who me?

It looks as if I'll be leading the Monday night Bible study on 1 Peter. Don't feel overly confident. I love to study, but I like someone ELSE to keep the conversation moving!

Thinking more and more seriously about the Saturn Ions. The "no rust" feature is so appealing here in Michigan. My poor little Cavalier started to rust almost before I got the first frost scraped off the windshield! :)

Got to the gym last night. The students are back, and it is a BUSY place. :)

C. sent me an IM from a hotel in Toronto where she's waiting for her plane to Cyprus. She's taken a teaching job there. Poor dear. I might have to go visit her when the snow is deep this winter. :)

Trinka

I believe, help my unbelief

Was talking about this passage with a friend, and it's been on my mind since then.

There are some people in the Bible who made ringing declarations of faith ...
Joshua "choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." / Elijah with the prophets of Baal ... "if Baal be god, then serve him; if God be God, then serve Him."

But there were also a lot of folks whose faith was shaky. They would have bursts of trust, followed by seasons of doubt. Even when the Lord comments on their doubts, it’s with such gentleness, and seems to go hand-in-hand with reaching out to help them.

Mary & Martha –
“Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died. (John 11:12 & 21)

How did the Lord respond?

Harshly … right? “Why don’t you just decide to trust me, and carry on?”

No – “He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. (John 11:33-35)

He didn’t chastise them for that “if” … He felt with them, and led them to the place where they’d see Him work. He’ll lead US to that place too, if we bring our “ifs” to Him.

The disciples, as a group --
Luke 8:22-25, they were in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and fear overwhelmed them. He said, “where is your faith?” but didn’t chastise … in fact, he didn’t even say it until AFTER He had dealt with the situation. At the cross, they all “forsook Him and fled”. Mark 14:50

Mary, at the tomb –
She assumed that the only possible reason He could be gone was that someone had taken the body. He had said several times publicly that He’d rise again. But her faith just wasn’t there. How did He deal with her? John 20:15, “Woman, why are you weeping” … then He said her name with such tenderness, that it could only be Him, and she knew. No chastisement here either. Just gentleness.

Peter, on several occasions!
When he sank beneath the waves … his faith faltered, he took his eyes off the Lord. But for goodness sake, look where he was! He was stronger in faith than any of the others there! And again, the Lord was gentle, “you of little faith, why did you doubt?” … He reached out and gathered him up.

Again when he cut off the man’s ear … the Lord had been pretty explicit in telling them what was going to happen … yet Peter didn’t trust Him … he tried to fix it himself.

Again when he denied … the events of that night, and the upcoming cross, stripped all his confidence away, and left him terrified and desolate.

Three very public failures … a minimal education, no reputation to speak of … and God turned him around, and sent him to reach out to the Jews. And he didn’t back down again!

God is not only the author of our faith, but also the perfector of it … (Heb. 12:2) One of the things Paul is thankful for about the Thessalonian Christians is that their faith is “greatly enlarged” … (2 Thess. 1:3) … it’s something for which we can be grateful in one another … we can long for each other that our faith would grow. We can pray that God would “fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power. (2 Thess. 1:11)

**********

Not too much exercise happened this weekend ... there were lots of things going on, and I just didn't make it out. I did have a lovely time at the demolition derby, and also went out to do some more car shopping.

I drove a little used VW Jetta that was just adorable. But I've also discovered that a brand-new Saturn Ion can be had for about $12,000 with the employee discount I get through my step-father.

So ... still pondering the matter. By the time I finally make up my mind, maybe I'll have saved enough to pay for the silly thing. :)

Trinka

God spoils me ...

I was given all the strawberries and blueberries I could possibly eat. Spoiled rotten, this girl is!

So spoiled, as a matter of fact, that this past week, at a garage sale, I saw some beautiful hand-painted shower curtain hooks that matched my embroirdered shower curtain. How cool is that? Paid $1 for a package originally marked $8. Very fun! :)

Got to the gym last night, and rode my bike Wednesday. Made it all the way to the top of the hill without getting off & walking. Yippeee! I do like seeing things like that happen.

This weekend is the demo. derby with T. We've been going for years now, and it's such a nice chance to visit and catch up, while watching some cathartic car-crashing.

Have a great weekend all!

Trinka (off to visit a used car dealer or two)

car shopping ...

I've been doing a lot of it.

It's amazing how easily your "this is what I want to spend" amount creeps up!

They're sneaky, these car folks! :)

Then there are the web sites where you can pick your color, and it shows you the picture that changes as you do ... they're sly ones. "OK ... now show me the aqua one with the tan interior ... now the gold one ... OK, with the black interior ..." Grrrrrr!

The lure of 60 mpg makes the hybrids look SOOOOOO nice. But ... really ... I'd have to save a LOT of gas to make it worth spending double my budget.

Gotta get that thar perspective in line!

And it's important to remember that God has kept my car running (contrary to all reason, considering the mileage) quite well so far!

Those little Ions are cute ... too.

NO. GIRL.

GET BACK TO WORK!

SHUT THE WEB SITE DOWN AND BACK AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD.

bird-filled weekend

OK ... first-off, the accountability part ... no exercise happened this weekend, and WAY too much chocolate was ingested. I barely opened my Bible. Yep. No successes in any area to report.

I love birds. And this weekend I went to my mom & step-dad's over night Saturday. They live in the country and feed birds, including hummingbirds, and there were so many beautiful ones to watch. One of the hummers flew into a window, and died. And while it was sad to see it dead, it was also fascinating to look at it up close ... the pattern on the feathers, and how light it was. It's amazing how God can pack such intricate design into a tiny little creature. Above is a picture.

They had an unusual bird come around - a yellow-billed cuckoo ... I'd never seen one of them before. Also while I was there a flock of 6 sandhill cranes flew over.

We went to see March of the Penguins (more birds!). It was a terrific movie -- totally clean, and fascinating for any age. I'd recommend it.

A couple more pleasant, nature-type things over the weekend ... on our way back to their cabin in the woods, a squirrel raced us all the way down the lane. And when she opened her patio umbrella, there was a little frog perched inside. It apparently spends the nights there, and goes off during the day to do whatever frogs do. Above is a picture of that little guy.

That's all for me this fine day. Off to the gym tonight, and back on the diet bandwagon. :)

Trinka

methinks some psychology is at work here

and NOT in my favor.

Last Friday, gas was $2.67. I said, "you've got to be kidding me. I ain't payin' that. I'll wait until the weekend is over, and it will be cheaper. I'll show THEM.

This week, Wednesday, I finally gave up and paid $2.79.

Today, Friday again, I saw gas for $2.69, and though. Wow! That's cheap! I gotta fill up before the weekend!

Sick. It's just sick! Looked at a used Honda Insight online this week, and thought, "hmmmmm ... that's an idea...." :)

(wanna know something funny? I had to come back and edit this because I'd typed those gas prices initially as 1.67/1.79/1.69 ... living in a dream world, this girl is)

I was reading in Numbers again this morning, and noticed a long passage about the Kohathites, and what they could and couldn't do with the Levites in the tabernacle. It seems like there's some history there that I'm not catching. Hoping to look into it & figure it out. I'm wondering if it's related to Korah & his rebellion... but the names aren't quite close enough to make me sure of it. My puzzle for the weekend ... :)

Got to the gym last night. And this morning, when I did that squinty-eyed, wake-up stretch, noticed that there's some serious muscle appearing in my arms. Cool! I'm not interested in becoming Miss Muscle-woman ... but I do know that with muscle comes metabolism. Plus it's kinda nice to be able to shove my own furniture where it needs to go. :)


I'm so far behind at work here that it's not even funny. Yesterday at 4:50, I was doing stuff I usually have finished by 3:00. And now I've just arrived to piles of stuff that won't ever get done today. And I told the youth pastor I'd run to Meijers and pick up pop for an activity tonight.

Grrrrr ... hence the reason I'm not posting anything more than this today! :)

Trinka

firstborn that aren't born first

After yesterday's whining, I actually missed prayer meeting last night.

A friend was going to fix the brakes on my bike before prayer meeting (thanks D.A.!), but we ran late, and I didn't get there. So a TON of exercise found its way into my evening - rode my bike all over, and paddled around the pool for a while.

I was SO far behind all day today ... now at 10 minutes to 5:00, I'm where I'm usually at around 3:00 on Thursdays. Will be glad to leave the building today!

And I only made it THIS far because I happened to have a spare folding machine sitting here, and I was able to fold twice as fast. Thankful for that timing!

I was reading last night in Numbers 3:

12 "Now, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the sons of Israel instead of every firstborn, the first issue of the womb among the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall be Mine.

13 "For all the firstborn are Mine; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, from man to beast. They shall be Mine; I am the LORD."

In the Old Testament, the firstborn had all kinds of extra privileges and responsibilities.

Yet again and again, God plucks up someone from further down the birth order and plops him/her into the firstborn's place.

Isaac came after Ishmael
Jacob came after Esau
Joseph was down the line (his two sons were elevated to the same level
David wasn't the firstborn, or even the most impressive

Yet here in Numbers God made a substitution for ALL the firstborn ... He took one tribe, and set them apart for Himself as priests in lieu of all Israel's firstborn sons.

And now ... the church is called the church of the firstborn:

Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

and a kingdom of prists

Re 1:6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Re 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

Blessed to be put in the firstborn's place!
Trinka

this exercise thing ...

the scheduling of it is wearisome. I went to a surprise birthday party yesterday (happy Birthday Donna!) ... but it started at 6:30 ... didn't exercise before, too late to exercise after, so I go to sleep feeling like a lump.

Now today, it's fight to squeeze it in before prayer meeting or it's too late again afterwards.

I sometimes feel like the only way to do it "right" is to give up everything else.

I always hear heavy people say, "I just don't have time to exercise." Well ... somehow, we've gotta FIND time. But the day-to-day finding can be a real frustration!

So ... what about the two Bible studies this coming fall ... give them up to keep my little program going? Don't really like THAT idea either. But I've already got prayer meeting Wednesdays ... if I commit to Monday and Thursday nights too, that pretty much shoots the week.

Skinny folks make it look so easy!

Trinka, with the confused schedule

why didn't I do this two years ago?

In talking with some of the elderly ladies at my condo over the weekend, I happened to mention that I don't cook. It's not that I can't cook; it's just that there's no time, and very little inclination.

Well, if I didn't come home yesterday after work to some hot zucchini cassarole and warm muffins sitting outside my door.

I'm thinking maybe I should mention that I don't have time to clean either. :)

Thanks Jo! It was delicious!!

On my way home from the gym, I noticed that my favorite peach stand was up and running, so I bought a big basket, and shared some with the ladies. I DO love the produce this time of year, peaches, blueberries, tomatoes and sweet corn ... it's the perfect diet. :)

Was reading in Exodus, where the tabernacle was being assembled, and noticed that the credit for the artisans' skill was given to God. It's important to remember - the things I do well (art and music NOT being on the list) are gifts from Him. I'm thankful.

Trinka

life still offers a test every now and then

There was a contest in the newspaper for the tackiest room. Immediately our church's downstairs ladies' room came to mind. What do you think? You just don't SEE robin's egg blue and lime green wallboard anymore these days. :)

Went out for dinner last night with one of the elders & his wife, and another single lady, to discuss starting some kind of singles' program at church.

It was a lovely visit ... I really enjoyed it.

I went in, knowing I had only 500 calories left for the day, and determined to stay within that number. (I love eating out, and tend to always want to try new, fattening things at restaraunts.)

I worked hard to pick out a hawaiian chicken salad thing ... all fruit & vegetables, and grilled chicken.

It was an effort, but I avoided all the cheese/butter/chocolate options!

Then, the man who was treating said, "no, you should get a dinner instead."

Eeek! back to square one!

I know he was saying that, out of consideration that I not choose a cheap entree for his sake.

But now ... a whole new menu page to evaluate!

But what a blessing ... I found a broiled fish thing, that was still reasonable calorie-wise (though not price-wise ... sorry Mr. A) ...

My natural inclination would be to say, "oh well ... can't have my healthy thing ... gotta choose something deep-fried NOW).

Gotta keep working those "make the right choice in this situation" muscles. :)

where do I want my carcas cast?

I was reading in Leviticus 26 this morning and v. 30 caught my eye:

“I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars, and cast your carcasses on the lifeless forms of your idols; and My soul shall abhor you.”

When we seek after idols (even modern one$), we become as lifeless as they are. We belong “cast upon” Him … there’s just no other option that won’t result in death.

“I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.” Psalm 22:10

On the exercise front, I’m considering some kind of weight-lifting system for my house. I’m finding that driving to the gym is eating up a tremendous amount of time and gasoline. Anyone had experience with any of the resistance-type systems? I’d love NOT to welcome any other horribly-heavy object into my life.

who, me?

Went to my condo board meeting last night. I'm not ON the board, but I wanted to ask about the idea of using an un-used room for cardio equipment.

I happened to be in the line-of-sight when they were discussing nominations for next year's board election, and they put my name on the list.

It seems weird to be asked to do such things. However, I think some younger, more flexibile opinions on this particular board wouldn't do any harm. :)

Evidenced by the response to my question last night.
"oh, we can't put exercise equipment in that room. We might want to sit in there, or play cards."

I've lived here for two years, and have yet to see anyone enter that room. But you never know, someone MIGHT want to play cards in there SOME DAY. :)

I've been blessed looking through a list of Scriptures that a friend compiled to help those struggling with an addiction. It's amazing how they apply to my situation re: diet and exercise as well. We've all got SOMETHING that we're tempted to set up as an idol ... and God wants to throw it down, so we're solely His.

It was a real treat - as I walked out to my car at the gym last night, the thought came, "this feels really good." After exercising for 45 minutes? Now THAT's unusual. :) Feeling pretty sore today. It's a good kind of sore, I suppose.

Trinka

but my intentions were good ...

I dragged 41 pounds of books into the post office in an M-bag this morning.

Already at the counter (ahead of about 5 people) was K. - just finishing up sending some packages to one of our soldiers.

Knowing she was going to need to be reimbursed for shipping, I asked her if she wanted me to put the order on the church credit card.

"Sure," says she, "that would be a great help!"

She hands me the paperwork, and goes home. Clerk #1, who was helping her, now has a half rung-up order, and me standing there with 41 pounds of books.

At this point clerk #2 (the only other clerk) announces, "I'm going on break."

So ... the five people who I just jumped in front of are now waiting for clerk #1 ... the one who's dealing with me and my problematic little M-bag.

Because, you see, Clerk #1 doesn't know how to do M-bags.

So she calls her supervisor, who helps us.

And we discover that 41 pounds is way too heavy ... gotta split it up. (There are now about a dozen people waiting).

I fill out another customs form (I'd done the first one before I came in), and split the books into two bags.

I'm hearing murmuring from behind me, and Clerk #2 still hasn't re-appeared from his break.

The drawstrings on the bags aren't working properly ...

When I finally left, Clerk #2 had just returned, and there were about 15 people waiting.

I've been watching the news all morning for news of the post-office riot ...

To all who I've offended today ... I'm so sorry ... I was just trying to make K.'s day easier, as I turned yours into a giant hassle!

Trinka

pleasant summer sights ...

last night, while riding my bike home from prayer meeting ...

- two boys taking turns pulling each roller-bladed-other along the sidewalk with a rope

-a hummingbird buzzing around the geranium on my porch, until she saw me sitting there drinking my coffee this morning

-a much-needed summer rainstorm blowing in, during the same porch-coffee-drinking

The summer storm refreshes in so many ways. I've been praying for God to meet a certain need, and it's such a beautiful reminder to me of how un-limited He really is. Whether He gives, or with-holds, it's for good, and from love, and I can trust Him.

Another blessing ... having a beautifully spotless, no-white-goo in sight, kitchen.

Trinka

splat

Let me just say ... the health department would condem my place if they could see the kitchen right now.

Last night I was SO sleepy ... on my way to bed, I reached into the fridge for some cool water to take along with me, and I knocked over a container of coffee creamer.

hence the title of this post ...

Who knew it could spray so far, and so widely?

A goodly portion of my kitchen is coated in sticky, french-vanilla-scented goo.

I couldn't bear the thought of staying awake long enough to thoroughly clean it up last night ... so I just went over everything with a dish cloth.

But ... really ... it's seriously sticky in there ... walls, floor, counters, inside the fridge ... diligent attention needs to be paid.

Saves me the trouble of deciding what to do after prayer meeting tonight. :)

I was reading in Exodus about the burnt offerings that were to be sacrificed on the new altar. It says that "all that touches the altar shall be holy." I was thinking how, when we give anything to Him, it becomes holy. It's such an amazing thing ... no matter what awful thing we give Him ... it gains a luster from the simple fact that we gave it to Him.

One of my favorite poems:

Peerless Worth(Song 5:9-16)

Hast thou heard Him, seen Him, known Him?
Is not thine a capturedheart?
Chief among ten thousand own Him,
Gladly choose the better part.

Idols once they won thee, charmed thee,
Lovely things of time and sense;
Gilded, thus does sin disarm thee,
Honey'd, lest thou turn thee thence.

What has stripped the seeming beauty
From the idols of the earth?
Not the sense of right or duty,
But the sight of peerless worth.

Not the crushing of those idols,
With its bitter void and smart;
But the beaming of His beauty,
The unveiling of His heart.

Who extinguishes his taper
'Till he hails the rising sun?
Who discards the garb of winter
'Till the summer has begun?

'Tis that look that melted Peter,
'Tis that face that Stephen saw,
'Tis that heart that wept with Mary,
Can alone from idols draw.

Draw and win and fill completely,
Till the cup o'erflow the brim:
What have we to do with idols,
Who have companied with Him?

spoiled rotten american christian ...

Had a good reminder of just HOW spoiled.

A friend spoke this past Sunday -- a man who works in a Muslim country. He spoke on 2 Timothy, particularly the idea of enduring hardship for the Lord, and being a good soldier.

As an illustration, he used the persecution that the Christians there accept as part of their daily lives ... and it was sobering. There are threats from outside, and betrayals and woundings from inside. It just ripped my heart out to think about it ... it would be SO hard to live in a society that hated you. But how much harder to see brothers & sisters fall away, make public denunciations, etc.

Any time I'm tempted towards disunity, or gossip, or lack of love for another Christian, I need to remember this! And if someone treats me badly ... well ... it's not really THAT badly, is it?

Pray for these folks!
Trinka