tag, tickle, timeout

This afternoon at lunch, we played this awesome game similar to capture the flag on the flags were long pieces of cloth that drug on the ground even while tucked into my pants. The idea is to step on the cloth of another person as she runs and pull out the cloth. This puts the person out, one person closer to victory. The kids are great at this, but in my efforts, I thought too much and ended up running away when I should have run with the crowd. If everyone runs the same way, then the strategy becomes outrunning the other people. But if I turn and run the opposite direction, the wise children just stop long enough to catch my cloth on my way by. DUH!
Oh my- I got out quickly and plunked down on the green grass under the warm BUT dry air of Colorado. What a glorious time!

I discovered a great way to discipline children, too. TICKLING! It would definitely be a punishment for me- but SHH! Keep it down. That information is secret and could be used against me if I’m not careful. Thankfully, I’m not the only one perpetually spazzying out when fingers run and poke around my sides. Most of the kids cry and squeal and fall straight to the fall in efforts to rid themselves of the torture. Of course, tickling is quite paralyzing…or so I’ve heard. And brings so much pleasure to the disciplinary. So when one girl continued to pull people’s cloth out even after she was out, to the tickle torture she went. Parents often say, “This hurts me more than you.” But really her giggles just enticed me more, though fully empathizing with her, I ceased after only a brief interval.

Play time also gave the children an opportunity to learn sportsmanship. Football (soccer for the American readers) attracts a great deal of attention and excitement especially when the uncles play, but as today's game consisted of only children, they played at a good but maybe a bit more rambunctious level. When I finally blew my pseudo whistle, they kept going until another goal was scored. Boy howdy, the shouting started. But in moments, all were calm and discussing what had happened, what was wrong about the situation and asking for forgiveness of one another for bad attitudes or boasting over nothing.
These are the simple things of family life. All in the span of a lunch hour filled with PBJs, chips, and running. It’s fun to grow together and laugh along the way. Why not learn the best way to live abundantly in God’s blessings?

26 minutes

Today I ran the perimeter of a small town of Nebraska in 26 minutes. I touched the final dirt road going east and passed the coffee shop and post office going west. I waved to a couple fellas driving by in their pick-up trucks. I let out a cheer “Go Storm” as I went by the high school. I saw the Pump ‘N Pantry, the one of two possible grocery options, the one assisted living home, and a handful of churches of various denominations. The houses put out an air of simple but comfortable living. The sidewalks invited neighbors to walk down the street to say hello. I even admired the soft grass of the park, thinking about how happy, playing children could be heard for blocks.

What an interesting morning of workout. I began thinking of an exercise that never seemed possible before: encompass a town in prayer. As I ran I couldn’t help but think of the people who frequented the coffee shop to catch up, the friends that packed the church for this morning’s funeral, the children of all ages attending school. What does this town hold for all of these people? What keeps the town alive, but more than that, what makes it thrive? What are the struggles that small town life presents to seasoned citizens as well as new families?

I appreciated that I had such an opportunity and ability to run those 26 minutes. How much ground could I cover of my home in that amount of time? How many outings would it take for me to encircle the entire city? Being a creature of habit, I know a few routes that could be done in that time, yet I realize I’m meant to branch out beyond those areas. So I aome to my final conclusions from this morning’s workout.
• Prayer for a town is important.
• It can be done portion by portion, area by area.
• So many people and situations live together in a town so focusing on few different details is significant start.
• It’s easy to pray for that which is familiar, but so much still needs a blessing of peace, hope, prosperity, and reconciliation.
• Even a short jog can give one an opportunity to encompass the whole town in prayers and good thoughts, even if that just means running a few miles around the neighborhood.

Sisters of Another Mother

Recently in my life I've come to realize how truly blessed I am by sisters and brothers all over the world who let me do life with them. In this realization came a longing to reach out and thank the for being them. But I also want to take away the pain, sorrow, and discontent. Alas, I can't do the latter, at least not in whole. That hole is actually filled by the one much more powerful than me...and not just the Governator. I'm talking God himself, the giver of life, the restorer to make all things good, and the ultimate Dad to fix me up with such sweet siblings...most of the time. hugs family

Sisters of another mother.
I’m honored that you would even bother
To call me your kin.

Brothers of another father
You teach me well and help the laughter
Bubble over the rim.

But sisters, why, how can this be
That you have pain away from me?

And brothers, where, with whom can you
Choose to do all those things you do?

Bros and sistas, come in close.
I want to hold you near.

But alas your stories and aches and craziness occurs
So far from me, so far from here.

I am thinking of you in my every thought
For that’s all I can do despite the efforts I’ve sought
I love you and there’s never a moment I’m not.

a reason for me is you

What a difference one person can make. There's a reason It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic. A deep and profound message about the gift of each person’s life and PRESENCE in a particular moment and place relates how much difference a person makes in the world. Who would we be without our parents? Or best friend? Or our children’s bus driver or the mail man? Some people have significant place in our lives and hearts, having more than just a name or title. They are a piece of heart and mind.

Pandora Radio is one of my bookmarked websites as it offers to create a personalized radio station according to the songs/artists one desires. Recently, Scott Joplin playing the Entertainer came on and immediately I thought of my grandma. I played piano for several years but I took the most delight the year when I learned to play this song for my grandma. This was one her all time favorites on the ivories, so with great joy and her bursting pride did I perform it for her at my recital. To this day it’s the only song I still have memorized, at least in part. My grandma was my entertainer and delight-er as I grew up. No doubt did her presence inspired abundant and joyous giving, the subtle faux pas I have in speech every once in awhile, and the enthusiasm I have for life.

Robert Frost talked about the road less traveled by. Think about all the people who traveled that well trodden road and how their very steps influence his decision to go the other way. Or the few who went down his road to discover something new and challenging, maybe just in himself.

The people in our lives leave marks, leave voids when absent, leave lessons to be learned. I’m really appreciating this fact now in the midst of transition in work and at home. Of course, a time comes for all of the people to move as they do, the roads to be chose, and yet such circumstances make me appreciate the presence and mark people leave on me. Each of us are unique through a great weaving of inspirations, influences, and individuals’ shared stories.

Sweat 'N Smile

The Newest in Workout Videos

Need to lose a few extra pounds?
Do you live anywhere with humidity?
What do you love to do on your feet?
Well, we have the perfect video for you to love your body and still love yourself. Sweat 'N Smile will tone your body as you strengthen your face muscles and show those pearly whites. Studies show that not only exercise but a good attitude will lower your blood pressure.
Step 1) Be on your feet
Step 2) Do something you love: soccer, dancing, basketball, jumping jacks, running, DDR, ironing, washing dishes, or vacuuming.
Step 3) Show the world that you love it: Smile.
Step 4) Keep up the good work for 30 minutes, 5 times a week.
Step 5) Check in the mirror and smile again at the results!

Now while I can’t market this fabulous video using the bodies and charm of Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Tamilee Webb from Abs of Steel, I have some pretty sweet things to bring motivation to the tape.
1) The children. They find fun and game in everything which makes playing soccer keep away with a water bottle so amusing. Joshua Mirembe smiles more when practicing his touches than any other time. Even Tony, who is still growing in his skills, grins while going after the uncles with possession.
2) The children. Have you seen their concert? If anyone danced as much as them they would understand why they can eat SO much and still cinch their belts in to keep their pants up. The effect this has on others is quite the blessing and health benefit all by itself. I can’t help but shake my bum and practice the different choreography while they perform.
3) Percussion Instruments. Jembees, congas, steel drums, shakers, marimbas all make me want to move by dancing, stomping, jumping or just walking like a groovy duck.
4) Humidity. If nothing else, you’ll feel like you worked out. Even just standing outside for 30 minutes will get you sweating. Of course this factor is best used in the late spring, summer, and early fall in the south. That just means you can take it on your vacations to those lovely, tropical islands.

I might have something here. Keep your ears open for future developments so you can be the first to pull it off the shelf.

HEY YOU GUYS!

CALLING- ORIGIN late Old English ceallian, from Old Norse kalla ‘summon loudly.’ (New Oxford American Dictionary)

So often I hear the phrase “God’s calling.” (either as a verb: God IS calling or as a noun: his calling. Hey, I teach English.) At times this phrase gets mixed up with emotions and questions in a time when the future looks grim. Sometimes this euphemism takes the place of parents saying GET A JOB. Other times it’s a lovely term to encourage people in their chosen path of life. But I think the definition gives us a clearer and more accurate idea of calling. From there, we might derive how God uses the word calling according to his character.

The aforementioned definition could be said “TO summon loudly” or “THE loud summon. Either way I suspect God is making some noise, some big noise (think home game opener for you Seahawks fans!) God’s hollering, angels are busting out the trumpets, newspapers are flying off the press with a new headline for the Heavenly Herald, and dogs are probably barking with excitement. All for what? Is God shouting out orders like a sergeant? Are the angels blasting out a command to follow? Are the headlines demanding action? Are the dogs barking AT you like a old-cranky teacher?

Nope. Just the opposite.

To summon means to call someone to attendance. Usually it comes with some urgency and it might include a demand in the end, but first and foremost, a summons means “come here.” When God calls us he begins by asking us to draw near to him.
Why is that so important?
1) Remind his children of his love and hope for their life.
2) Show them the place to come with questions, concerns, anxiety, and wonderings.
3) Encourage and fill them up for the task ahead.
4) Connect the dots of passion, talents, and the needs of the world in order to address them with energy.
5) Finally, give orders.

We are all called. All summoned. All meant to be reminded, shown, encouraged, connected, given. Therefore, if the calling is to change our attitude, change our lifestyle, or change our world, we ALL receive a call (LOUD SUMMON) from God. I hope that the shouting includes #1 fingers, big hugs (or slaps on the butt if that’s your style) and a response by you which causes you to go and attend to summons.

"Let yourself be summoned by the love of Christ; His voice which rings in the temple of your heart. Have no fear of the fact that the response He requires is radical, because Jesus, who first loved you, is ready to give what He asks of you. If He asks much it is because He knows that you can give much." -Pope John Paul (emphasis mine)

Diagnose AND Treat

The body lacks proper energy production
When work stops in the Mitochondria.
The mind lacks confidence in the body’s function
When a person lives with hypochondria.

A family is torn into bits and pieces
When the need for love is suffocated.
A nation is fraught with unending debts and leases
When the funds are poorly allocated.

Is there a treatment
A pill
A shot
A surgery
To render these plagues extinct?

Is there a doctor
A psychologist
A social worker
A leader
To speak a message, courageous and distinct?

Why not you? Why not us?
You know the symptoms.
We know the ailments.
The time has come treat this.

by faith

There’s a lot of things that I can say will happen because they seem pretty possible. I will eat something tomorrow, probably even three meals. I will wake up and get dressed. We will do devotions in the evening. They’re just givens despite the fact they haven’t happened. Out of routine and habit I have the confidence that these events will occur.

Today, I really appreciated the phrase “by faith it will happen.” By faith I believe we will travel safely for the rest of the tour. Even this one seems easy to control and highly possible without God’s intervention. By faith, the kids will be ready to perform a new show in October. I can’t say for sure since we’ve never done this production. And yet these things I say, by faith, will happen. Yeah- it seems unlikely that we have bus trouble, but the odds are not 100% in our favor. Could the prevention actually be the intervention of God on another vehicle so we wouldn’t meet on the road? Likewise, the choir can only control so much of how the program comes together. The kids can’t make decisions about lighting or sound controls. The music conductors can’t make decisions about costumes or drive times. They are what they are. But also, each adult position requires a portion of grace in order to use time wisely and effectively. Without control in my hands, only by faith will the details come together.

So I control the one thing which is mine to have: my confidence. I put full weight in the confidence as I live optimistically in God’s life for me.

book-itis. eek!

My bed is covered in books. All sorts of books: text books for the English classes, Bibles, books of notes for work, books that I’ve finished, and a gamut of books that I can’t wait to read but have yet found time to do so. Maybe that’s due to the fact that for every book I finish, I buy two new ones. It’s a strange disease I have right now, as if I’m always thirsty and can’t get enough to read, I mean drink. Yesterday, I spent the good part of a day in a chair at Borders reading through chapter after chapter, absorbing as much as I could, laughing out loud, and despising the rule that unpaid books aren’t aloud in the bathroom. (Don’t try to tell me you’ve never read on the toilet.) I just can’t get my fill of the words, the message or the knowledge offered so freely between the book cover.

Perhaps this disease is contagious though. I think I might have caught it from somewhere or someone. My friend insists on sending me packages containing new reads she just finished and insists I do the same. I get back at her and send a batch of books I’ve finished. Good friends share sickness.
(Aaaa-chew!)
The kids are just as bad at spreading the ailment. All they do are talk about stories and ask me to read. The two boys who sit next to me on the bus are enthralled by my story telling. Thankfully my adaptations of popular American stories are new and thrilling for them since they haven’t heard them back home in Uganda. Of course, I’m sure to be creative, too, and tell them ghost stories creepy enough to keep their eyes as big as saucers to the very end when the punch line comes up as a joke.
(cough cough)
Matilda is the current story book of choice. Who wouldn’t want to hear chapter after chapter with characters like Mrs. Trunchbull, a formidable woman who throws children out windows without even trying? I have to keep the copy in my room to make sure the children don’t read ahead. They’re infected, too, I’ll say.
(sniff sniff)

Thus far in my reading I haven’t come across any cures for this disease. And to be honest, I’m content not getting over this one. Instead,I’ll wash my hands only after handing over a book.

you're allowed

Today I woke up with not much sleep behind me and yet I felt rested. For the most part. I can enjoy the day on the bit of sleep but little things can bother me easier. It’s amazing how quickly the kids pick up on it. Two boys caught me and I told them I was tired. They said it’s ok. “You’re allowed to be sometimes.” Well thanks, wise old men of 7 years. So we chatted and hugged. I got a back rub out of their pure desire to treat their auntie, no coaxing needed. We also discovered that if G put his ear against my shoulder and tapped on my elbow, he could hear the tapping as if it were mic'd. And it worked on his arm, too.

Really? Am I that lucky to be taken out of my sullenness and exhaustion by two little boys who have such joy that it just beams out of their eyes and oozes out their ears? What’s more is they continue to give me the compliment that I make them laugh all the time. Am I really that funny in real life? Maybe but I really only care if I can keep being funny as a gift to the kids.

Perhaps that’s why we’re good for each other. They make me smile and I help them smile, too. It’s easy and simple but good. The goodness that’s worth writing about and remembering.

words work like a ladder

What is it about fun words that make people especially children light up?
Fantastico!
Fabulous!
WOOHOO!
Of course, the mere fact that they are words of encouragement and praise would make anyone smile. But for children they hold so much more. They learn that these words are a pure form of love and affection. At a young age, words have such a power as they develop their vocabulary. I think there’s a crazy statistic that says kids know most of the words they’ll use in life by the time they reach kindergarten. YIKES! So what a treat it is to be a part of a team that uses positive words to instruct, praise and love kids. It’s these words that will stick with them, words that they will repeat so others and words that can and will bring them out of a situation of failure to one of success.

How easy for us to say good, uplifting words to adorable kids? How easy for us to say them even to people we like? For some, good words are always on their lips with genuine affection behind each syllable. That’s my personal challenge over the next week. To speak intentionally with positive, life-giving words. If they are in my mouth, then they will be in my head and heart where the power of words can have as much affect on me as they have on that of the hearer.

“The words of the thoughtless are like swords, but the words of the wise bring healing. Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Prov. 12:18, 25

Yippee!