Month: March 2012

Salad Jars…

This is to good not to share….

Here are a few tips:
1. Dressing on the bottom, lettuce on the top. If the two are touching the lettuce will turn to slime.
2. So, dressing goes in first. On top of your dressing, use a rather “hearty” vegetable, such as shredded cabbage, pea pods, or julienne carrot matchsticks. They can withstand the acidity of the dressing, and actually get better!
3. Pack it in. Use a nice variety of colorful vegetables!
Poppyseed: Layer, in this order:
poppy-seed dressing
carrot shreds
green peas
pineapple
blueberries
raspberries
lettuce
Asian:
light asian ginger dressing
pea pods
carrot shreds
cabbage shreds
water chestnuts
green peas
bean sprouts
quinoa
toasted sesame seeds
lettuce
Caesar:
light Caesar dressing
carrot shreds
diced grilled chicken
celery
cucumbers
lettuce
parmesan
(add croutons later) …they get mooshy in the jar.
A great way to bring a Salad to a party!
Enjoy and be healthy!

 

Create a void and live well…

Yesterday and today I found myself in conversations where I was promoting the idea of creating a void….

Sometimes it feels like just yesterday when I believed that it was my direct call of God to fill every void I encountered. I actually used to fill not only the voids I encountered in my life but also voids I thought I could fill in your life. I would step in and step up at any and every opportunity to demonstrate my commitment, my capability, or prove to you (or myself) my worth.

When I realized this error of my belief and thinking….

when I was willing to create a void (or let a void remain open for someone else to respond to the true call of God)

I found space in my life….

Space in my life has allowed me to experience what it felt like to be content

Space in my life has allowed me to create space in my life for people who are important to me….

Space in my life has allowed me to understand and experience my full range of emotions….

Space in my life has allowed me to pursue my own wellness, of mind, body and soul!

I am thankful for a new understanding in my heart about what it means to live well…

Living well doesn’t mean every moment of my life is busy serving God and others…

Living well doesn’t mean I should offer something to every need I see….

Living well invites me to trust God and others, to offer my heart, my voice, and my skills with intentional decision and discernment….

Living well is to live with a heart of joy and a deep sense of peace….during the sunshine and the storms!

Are there any places you are simply filling a void….consider creating some space and Live Well!

 

If you only knew me…

Today I had a delightful visit with one of my clients.

She is a woman who may be considered  a bit rough around the edges and smokes almost constantly. Although she did assure me she doesn’t smoke in the shower.

As we talked, she was a bit defensive and trying to share with me every possible thing that her caregiver did wrong. Her caregiver was there with me!

And as I listened, I asked her questions that perhaps caught her a bit off guard. The questions were not about what was done but more about how she would like things done.

I listened and assured her I heard her. I was careful to not agree, because it wasn’t about agreeing or disagreeing. It was about inviting both the caregiver and the client to enter into a relationship of respect, respect even when each of them comes from VERY different worlds.

As we began the conversation, my client had a very defensive tone. Soon she transitioned to share more of her desires and her tone changed. She would like to decide for herself if the water is too hot. She would like the caregiver to speak louder so she could hear every word. She would like to take a shower by herself (but is now wheelchair bound)…she doesn’t like to be cared for, she wishes she could hear well again and she very much misses her independence….

And as she shared more honestly about what she misses and longs for, she became more tender and we were able to talk about her grief…the greatest loss was the man she married and lived with for 62 years. And I was reminded of loneliness and sorrow, of aging and dependence, of life and all the changes life brings…

And as a very sweet time was coming to an end, I said to her. ” I like you and enjoy your very tender heart!” She toughened up a bit and said,”if you only knew me and how ugly I can be.  I don’t think you would like me anymore.” I smiled and I said, “you know what, I can be pretty ugly to. I understand because I believe we all have that ugly side. I believe you have an ugly side and I still like you!”

I wonder if the nagging thought every floats around in your thoughts….if you only knew me….

I hope you have people in your life who say, “I do know you and I still  love you!”

Have thine own way Lord….

I enjoyed Church today. There were a lot of places I wanted to stay and reflect a bit as my friend Everett preached.

There were moments in the music where my heart wanted to hit pause…

There were moments in the experience of the water from the baptismal font flowing over my hands, reminding me of the promises in my baptism…

There were moments in the words of the teaching, moments I wanted to freeze and pray and think and wonder more about what had just been said…

My body felt tired but my heart was fully engaged ~ it was a good morning in worship!

And yet the thought that has stuck with me most is the words from one of the songs:

1. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.

2. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.

3. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

4. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

I have always liked this song, but somehow the whole morning felt like an invitation to live out these words every day….

I know there are places in my life, and believe there always will be on this side of heaven, where I can daily choose to allow God His way.
I am not sure exactly what this looks like, but I do believe it is an act of obedience and living in the moment, trusting God and releasing the places I have decided on how things should be or an outcome I desire. I do believe it is an act of trusting God when it feels as if my soul is aching and should be soothed. I do believe it is critical to live out the words….yeilded and still….

I also have come to realize that yielded and still is not always to be void of activity. I believe that yielded and still is more about the position of my heart. I have noticed that I can be still and stand in rebellion…as well as I can be active and aloof to God. I desire to live out the words, Have thine own way Lord, in my places of stillness and busyness. I am choosing to believe that my potter has a plan for this hunk of clay :-), a plan of shaping, refining, firing and refiring, breaking and glazing, and in the process, a place where I am shaped, carefully, intentionally and with great delight to the Potter!

And so my prayer for the week is a short one….Have thine own way Lord!

I have to be honest….

I have to be honest, I don’t really get Saint Patrick’s Day.

I attribute that to being Dutch and not Irish. I am thinking that maybe all the Irish don’t fully understand St. Nicholas….

Now, I suppose I could do some research and learn why we turn the rivers green and celebrate the day with green beer….

I don’t know how accurate these pictures are, but I am guessing some of the history may even look similar…

And so, I don’t really understand Saint Patrick’s day, but I do find that I really like some of the Irish Blessings.

And so, in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, a day I don’t really understand, I am leaving you with one of the blessings I really like….and hope for it in my life and for each of you!                                                                                                                    Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

For this child I prayed…

I am not pregnant and I am not adopting….but these are the words that resonate in my heart when I think of Andrew Scott Koster.

Andrew’s Mom is my co-worker and we have enjoyed working together for years, but Laura and I go way back.

When I was on staff at Sunshine Community Church as Director of Children’s Ministry, Laura was one of my Sunshine Kids. I often smile at God’s plan for life when I think of the days when Laura came to Gem’s and Sunday School. Laura is a reminder to me that many years have passed since my days at Sunshine. Today I know Laura as a skilled, compassionate, organized woman who has an incredible ability to think through process and procedure. Visiting Angels is successful today in a large part because of what Laura brings each and every day. I enjoyed Laura as a child, it was fun to get to know her again as a college student when she joined Visiting Angel’s as a caregiver, I believed in Laura as a Calvin grad when we invited her to join Visiting Angel’s office staff, and delighted in Laura’s journey when she married her husband Dave Koster. And now Laura and Dave welcome Andrew Scott, and I must say, although I have 14 children in my life who I love with all my being, Andrew Scott may be one I add to that number.

My love for Andrew began the day Laura came to share with Heather and I that she was expecting. I remember the excitement in my heart and different from with my sisters when they were pregnant,  I spent every work day with Laura during her pregnancy. I would pray at my desk for Baby K when Laura was battling nausea and when the doc would encourage her to eat more, drink more, with every kick we felt or saw and when “we” were anticipating the first ultra sound. In the last days there was some concern about Laura’s measurements, and I prayed with friends in China that God’s hand of protection would be on Dave and Laura and this little one.

. Heather and I would wait anxiously for every update during Laura’s labor and when we were invited, we were at the hospital in a flash. Meeting Andrew Scott was a moment of amazing joy, where my heart swelled and my eyes were moist with tears of gratitude. The miracle of life and the delightful journey for Laura and Dave is a wonderful journey to witness….

And so welcome to my world Andrew Scott. I am hopeful the Visiting Angel’s work setting will be an environment where you can come to work with your Mom and know that without a doubt, you are number one in your Dad and Mom’s heart. I am hopeful that every once in a while your Mom will pass you around and I will witness the miracle of life in your changing ways, both in growth and personality. I am hopeful that you will keep our hearts tender and our faith fresh!

Welcome to my world Andrew Scott. I love the parents God picked for you and I know they will love you well, nurture you, play with you, camp and hike with you, teach you, pray for you and with you and celebrate you.

Andrew, I will continue to pray for you. I will pray for you when you are small and growing, when you are healthy and well and when you are struggling with coughing or a stuffy nose, teething or an earache. I will pray that you sleep well, eat well and grow bigger, but not to fast. I will pray that you will grow into a little boy who loves Jesus, a young man who loves Jesus and a grown adult who loves Jesus…..

As I wrap up this blog about you Andrew, I am pretty sure there will be more to say in the coming weeks. Perhaps on your first day of work, we should mark that with a blog as well. But for now, know that you are a very loved little guy; by your Dad and Mom, your grandparents, your aunts, uncles and cousins, at least two dogs (Shelby and Dutch)….and a whole bunch of angels!

Birthday Tributes….

I have been thinking about getting up to date on my birthday tributes.

When I was in China my nephew Andrew John celebrated his 15th birthday…

Andrew is a quiet kid, and most often wearing a smile. He is kind and respectful and a great conversationalist. I know that when I talk or Facebook chat with Andrew he will ask me questions about what is going on in my life. He is curious, compassionate, athletic and smart. Andrew is passionate about sports, especially football and wrestling. I enjoy watching Andrew compete, but I must say, he is always a winner in my book. He demonstrates leadership and sportsmanship and I know he gives it 150% when he is competing. 

Andrew John, happy 15th birthday. Can’t wait till you can drive and come for the weekend now and then. I am delighted to be your Aunt and am amazed how you adapt and adjust to all life brings you. I am proud of you and will love you always!

And not far behind is Ellie. Ellie turned 12 years old today. Ellie is full of life and lives a life of adventure. She would choose to be outdoors with the horses or almost any animal over being inside. Ellie is sensitive and compassionate, has a heart for others and loves to help out (with cooking, cleaning, dog training or anything else that needs to be done!) Ellie’s social life is nicely developing and her desire for her own phone has growing urgency. I love overnight visits with Ellie as she offers to organize my room and finds a creative spot for every small item. Ellie is creative and unique, willing to venture into most anything and able to make a friend with anyone she makes eye contact with. I love you Ellie Grace! I love your smile, the twinkle in your eyes, your giggle and your thoughts. I enjoy spending time with you and hearing your thoughts. I hope you never stop coming over and hanging out. Keep the song in your heart and the joy in your step! I thank God for choosing me to be your Aunt!

Love you both and eager for our next occasion to gather. I hope each and every day is filled with friends and family, laughter and love, rest and excitement and a clear reminder of God’s presence in your lives! Go and make a difference in your worlds!

 

Protecting your original design….

 

I love this quote…Love!

I believe we all risk losing aspects of who we are every day…

It takes a good bit of energy and a pretty strong commitment to remain the unique individual you are!

I hope this simple thought reminds you to protect your original design.

 

Remembering Pam….

Tonight as I reflect on my day, it feels like an odd kind of day. You see I had a friend at work who died this past weekend. Pam was the office manager of the East Building and her and I had a great relationship. Some of the sweetness of that friendship is that we had to learn to understand one another in order to get there. Neither her nor I were very fond of each other in the early days of our friendship. I was a new tenant and had a fair number of requests/demands. Pam felt elusive to me and she has admitted she was not used to nor comfortable with my direct communication style. I didn’t know Pam at all, but after Visiting Angels moved into the East Building and Pam and I began talking and I began to know more of Pam’s story, my heart grew in fondness for Pam. Over time, Pam and I shared honest laughs about our first impressions and our growing friendship. Now in the last years we could talk about anything from every day business items, changing weather, building improvements, animals, family, weight loss and wellness, health struggles, hospice, new tenets and our faith. Pam loved Dutch and would often stop by just to say hello.

Pam struggled with her health for many years and yet her death still came as a shock. She bounced back so many times, I fully believed she would from this surgery as well. She lived life fully. Pam answered her phone to address questions or building concerns even when she was in ICU or recovering from Pneumonia. Pam never thought that was nuts, she had a heart to serve and wanted to ensure she served well. Pam went from being healthy to appearing more frail. She struggled with Diabetes and other complicated issues with her heart and Kidneys. Pam didn’t let that stop her. She came to work every day she was able and she was happy to be there. Pam had a very gentle presence, a generous spirit and was full of kindness.

Last fall we began to talk about ways we might surprise Pam and celebrate her. We discussed it but we never did it. Today I regret that. I know Pam knows I was thankful and appreciated her, but I wanted to really celebrate her. I encourage you today to remove hesitation when you are faced with a decision of celebrating those you appreciate and love. I am reminded tonight that life is fragile. I know she entered into a celebration in Heaven that can match no other, but I missed out on the delight of loving her in this way!

Thank you Pam for offering so much to all of us who reside in The East Building day in and day out. We shared many stories today of your generous heart full of love….you will be missed!


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Pamela Ann Rumbergs (Robey), age 52, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2012. She is survived by her parents, Reg and Mary Jo Robey; siblings, Linda Windisch, Robert and Deb
ra Robey, Bud and Judy Blackston; fiance, Thomas McKellar; and several loving nieces and nephews. Pam was a loving and wonderful person who was dear to all and will be deeply missed by those who knew her. A funeral service will be held Thursday, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Parish (2750 Burton St. SE, GR, 49546) with Monsignor Ernest Schneider officiating. Pam’s family will greet friends and relatives at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel on Wednesday from 1-3 and 6-9 p.m. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery.

Back to the basics…

I have struggled the last few weeks with my nutrition and exercise. I have tried being kind to myself allowing myself some down time, finding good reasons to explain my daily struggles with nutrition and exercise, and have named that between preparing for China, going to China and recovering from China, it all makes sense. It really doesn’t matter why, the fact is that I have lost more than 21 days of my routine and steps towards weight loss and improved health.

Now, as I confronted my struggle every day and went to bed every night realizing I was not back on track, I felt very ambivalent (uncertainty as to which approach to follow). I found that each night I tried to think about where to reenter and every day it felt monumental to start again.

Last night I had a great conversation with my Texas trainer Calvin. Calvin reminded me that I had a great manual and the answers I am looking for are there. Calvin directed me back to step one. I went back to my book and went to step one. Improve Nutrition. This includes three meals a day, This outlines my fruits and veggie intake (where to start and where to get to). This includes cutting out carbonated beverages and consuming enough water.

When it comes to my workouts, Calvin invited me back by doing the basics. He gave me permission to set all my routines aside and do 30 minutes of cardio each day. I hung up the phone and realized that this felt very doable. I had lost perspective and needed a voice to remind me of where to start.

I wonder what has become overwhelming in your day-to-day. (I like to believe I am not alone). I wonder where you need to hear the supportive voice of someone who believes in you and invites you back by starting with the basics. I wonder if you might be that voice for someone else, reminding them what they need to do can be done, if they believe what is true!

I am thankful tonight for Calvin and his willingness to speak truth and remind me that my commitment to being healthy is good. I am thankful that he reminds me that I have all the tools I need, I just need to choose to practice them. I am thankful he reminded me that the journey to being healthy is a journey of my heart, mind, body and soul and I must be nurturing all of them to be the woman I desire.

I am thankful, refocused and ready….hitting the gym at 7 am and choosing to believe in the vision I have for myself!

Go and take the steps towards your vision…live the life you imagine!