A Visit From the Geek Squad

According to Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, 1965 edition,--one that got me through college vocabulary needs--a geek is a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off of a chicken or snake.

  Help!

Squad meant 1) a small organized group of military personnel . . .

Hopefully, you get the humor in this without me going further.

 This brings back memories of vocabulary difference among generations.  

Smorgasboard has become buffet.  

Creme rinse is now conditioner.  

A thong is no longer a shoe.  

After seven hours at Best Buy recently, I felt like a chicken or snake (heaven forbid) had bitten off my head.  However, Best Buy escorted us out of their store with a promise of a Geek Squad visit.

The Squad arrived at our home early one morning to provide installation, consultation, education, and support.  With words like --

Blu-Ray
iPod deck
VOIP box
surfing
streaming
kaspersky update
and quick scan

The only phrase that made sense was tech support, and I knew we needed it in a big way.

Being somewhat bamboozled by Geek Squad responsibilities and tasks, my husband and I mainly sat or pretended to be busy as they worked.  They answered questions patiently, limited their eye-rolling, and spent more time with us than our appointment allowed--which told us something.

Although our phones are now smart phones, and our computers user friendly, we are not necessarily so.  My son sent me a test over his phone:  two pictures of grand kids with Laverne and Shirley, their dogs.  I was to open and respond with a text message.  Eureka!

It is difficult getting older although I used to think not.  A decade ago, when considering old age--I imagined  myself wearing funny clothes and developing a sense of humor.  However, after adding bifocals to my wardrobe, saying uh a lot when asked a question, watching where I step, and having my children occasionally give me blank stares--I know this aging process is not going to be all fun.  These changes in themselves are burdensome--not counting technological advances and vocabulary changes.

You've probably heard the phrases:

*The only thing we can be sure of is change.
*Once you have the answers to your questions, the questions change.
*We raised our children to live in a world we were completely unaware of.


My parents raised me to live in a word outside their awareness but also outside my comfort zone....

Recently,

 the 2012 Merriam-Webster Dictionary

 announced their new words. 

 Let me give you a sampling.  

You will have little difficulty determining their definitions.

     Experiencing an aha moment, my husband and I recently scheduled a trip to Best Buy with a list:  printer, laptop, smart phone, land phone.  These items would be game-changers in our house; we would be bundling and saving money.  However, after only two hours with various sales persons, brain cramps set in, and needing a break, we left for lunch and to discuss our options.
     Revitalized with Burger King hamburgers, we returned to Best Buy forty-five minutes later to make final decisions.  Three hours later, gassed, we left the store burdened with numerous boxes, paperwork, and the promise of a Geek Squad visit.
     The many boxes were carried into our house and deposited in the entryway awaiting arrival of the squad.  Husband went outdoors to his quarter horses to relieve stress.  I swallowed a couple ibuprofen and ventured to the bunk bed room to my toxic Gateway to consider my bucket list.

Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon,

 the wisest of kings--

a dramatic autobiography of his reflections and experiences.  

Chapter 3

 "A Time For Everything," 

reads

 ". . . There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:  

a time to be born and a time to die, 

a time to plant and a time to uproot . . . 

a time to weep and a time to laugh." 

May this be your day to laugh or, at least, smile big.
It was mine. 

   

Brainy Brownies and A Reason to Celebrate

 The past week was full of celebrations.  There were no birthday or graduation parties.  The 4th of July was history; Thanksgiving and Christmas are months away.  However, a cousin visited, we attended a wedding and we ate pizza with grandchildren.

Celebrations

tell us something about ourselves

and

where we find our joy.  

Proverbs 15:15 tells us --

     A cheerful heart has a continual feast.

And with those thoughts, perhaps we do not need big occasions for reasons to merry-make.  

Celebrate is the basic theme of Joyce Meyer's book, Eat the Cookie; Buy the Shoes.  She believes balance is a core value, and an occasional indulgence (such as cookies or shoes) is healthy.  Joyce encourages the reader to find reasons to celebrate and supports her encouragement with words from the Bible.

The Bible is full of celebrations.

*When Jacob met Esau, his brother, in Genesis 33:10, Jacob said, For what a relief it is to see your friendly smile.  It is like seeing the smile of God.

*Leviticus 23 tells of five great festivals--and speaks of the blood that saved and of the food that sustains.

*John, in the New Testament, tells of Jesus changing water into wine at a wedding--the first of His miracles.

*In the Parable of the Lost Son, Jesus tells of a man with two sons.  When the lost son returned, the father said, . . . We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again.

*Psalm 150-- . . . praises the Lord in his sanctuary, in his mighty heavens, for his acts of power, for his surpassing greatness.  We are to praise with sounding trumpet, harp and lyre, tambourine and dancing, strings and flute, and clash of cymbals.

Talk about a celebration!

If we take the time to look at a morning sunrise or the way of the clouds in the sky, we can rejoice.  One does not need a decorated cake, a present, or hats and horns.  Instead, celebrate with a kind word, a smile, or a considerate gesture.  In doing this, we celebrate ourselves and others and provide encouragement and hope.

One of my daughters felt like celebrating on a day with nothing particular happening.  Stopping at a floral shop, she bought a bouquet and drove to a hospital where she asked who of the patients had not had visitors.  With  name and room number, she walked into a stranger's room with a smile, a bouquet, and heart-felt words.

Philippians 4: 8 tells us . . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Philippians 4:4 tells us . . . Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!

Joyce Meyer likes to celebrate by "eating the cookie."  My husband has a t-shirt announcing, "I'm the Cookie Bear."  Me, I prefer brownies.  As I become more conscious of healthy food choices, I consider nutrition.  I leave you today with a recipe for Brainy Brownies.  You can indulge, you can celebrate, you can stay healthy while giving praise for your many blessings.  You can even share one with a friend.

BRAINY BROWNIES*

1 C black beans (drained, rinsed, pureed)

1/2 C canola oil

2 eggs

2 T molasses

1/4 C unsweetened dark cocoa powder

2/3 C sugar

1 1/2 tsp instant coffee, ground coffee or espresso

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 C dark chocolate chips

1/3 C whole wheat flour

1/2 C walnuts (chopped)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 T ground wheat germ

1 T ground flax

Mix all well.  Bake 325 degrees in 8 x 8 pan for 30 minutes or until done.

*Nutritionists tells us that black beans, canola oil, dark cocoa, coffee, walnuts, cinnamon, wheat germ, and flax are healthy in a number of ways.  {This recipe was from WellMark Newsletter, Summer 2012; however, I added the molasses, wheat germ, flax, walnuts and suggested dark cocoa.}

Enjoy your healthy brownie.

Enjoy your day.

The Secret to Seeking Self

Introspection--

Searching for meaning of life?

Searching for meaning of self?

During the late 1960's while attending college,
 I memorized a poem which influenced my thoughts in novel ways.

My parents built a house for me

To put my soul inside

It is floored with prejudice

And roofed with pride

And in the floorboards of that old house

The wood is rotting fast

The stagnant shell will soon collapse

And leave me free at last.

                        Annonymous

I didn't experience prejudice while growing up; we were not prideful people.
However, the sense that I was free at last affected me in a way
not typical of the hippie generation:

 I was responsible for me and who I became.

Forty some years later, at another stage of life, Marge Dohlman's poem stirred me.

 

I've come to realize
The weaknesses of others
Do not have to be mine

I have the strength
To pull free
Of foggy fingers
Twisting my soul
Holding me captive
Forming my thoughts
Boxing me in
. . .

Again, I was responsible for me and who I became; finger-pointing not allowed. 

 What am I seeking?  

Who am I?  

What am I to do on Earth that will make a difference?

Dorcas, a treasured friend and fellow Alpha writer, shared Joyce Rupp's work.

Deep is calling into deep.  
Stop standing before the dark, empty cave. 
Take a step. Let go. Walk in.  
Just like the seed must fall into the dark, deep black soil, 
so must I enter into the darkness, go where there is mystery, 
where the questions float without answers . . .  
Deep within me a tiny voice whispers the truth:  I
If you want to grow, you must die to self.  
Here in the place of darkness you will learn what life is.  
You will find the energy that you've never dreamed possible.  
You will know a transformation that shall dazzle the eyes of your spirit.

As Dorcas wrote, 

"Each day the pruning continues . . .  

Each experience allows our hunting hearts to more freely enter the garden of life."

What is the secret in discovering ourselves?  

Colossians 1:27 tells us,

God's plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.

 

As we struggle to find ourselves, 

validate our worth,

 determine our journey path--

 we have a fresh opportunity to do so--each morning.

Kay Arthur in 365 Daily Devotions for Women wrote,

"If you are God's child, you are no longer bound to your past or to what you were. You are a brand new creature in Christ Jesus."

Give praise in the journey.

Expect blessings--each day.

Give praise always.

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

I just received a phone call from my ninety-seven year old father who experienced a stroke a couple of days ago.  Thinking of everyone else as is typical for him, he asked that I contact my brothers and let them know that although he could not walk yesterday, today he can.  Also, he continued, please tell everyone that I love them.

I recently finished the book, Climbing With Jesus, by Stephan Grunlan--a fresh look at the Sermon on The Mount.  Today, when reviewing the book, I could not help but think of Dad in that he has been "climbing with Jesus" his entire life.  He fought in WW II coming back to America with the Silver Star and Purple Heart.  He and my mother farmed the land; raised cattle, hogs, and chickens--along with six children. He was an elder in the church, chairman of the school board, and he took his responsibilities seriously and humbly.  Although a veteran, he was a revolutionary of love and peace and sought opportunities to help the poor and needy in his own community and world-wide when he took a trip to Poland during their extended drought period when many were starving.

Jesus' message was based on relationships--a relationship with God and then relationships with our fellow man.  I encourage you to read The Beatitudes in Matthew 5: 1- 19.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness . . . Blessed are the merciful. . .  blessed are the pure in heart. . .  blessed are the peacemakers. . .  blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

How does Jesus expect his followers to live in our world?  Read The Beatitudes, and you will know.  Understand the life of Jesus, and you will know.  Worship God, ask for guidance, and you will know.  God assures us that ". . . we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility.  Let us be meek, hungry, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers.  Let us give evidence--by the way we live--to others that we are Christians.

My dad has done this.  Although he would humbly deny it and say he has not done enough.  My prayer for him is that he be comforted, that he have less pain, that he has a quality of life until the Lord calls him home.

Please send up a prayer for my Dad.

Molly

I watched as she swung her two children--one in a regular child's swing, one in a bucket-type swing for toddlers.  "Want an under-dog?" she asked cheerfully as the children giggled encouragement.

Sitting on a deck over-looking Lake Pemushe in northern Minnesota, I read quietly soon to be interrupted again by playground chatter below.

"You can do it," Mommy encouraged as the little girl attempted the rock wall--and she did.

A few hours passed and again I rested on my perch-like deck with a hot cup of tea and a slice of zucchini bread overlooking the happenings below.  On the gravel road in front of the lodge, Mommy pushed the little boy in a stroller with one hand and pulled the little girl on a training-wheels bicycle with the other.  I wondered where her husband might be.  There were other families at the resort interacting with her and the children.  Maybe, he was fishing.

The following day we pulled our fishing boat up to the dock late one morning to see children splashing at the shoreline.  Mommy was there--paying careful attention to both.

I admired her and the personal sacrifices she was making to be a  mom--a good mom.  I sent up a prayer for her.

Following breakfast the next day in our small apartment, I laced my tennis shoes and took off for a walk.

 In spite of a few early morning mosquitoes, I enjoyed God's beautiful morning:  the sunlight drifted between the pines, a cool breeze brushed my skin, the smell of the lake and earth, the sound of a Loon.  No one else was out and about.  Walking back up the hill to our dwelling, I saw her.  Mommy.  Pushing the stroller and holding the other by her hand.

Psalm 143: 8 - 10     Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul . . .  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God . . .

"Good morning," I ventured and smiled.

"Hi," she answered with only a hint of a smile.

"Can I ask your name?" I hoped I wasn't being out of line.

"Sure.  It's Molly."

"Molly.  Nice to meet you.  I'm Kathy."

She waited.

"I just want to tell you what a good mother you are.  I've been watching you.  We're in the apartment above the lodge.  Watching you swing your children, helping with the rock wall, and hearing your words of encouragement.  That's wonderful." 

Her facial expression brightened, but her eyes filled with tears.

"There must be days when you tell yourself I can not do this any more."

She nodded in agreement.

"It's all worth it.  Some day they'll grow up and be some of your best friends."

Proverbs 25:11     A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

She murmured a simple thank you, and we parted.

Many of us think no one cares, no one notices, but someone always does.

Some of my most encouraging moments have come from strangers.  A note in the mail, an uplifting email, a simple thank you for a job well-done.  All too often, we say nothing.  We all need support and validation.  Encourage someone today.  If you put it off until tomorrow, you may not do it.

We are one in the Spirit.  We are one in the Lord.  Let us love one another. 


PS--Yes, I know the picture is sideways.  You can tell I am still learning tech skills.  More on that in another blog.