A Biography

Here I am on a snowy March day and I've got the laundry put away. I've got the kitchen clean, the floors vacuumed. School is done and youngest daughter is delivered to her much-anticipated Awana program.
Time to write a little for the progeny. Sometimes incidents in your life come up, and you can share a related story from your past that has colored your world. More often we tend to surprise our children with tidbits of the past that don't seem to fit into a whole. Can I give a little bio of myself?
This may take awhile, since I'm close to half a century old now. But let's try to get started.
My life story is a story of faith. I share it in hopes of being witness to Truth and how it has affected me and those around me. I will share the parts that are wholly my own or parts that I deem not to be harmful (at least not deeply so) to other individuals who have affected my life positively or negatively.
I'll start with my family's background:
My two parents were raised in strong Bible believing homes. My dad is the product of immigrant Swedes who had a protestant christian faith. My paternal grandparents were strong members of the Swedish Evangelical Free Church. My mother is the product of Norwegian Lutherans and a Evangelical Free Church pastor. Strong Dispensationalists all.
My dad is a gentle soul who couldn't believe the luck he had when my smart and beautiful mother agreed to marry him. I think of him as someone with deep integrity and strong compassion for everyone he met. He wasn't emotive, except when his funny bone was tickled. He cried hard when I left the country for a year, and that did me in too. I cried the whole plane ride to Europe, feeling so bad I'd been the cause of my dad's tears. Dad was a savvy businessman who never gambled or drank alcohol. He was a product of the University of Minnesota, and some of his life philosophies can be traced to that part of his education. He loved to hear good preaching, and we traveled far to enjoy the sermons or special messages from all sorts of speakers, like "Bible Town," in Boca Raton, FL, or "Founder's Week" at Moody Bible Institute. Often we attended the Evang. Free Church Annual Conference.
My mother is an RN. She loves to read, and she devoted her life to her children and her church. She is artistic, musical, and knowledgeable in so many fields. Gardening and landscaping was a life-long passion she could pursue with the acres of land we had as a family in Minnesota. She loved animals, to the point of letting me, her only daughter who had a passion for them, have them at the expense of other family members. (Horses, cows, dogs, and cats). She raised me to be musical and artistic, but her sense of decor and landscaping never got through to me. I've let her decorate each house I've lived in. When people visit her home they are impressed by the serenity and elegance of it all. She's also a life-long nutritionist, self taught. Organic, healthy food was an integral part of my upbringing. She is a legendary cook.
Some things were important in my home: hospitality, honesty, obedience, reverence for the Lord, cleanliness. My oldest brother (as most oldest children) probably suffered the severest discipline, but he usually deserved it. My second brother is a quieter fellow. Both of them are years older than I, and they were practically a different family when I was growing up. They worked at the family business each summer when school was out when I was old enough to notice. They just weren't around me much.
So this is my story. I became a believer when I responded to an altar call at a children's meeting. I raised my hand at the invitation to receive Christ, and walked forward to meet with a counselor. She was someone I knew from my church, and I prayed with her to receive Christ. I was four years old.
Of course I attended Sunday School and church every Sunday. As I got to school age I went to Pioneer Girls (Monday) and Wednesday night prayer meeting. Faithfully. Sometimes I felt we practically lived at church!
It was a cozy and safe childhood.
Mom was a popular leader for Pioneer Girls. She taught the high school girls, and I felt I sort of knew many of them as her daughter.
Our church was a community church, non-denominational, but it had a mighty missions program. We supported and pledged funds to dozens of missionaries all over the world. Every missions conference we reaped the benefit of hosting new and different people in our home. I was able to meet fascinating individuals. I remember eating breakfast with Pelendo, the famous African Christian.
My dad had a profound respect for missionary doctors. His brother built a cutting-edge hospital in Tandala, Zaire, and this must have really influenced him. I remember my dad encouraging smart young men to become doctors and then enter the mission field. Why wouldn't you do that, if you could?!
One missionary doctor had a deep influence on me. Dr. Olson, a missionary to India, gave a stirring appeal for us to commit our lives to missionary service. I responded. I made a public commitment to pursue a career as a missionary, and that was to shape my high school years and college like nothing else. I was twelve years old.
When I was 13 I got to attend Bill Gothard's Basic Seminar. (IBLP) As an open- hearted and open-minded youngster I soaked up the teaching during that week. It was the beginning of multiple blessings that lasted my whole life! (Now don't just quit reading here...Some people I know and love hate Bill, but for me he was only an encouraging influence)
I decided to make a public stand for Christ in my school. I became known as a rather bold Christian, and I was blessed for it. My friends were from all social strata---the drug users, the rich kids, the "smart" ones. By no means was I popular, but I did become the president of the foreign student club. (Go figure!)
I was also the student band director and I won the "good citizenship" scholarship from the US Bank. I was a member of the National Honors Society and generally a good student. One of my favorite teachers recognized a writing ability in me and I was able to publish a short poem and be involved in a state-wide writer's group. Art was my gift. I am now more of a portrait artist, but I developed as an illustrator of animals. Painting and drawing take so much time, so I've given it up for the present. It's my joy, though, and perhaps in heaven I'll get to pursue it!
My piano skills got me time as an accompanist for band and choir contests. I played the flute and sang in a sextet. Yes.
My singing group started in my freshman year. We seven girls (one played the piano for us) had the fun of touring and giving concerts--even making a much beloved recording of our most popular songs. We formed life friendships, and we all love and serve the Lord to this day! I can say it was the sweetest part of my high school years to have that group and the discipline it required. It's been a joy to watch all of our lives unfold. So much God-given promise, and so much God-given success. It's remarkable really.
That's chapter one. Must go off to the present day.

Back from the Dead (Apparently)

Kiwi and Blackberry have declared that I will live. I wondered about it myself over the past 3 days as I was hit with a "bug" that flattened me with a high fever and other unpleasant symptoms. My black lab and my black cat never left my side. Literally. Kiwi Kitty was constantly curled up, always touching me, usually a leg or foot, and Blackberry was never more than a foot away on the floor beside me. Touching, in an emotional sense! Last night Blackberry chose to sleep on her bed--(in another room!) and Kiwi left me for a nearby chair. Crisis over, I guess.
Animals are wonderful creations.
Interestingly, Misty Corgums never showed the same connection, but this morning (when the other two had checked out) she was the one to demand my attention. She must be a fair weather friend.
The weather has turned here. This morning I saw Canada Geese fly over. I heard bluebird songs, but haven't spotted them. The woodpeckers and nuthatches are busy on the trees outside. A group of crows spent half an hour in the tree tops back of the house early today. I wonder if they are looking for a protein morsel in the form of a bee. Although the snow cover is still pretty thick the bees have been out in the 50 degree weather. One of the hives is gone. The bees ate all the honey and were reduced to a handful. The other hive appears to be okay. We will have to move it soon. These warm days and cold nights are perfect for maple-syrupping---as we call it. My son will get his gear together for this strenuous activity soon.
I am going back to bed. Not ready to join the world yet. Just happy to be over the worst of the virus. What I read of the headlines I doubt anyone wants to be a part of---the mayhem in the aftermath of Japan's earthquake. Bleak stuff.
Margaret showed me an article about the governor of California and how he is trying to help fund the state's deficit through the promotion of his Corgi, Sutter. There really is a movement to promote world peace and welfare through Corgis! We joke about that here at Corgi Hollows, and now it's actually being implemented! Looks like we'll have to jump on the bandwagon.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all. I'd better get my cook to get the corned beef in the oven. She has shone as a completely capable home-maker during this illness.

Japan

Here we are, thinking of and praying for the people of Japan. What a sad day for this country. The earthquake is rated at a 9.1, the largest yet for this country recorded. The tsunami has devastated entire towns. We live in an ominous world right now. Can't you feel it?
Get your spirit ready in Christ. The Holy Spirit's power is absolutely needed to weather the spiritual storm on its way. Weren't you feeling grieved today?

This Guy I Know Needs a Job

The facts are that our story hasn't changed much for our family in the last few months. No job yet for my husband, and some of the most promising prospects have been tried and found wanting. Yes, it is discouraging, but I remind myself that this is temporary. Something must change withing the next few months.
I'm considering renewing my teaching certificate right now, and that involves several options which all include going back to school.
I've got my GRE study book off the shelf and I'm applying to the local U soon as possible.
I always pictured my self going back to school, but I didn't imagine circumstances would play such a role. I figured it would be a logical end to graduating my last child. Looks like I'll be graduating WITH my last child! Well, we will see. Things can change in a moment when you are looking for work. The next job might land you in Asia, Europe, or South America---or just around the corner.
Where ever we land we must acknowledge God's hand in directing and guiding. I think it is possible to rebel against a perfect outcome (look at the nation of Hebrews in the Old Testament) but when we submit our wills to God and look to Him for direction in life things happen in the best possible way.
How do we know this? God has established a record with history, with the world, with me. Even "little old me."
Even death can factor in here. Like the old fashioned marriage vow, "in sickness and in health, until death..." God is faithful to us when we repent and turn to Him for salvation and forgiveness. God is faithful to provide for us while we remain here on earth. Our spirits will always be nurtured in the hope of our salvation and the fellowship we have with our Creator.
As you know I've been reading some books on Philosophy lately. Philosophy can address the supernatural, metaphysical, ethical, moral, reasonable aspects of existence and attempt to explain ourselves, but until we KNOW GOD in a relationship life just isn't complete. This act of faithful friendship and love nurtured for a minute or a lifetime is truly faith that completes the human existence. It is only experienced by those who know and love God, who act in accordance with His plan laid out in Scripture. Attempts to duplicate or forge such a relationship are doomed from the start. We must enter the arrangement on His terms. After all, He is God. He set the order from the beginning. Spiritual blindness is a result from the fall.
All this to say that I am resting. Discouraged, yes, because life happens, and we do have troubles. I am looking forward to seeing what plays out in our next weeks and months, because God IS faithful to those who love Him and have a relationship with Him.
Have you ever considered the cost of taking up the cross? It could mean hardship. But let's pray that God is glorified ultimately in whatever outcome. One thing I know: I must share Christ. I must preach the good news where ever we land.
Time seems to be short-lived. The Middle East is in turmoil, Europe struggles with despondency and post modern thought, and the noose tightens on our individual freedoms, our country's sovereignty, even our economic system! You can't turn on your internet without being amazed at the speed of change in the world! Time is just another creation of the Lord's, and it seems to be winding up (or down).
In Him we live and move and have our being. And work. I'm looking forward to the next chapter of work for my husband and for me.

Pebble

I did come down with the dreaded virus that seems to be going around everywhere. I started drinking carrot juice with my vitamins in hope that the sneezing and congestion will diminish soon. Another snow storm is on its way here--one foot predicted for Monday. The weather is all white outside, the sign of a thick cloud cover. About 20 minutes ago I looked out the kitchen window and saw a massive eagle pumping its wings powerfully flying from the south to the north, winging back westward until I couldn't see it anymore. Its white tail was spread like a rudder. I wonder what it's doing here, and I hope the small birds aren't what it's looking for.
This will be a very busy weekend, as the week has been too. Being sick may not infringe on the rest of life!
For school we took the virtual trip to Israel with Ray Van der Laan. Every day we watched one video (yes, not DVD) and listened to his faith lessons. Today the impressive one to me was seeing the two rocks Ray held at Caesarrea. One was a fragment from Herod's great structures built there around 20 to 40 BC. The other was a pebble. Which person do we remember from scripture most? David, or Herod? God used a pebble to kill Goliath but the entire city of Caesarrea, a wonder for that time, is barely remembered. I must confess that when I visited the ruins there back in 1983 the only thing I thought remarkable was the sea, the rocks, and that we had our car broken into. The structures meant little to me. Sure, the aqua-duct was impressive, and the ruins of the amphitheater, but I didn't understand the lay of the land until I watched the Vanderlaan tape. I think I need to go back to Israel.:)
The faith lesson taught that when you do something for the Lord He will get the credit and make it everlasting. When we do things for ourselves (as Herod did) it is doomed to the halls of archeology, if even that!
I think it is important to leave a record of God's grace worked out in my life. We all need encouragement, and drawing from past blessings can pave a smoother path through current hardship. I have a little pebble here. I know that God gives the increase.

Editors

Last night I had a visit from the Apostrophe Police. If you recall, I used several apostrophes indiscriminately in the last post. I am thankful I was issued only a warning, so I must be careful from now on or surely I'll be ticketed next time.
English is the most wonderful tongue to have as a native language. It's so bendy-flexi-manipulative that you really need to know the ins and outs to use it with confidence, but you can practically murder it and still be understood.
Funny thing, but language aptitude must be somewhat genetically revealed in my family. My dad taught speech at the Crookston Agricultural School in the 50's. My mom is an RN with heightened English skills (those of you who know her would agree with me) yet no official experience to document it, except that all of her children married people with remarkable English ability. My two brothers both married editors, and I married a man with a major in English Literature. Clearly this is a sign of language gene dominance.
Just because my career field is in education does NOT qualify me to be mistake-proof in the usage of English. But I do not get away with it easily. I have a ready staff of Corrections Officers at my disposal. So, please pardon my English!

Spurgeon

I've been reading this week. One thing I finished was a biography about Charles Spurgeon. I didn't know much about him except that he's frequently quoted by pastors, referred to, and admired. Now I have my own opinion.
I think I would have enjoyed knowing him.
He struggled with pain most of his life, yet he always kept the most important thing central; Christ crucified, Christ the Lord. He could fill large auditoriums 2 to 3 times a day just preaching the same thing. There must have been a genuine power to his message and his character.
This encourages any believer in this era.
We might be impressed by the Rick Warren's, the Rob Bell's, the Franklin Graham's, and whoever the preacher du jour is, but it's the day to day life of a true believer that really speaks to the spirit. Lived-out spirituality.
It is a privilege to know someone who actually is living out his or her spirituality. Someone who dares to go against the modern tide of humanism and feel-good (hedonistic) self-help idealism. Pick up any magazine at the grocery check-out and you can't escape it!
I may not be in sync with all of Charles Spurgeon's theology, but it would be great to have known him. The book said his voice was interesting, and that is one of the saddest things about death. The voice is silenced.  At least we have his thoughts.