny story: Daniel saw one of those Shriner guys with the big hats with tassles and he starts yelling, "Mommy!! A King, A King!!" Oh, I love my children.
We will be going to the airport again around Labor Day for a big trip up to Wisconsin. We can't wait to see family and get out of this pit of humidity for awhile. I've heard it's pretty hot up there right now, too, though. Cool off before we get there!
On a sadder note, we'd appreciate your prayers for our friends, Josh and Shelly Buck. They recently lost their 3-month old daughter, Ava. I can't imagine what they are going through, but I know God will hold them through this.
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