and the angels rejoiced...

You never know exactly what God is up to. He's just that way. It's so important to listen for His voice, though, just in case there's something He needs you to do.

Last week, I just happened to be tuned in to the inner voice that suggested I call Sara and ask her if she had a good Bible, and if not, would she like to go shopping because I'd love to buy one for her.

But the story is not about me. When Sara and I were at Panera this morning before our shopping trip, she told me about October 8th, the day that she "prayed the prayer."

The story is about God and Sara. It's about the ache that Sara felt, the one that brought her from believing in God to relationship with God. It's about the message that she heard last Sunday that seemed directed right at her. It's about her decision to re-prioritize her life. It's about the fact that she now is part of our spiritual family.

And the angels rejoiced. (Me, too!)

geoffrey finds his voice

The little kitty has finally found his voice. Me-OW, he declares in the morning. He stalks into the bathroom and says it again, "Me-OWWW!" This contrasts with Dylan's high-pitched "Mew", Dot's "Mrrrrowohwowohwowohwow...", and Frances' "Maaaaaaaaaahow". I'm glad that Geoffrey has found his voice and confidently proclaims his presence.

Funny, seems like today I lost my voice. I've got an aggressive co-worker, and I'm tired. Seems like everything is a fight and my boundaries are sagging. It's easier to sit quietly than have the discussion.

noah's first christmas

The Zimmerman family met at our house yesterday to celebrate Christmas. What fun to see Noah enjoy himself! Why do we even bother to spend money on toys, when a plate, cup, and spoon can be all the entertainment he needs?!

Aunt Susan introduced him to the piano... He's a musical little guy already, demonstrated in many situations. We were having dinner one evening at Anita's Kitchen Restaurant, and the groovin' sounds of Motown sent him into an outstanding chair dance. Well, it was a toss-up yesterday between chewing on the metronome and banging the keys. A little of both perhaps?!

he's so smart

My husband, Bruce, is one smart man. That must be why God put us together. When my thoughts tailspin like the Kansas twister that transported Dorothy to Oz, Bruce helps me come in for a smooth landing.

The latest tailspin has involved not knowing whether or not I'll be approved for Dale Carnegie instruction. I'm supposed to start teaching in February, if approved. And if approved, it means I can't coach Girls on the Run--but may be able to work out being a team assistant.

Now, Girls on the Run is important, extremely so. I was reminded of that today when I was shopping at Target and ran into Gwen, one of "my girls". Though she never made it the full 5k in practice, she doggedly and determinedly kept moving for the Wondergirl 5k celebration. The exhaustion on her face was evident at the finish... and she was near tears. I was so incredibly proud of her. I have a great photo of the two of us, and today, like that day, I gave her a big hug.

So Bruce suggested that all I have to do is let my Dale Carnegie sponsor know that I have a deadline. Gotta sign up for Girls on the Run by January 31st. And that if the Dale Carnegie organization doesn't let me know by then, I won't be able to teach until Girls on the Run is finished in May. Simple. Put it out there, and then forget about it.

And that's why he's such a smart guy. I'm thankful for him!

the certain pleasure of God

I pulled an old journal off the shelf this morning, looking for space to write. Flipping through the pages, I came across this entry, written after a night when the "companions of anxiety and worry kept me awake":

"My gaze stopped at the (potential) displeasure of man rather than the certain pleasure of God."

Selah. Pause and think about that, Susan!

I'm in a couple of situations right now where I struggle with the perceived displeasure of man. But what about the certain pleasure of God? Will I live with my perspective half empty--or half full?

It's Christmas, for Pete's sake. (And who was Pete, anyway?) Christmas--the day when the certain pleasure of God was fulfilled for all mankind.

Luke 2:14 reads, "Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [ men of goodwill, of His favor]."

I Corinthians 1:21, "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe."

Psalm 149:4 reads, "For the LORD takes pleasure in His people;He will beautify the humble with salvation."

God, please help me live in joyful awareness of Your certain pleasure. Thank you for the gift of Jesus, the only Way to You.

patience (not)

I'd like to think I'm the center of the universe, but I'm not. Sometimes I am far down on someone's priority list...

I spent a lot of time in October/November traveling back and forth to the Detroit area for Dale Carnegie instructor training. Several Saturday mornings (when gas prices hovered around $4). Two four-day weekends in November for the "conferences" where the group of instructor candidates worked from 8:00 a.m. until about 4:00 p.m. planning and practicing the sessions. These sessions were delivered to a lab class that ran from 5:29 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. We then de-briefed, so I got to bed late each night. Travel time, vacation time off work, time away from husband, time spent not knitting or running (two of my major stress relievers).

The conference concluded on November 23rd. And I still don't know if I have been approved for the next step, tandem teaching a 12-week Dale Carnegie session with a certified instructor! IT'S BEEN FOUR WEEKS!

And it is not for lack of follow-up on my part. I sent e-mails. I left phone messages. Last Friday, they called me at home at 5:00 p.m. What are they thinking? I work full-time! I called back and left a message that evening. So far, no response.

This is an organization that prides itself on effective communication and intentional living. This is an organization that trains world-class trainers. It is difficult for me to understand what is so hard about 1) telling me what the process is and 2) giving me an estimated time frame for the decision! I sincerely hope that customers are not on the receiving end of this sort of experience.

And it's not just about me... My sponsor is trying to sell and organize a Dale Carnegie class beginning in February. Pretty soon he's going to have to find an instructor. He'd like to plan ahead.

I love the Carnegie progam. I believe its principles and that it truly works because it is time-based delivery--and because people have to set goals and report back on them. I was thrilled to participate in instructor training. It was worth it.

Call me crazy, but I'd just like to know if I'm going to become an instructor. I'd like to feel valued enough to warrant an update. I'd like to think that someone cares enough to recognize that I am making commitments for various activities in upcoming months--and that I have only so much time available. Yes, Carnegie is a priority--but I will not put my life on hold.

Wow. This is truly upsetting. I am going to sign off and practice my "live in daytight compartments" principles from Dale Carnegie.

answered prayer

Why am I surprised?

God is doing some incredible things in my daughter-in-law's life... On August 31st, I "drew" a prayer for her, a prayer for God's healing work. She's had a lot of emotional "stuff" in the past three years.

Yesterday, I got an e-mail from her. The answers are so far above and beyond what I could even have asked or imagined that it can only be God at work. She is standing up for herself and setting boundaries. She is opening herself courageously to face two of her most difficult issues, the estrangement from her family and the death of her co-worker, a death that she witnessed.

I say a quiet "Hallelujah". And I pray with all my heart, soul, mind and strength that God's love, expressed through us, will surround and strengthen her.

Oh, dearest Candice, know that you are loved.

sweetie pie

Such joy not long ago as my brother shared the news that he and his wife were expecting their second child. Noah, aka "Sweet Pea", is nearly one year old--so "Sweetie Pie" was expected almost exactly 18 months later.

Such sorrow this Wednesday when we found that Sweetie Pie had died, and that Debbie would have to go in for a D&C the next day.

Oh, we can tell ourselves that these things happen for a reason... I ask whether that is simply an effort to short-circuit the sadness over a beautiful child that we must now wait to meet in heaven. There will almost certainly be other children, there will definitely be other joys! The fact remains that our arms ache for Sweetie Pie.

We will hold Noah close and rejoice in his mischievous explorations and his wondrous laugh. We will celebrate the miracle that is Noah. And we will hold Sweetie Pie in our hearts, though our meeting is delayed.