Lost my Reverend Card, but was able to renew credentials when I happened upon autofill!
Nice skype with Mom and Dad. Never caught Mom Mary.
SNOW - really?
The willingness to be and to have just what God wants us to be and have, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else, would set our hearts at rest, and we would discover the simpler life, the greater peace." Elisabeth Elliot
Every trip to the store is an adventure - I love living in a foreign country
Arielle enjoyed a Book club and movie - nice outing for her
Michael is resting, talking a bit, resting more
Double batch of English Muffins baked; double batch rising to bake in the a.m.
Dressing changed - looking good!
Debating chapel attendance tomorrow. It would be nasty if Michael caught a flu bug as we're supposed to be watching for nausea, dizziness etc.
Some songs just "speak" and this one speaks to me. I think it's my leadership theme.
[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead
[Verse 1:]
It's evident you run the show, so let me back down
You take the leading role, and I'll play the background
I know I miss my cues, know I forget my lines
I'm sticking to your script, and I'm reading all your signs
I don't need my name in lights, I don't need a starring role
Why gain the whole wide world, If I'm just going lose my soul
And my ways ain't purified, don't live according to Your Word
I can't endure this life without Your wisdom being heard
So word to every dance, a foe, a pop star
'Cause we all play the background, but mine's a rockstar
Yeah, so if you need me I'll be stage right
Praying the whole world will start embracing stage fright
So let me fall back, stop giving my suggestions
'Cause when I follow my obsessions, I end up confessing
That I'm not that impressive, matter of fact
I'm who I are, a trail of stardust leading to the superstar
[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead
[Verse 2:]
I had a dream that I was captain of my soul
I was master of my fate, lost control. and then I sank
So I don't want to take the lead, 'cause I'm prone to make mistakes
All the folks who follow me, going end up in the wrong place
So let me just shadow you, let me trace your lines
Matter of fact, just take my pen, here, you create my rhymes
'Cause if I do this by myself, I'm scared that I'll succeed
And no longer trust in you, 'cause I only trust in me
And see, that's how you end up headed to destruction
Paving a road to nowhere, pour your life out for nothing
You pulled my card, I'm bluffing, You know what's in my hand
Me, I'm just going to trust you, You cause the dice to land
I'm in control of nothing, follow you at any cost
Some call it sovereign will, all I know is you the boss
Man, I'm so at ease, I'm so content
I'll play the background, like it's an instrument
[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead
[Bridge:]
I know I'm safest when I'm in Your will, and trust Your Word
I know I'm dangerous when I trust myself, my vision blurred
And I ain't got no time to play life's foolish games
Got plenty aims, but do they really Glorify Your name
And it's a shame, the way I want to do these things for You
Don't even cling to you, take time to sit and gleam from You
Seems You were patient in my ignorance
If ignorance is bliss, it's 'cause she never heard of this
[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead
[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead.
There are times when a man has to speak up. Today was one of those days for Jared and I am incredibly proud of him. I attended a meeting he had with two men. I've lost much trust with the adults in this situation and simply wanted to be sure, 1. There was a witness to what was agreed upon and 2. Someone was there to make sure Jared didn't "say too much". ::snort:: The one man said in 31 years a parent had never attended a meeting. I told him I needed to be there to kick Jared if he said the wrong thing. ::snort:: I think they understood by the end of the meeting why Jared would want a witness at the meeting. Michael had planned on going but he's laid up - and really we think it turned out good I was there. I'm not as threatening.
In any event - there are simply times one must speak up when they see things that need to be addressed. The men were very understanding. It was a good round table discussion and I think new understanding was gained by all. They assured him they understood his motive and that they did not think he was vindictive. They offered him some solutions, but he opted to quit his job. They offered him the chance to leave his letter of resignation and uniform with them. They also said that they were officially giving him "two weeks of leave without pay" which means on his record he gave 2 weeks notice and yet doesn't need to go back. For a variety of reasons all feel good about this decision.
Photo from Stars and Stripes
Jared has learned many lessons working at the Mokuteki....both life lessons and work lessons. That's all good. He HAS enjoyed many of the folks he met, he understands Japanese culture better, he learned how to work through a conflict with a fellow employee, he learned sometimes things simply require speaking up and walking away, and he learned how to make GREAT drinks. ::snort::
This afternoon....he got a phone call.... who knew? He's jumping ship from FSS to AAFES....and we're amazed how seamlessly it all worked out...almost like "the big Someone" was waiting for him to decide to speak up and quit.
He'll begin training at Pizza Hut in the near future! We can make that switch, though we used to think Mokuteki had the best pizza on base. ::snort::
And yes, the Holy Spirit was stronger than Mama Bear. I went as a witness and not as a warrior.
Dear friends who are nurses and assure this is "within normal" for post op.
Prayer Request
Enzymes to do with pancreas are still increasing (lipase and amylase)
Michael's not showing many symptoms - we're monitoring
He's 2 weeks post op - this is still within believable for surgery trauma
We'll recheck labs in a week
My Thoughts
Obviously, I'd prayed all numbers would be normal. I'm praising God for the improvement and believing the pancreas numbers will improve shortly. I'm also well aware of the symptoms I'm to monitor. I will be watching Michael's diet to limit insulin dumps and pancreas stress. Poor man - I knew one way or another he'd eventually go crunchy. LOL
Michael's happy to lose his travel buddy ::snort::
Michael's Thoughts
Dr. appointment today. Pancreas numbers are still up, but liver is good. The Doc said she was yanking out the drain today. I am thinking this is figurative. Nope. Nothing figurative about it. The best way to describe is OWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!! I may be understating it, though. Another follow-up next week. Prayer is appreciated.
Josiah (23) has been called back in for a THIRD interview to be a personal banker
Ps 32:6-10...good stuff! He is our hiding place, and creates a jewelers setting in which to place us, we can choose to be led through intimacy which flows from dwelling in the secret place with Him or we can be like a horse or mule, with no understanding led by a bit and bridle. Where are you hanging out?*
I Sam 3:7 - Samuel was before the Lord, serving the Lord, knew the ways of the Lord but before this encounter did not exponentially and intimately know the Lord. I want to know Him intimately - yada.
Drove Jared to work, drove home (45 min total). Discovered I forgot to mail the scholarship application, drove to base and back again (45 min total).
The younger ones are studying Hittites, Philistines - interesting and fun to integrate their history text with Bible.
Rain today - no snow. Maybe spring is here?
Maybe it is time unleash the Mama Bear tomorrow. We shall see.
Less drainage for Michael's gut drain today. The color has also changed from red to yellow - this is good!
Need to write a blog post for PWOC I.
Read 5 chapters from "Amon's Adventure," our first time through this one.
* indicates a blog post at Choosing Joy on the bullet point.
I have been enjoying the lessons Abba continues to speak to me about my "word of the year" - Secret place/Refuge/Sanctuary....... I haven't had time to write....but I'm drinking deep.
PWOC Japan Region is reading the NT, Psalms and Proverbs together. Today we read Ps 32 and there is MUCH in there....I'll just share a few things from the Psalm here. I'm skipping right over the parts about sin and repentance - ok quick summary - don't hide it - confess it.
Psalm 32:6-10 NASB
6Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.7You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. 8I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.9Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,Otherwise they will not come near to you.10Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.
He is my hiding place (#5643 refuge, place of safety and coverage). As I climb into the secret place, I am assured he will preserve (#5341 guard, hide, keep what's been entrusted) ME.
It gets better. He will surround me with songs of deliverance and His lovingkindess. Surround - #5437 - wraps around, transforms, is used of the setting prepared by a jeweler to receive a jewel! I'm His bling.
As I choose to run to the secret place of His presence (Ps 31:20), He sets me in a setting designed to show off His work, He wraps me up and transforms me and/or the situation with lovingkindness and songs of deliverance (VICTORY).
Need some victory? RUN to the secret place.
And in the secret place we become less and less like a mule or horse without understanding, led by bits and bridles. In the secret place intimacy is birthed. I scootch closer and gaze at His face, His mouth and He can guide me and lead me with simply a look. He will guide and instruct me from a place of intimacy.
