Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Plainclothes Angels


I made a post on a social media website (yes, we all know which one it is!) that Max refused his breakfast this morning…first time EVER!  He just would not eat, even when I held the bowl for him, even when I tried to hand-feed him.  Nope.  He wanted nothing to do with it.  I guess I’m concerned because he IS thirteen…and that’s a long time for a Greyhound.  He’s an “old man” and can’t afford to go skipping meals.  He NEEDS that nutrition.

My friends stepped up to offer everything from prayers to food suggestions.  *A* suggested chicken and rice and was asking questions about his diet and protein, *P* brought over some chicken and got a bag of rice for me from the grocery store, *G* suggested supplements like Chondroitin Glucosamine, and *D* sent emails throughout the day to check up on him….

My friends.  Plainclothes Angels.  For Max and for me.  Most know that I can’t drive anymore because of the MS, so I really appreciated those angels who were my legs at the grocery store today.  Well, I really appreciated any and all who contributed advice…who took the time to show love, compassion, empathy.  And here I thought of them as just “my friends” when they all were plainclothes angels.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Gifts Outside My Window

Today, I saw a lady walking along our sidewalk with a cane. I watched her slow, careful steps, and the determined concentration was visible on her face.

Could I ever relate to that! I have a disability and I used to walk with a cane, also. Sometimes it was painful for me to walk, other times emotionally frustrating.  I got so impatient with my slow, careful steps! And I STILL get impatient when I have to think about my every move!

Especially during these times, I have to be careful not to allow my focus to shift back onto things I could physically do when I was healthy. I loved to play racquetball and go hiking. I rode bicycle
, and horses, and played with my niece in the park. I did power walking and aerobics for exercise.

These days, I can still exercise. I can work on stretches, but my aerobics are now spiritual rather than physical. My "step up's" are truly stepping UP - in a heavenly direction!

I can exercise with the assurance that someday I will be completely healed - whether I find that healing here on earth, or when I run to greet
my Jesus in heaven.

"...the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body." 
Philippians 3:20,21

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Poetry Pause - Early Morning Prayer

May I never forget
that I am One of a Whole --
each are special
each have needs
and no one is invincible.
Grant me courage
to be compassionate,
whether or not
others may understand my tears.
May my heart never
grow cold nor indifferent.
May my eyes never look away.
May my arms never cease to embrace,
my hands never falter to touch.
Grant me courage
to love
with compassion.

(c) 6/2000 Pandora Deichert
Winning poem for July 2000
Poets of The Poet's Porch

Saturday, February 25, 2012

When I Grow Up ....


There are times when I feel like this little petunia.   

I have no idea how it got here except that I had a hanging basket of them last year…or was it even the year before?   

It’s growing between the cement patio slab and the brick.  It had to have been pretty pushy to have popped up here.   

It’s growing only on the provisions the Lord has given it…some rain, some sunlight.  

 It is beautiful and delicate, yet strong and resilient.  

 I hope to be like this little petunia when I grow up!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Round One!

Well, I debated blogging about this…but it’s really not some big, dark secret.  I fell a few weeks ago, and my doctor said the words I SO did not want to hear: “You really shouldn’t live alone anymore.”  I felt like saying, “Well, what am I supposed to DO?!”  I don’t want to leave my home.  Don’t want to leave my Greyhounds.  So begins the search for people…programs…ANYthing that can help me.

After several dead-ends, I finally had a glimpse of hope today.  "Sally" called me back today.  We eliminated one program because I can still dress myself (oh…my…GOSH!!!), but she feels she may be able to put me on a waiting list for some other things to help such as people to help with cleaning -- mopping floors, changing bed linens, doing the bathrooms, etc.  Stuff I simply can’t do anymore.  She is going to call me next month and set up a time to interview me. Going to see what they can do to help.

I’ve gone through a BUNCH of interviews during my life.  I was always sharing what I COULD do before.  You know…selling myself!  Now I’ll be telling her what I CAN’T do.

I don’t like this.  Which reminds me of another thing my doctor told me during my visit with him.  “You’re in denial.”  No argument.  I think it’s the denial that makes me fight.  It’s not so much denial that I close my eyes, turn my head and don’t search for options, alternatives, etc.  But, yes, it sends me to go lacing up my gloves—not going down without a fight!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Makeit Simple - Potato, Beef, Celery Soup


* Grandmother’s Potato, Beef, Celery Soup

3-4 lb Rump Roast
1 large bunch of celery (keep leaves)
6 large Idaho baking potatoes

Put the roast in the oven and keep adding water in the roasting pan so you get a significant amount of broth.

Dice up the potatoes.  (Grandmother always left the skins on the potatoes because she said there were lots of good things in the skins.)

Chop up the bunch of celery.

When the roast is done, pour the broth into your crock pot, add water if you don’t have enough broth.  Add the chopped potatoes and chopped up celery. 

Season with Basil, Parsley, and Sage (to taste); add salt and ground pepper.

Slice some of the beef and keep those slices for sandwiches.  Chop the rest of the roast beef into small chunks and add to soup stock.

Turn the crock pot on high for two hours, then reduce it to low for two more hours.

You should have an excellent pot of German potato, beef, and celery soup.

NOTE:  This fills a 6-quart crock pot.  If using a smaller slow cooker, halve recipe.

*This recipe came from one of my closest friends.  THANKS, Janie!  This is sooooo GOOD!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Gifts Outside My Window

I can see the corner of a playground from my window.  Often, after school and during the summer, I hear children laughing as they play ball and tag games, use the swing set and the jungle gym.  Bordering this playground is a thick hedge instead of a chin-link fence.  The principle is the same, but I prefer this idea.  It’s a natural perimeter, it’s prettier, and it doesn’t make me think of  restrictive environment.

By their use, hedges often suggest that they protect the good things within them.  Because they are not stone walls nor fences, they do not guarantee that bad things will stay out.

Satan challenged God’s hedge around Job.  Even though God allowed Satan to afflict Job, there were limits which the devil could not go beyond.  Job’s test was to ultimately trust in his Lord for no other reasons but love and obedience.  (Job 1:6-22)

I have not been faced with the same kinds of tests that Job had.  All at once, he lost possessions and family.  Still, my own afflictions are no less devastating to me.  Like Job, however, I am never abandoned to face my challenges alone.  God is always watching and sets limits.  God defines boundaries.  He sees to it that the devil can do only so much.  And as I prove my faithfulness to Him, He will prove His to me.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.  Psalms 34:7

Monday, February 20, 2012

I’m Counting in the GBBC Today!

GBBC – The Great Backyard Bird Count!  The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.  The website is http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ and has been going on since Friday.  Today is the last day.
Yesterday I only spent 15 minutes on the front “yard” and counted three Rock Pigeons, ten field sparrows and two house sparrows.  I watched in my backyard for 15 minutes and counted one White Wing Dove and four Rock Pigeons. I may spend some longer chunks of time counting today.

It’s very relaxing for me.  I park my powerchair either out back if it’s not too windy…I can watch the front through the window when I’m sitting at the computer.  And that’s also one of the primary ways I take pictures of these feathered friends—I shoot them through the window.

So, if you like birds and have some time today, you may want to check out website and take 15 minutes (or MORE!) to count the birds!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Journal Entry in February

...it's 12 o'clock noon and somewhere around 65 degrees...it's beautiful out today...sunny, cloudless, a light breeze holds a hint of warmth

...pair of doves are building a nest in the largest olive tree...not sure if he's doing the building because one of them stays sitting up there...or they may take turns sitting on the nest like my Zebra finches do...makes me smile

...spring is definitely coming!...can't wait to see all the colors burst open after the recent rain

...want to remember what Gwen Frostic wrote:
                                         "Color is the signature of nature."

...the wind, also, has a different signature, depending on which tree it touches...the pine tree gives a soft roar, and the olive trees whisper

...can't help it!...I get so jazzed!...feel like I'm living in a whole new world!...new sights, new sounds, even new points of view

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Poetry Pause - A Journey with MS

I trip
down a corridor darkly

wall-walking the length
and breadth and height
my fingers reach
(when feeling out of sight)

afraid for tomorrow
but searching for
the rest of my life

I may stumble
I may fall
but never will I stop

Pandora
Mirage Literary and Arts Magazine 2000

I needed to remind myself of what I wrote, what I had been feeling.  I don't think I've ever been as close to giving up as now.  I needed to read...write down...remember...NEVER WILL I STOP.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Makeit Simple! -- Dump Cake

DUMP CAKE

Spray a 9 x 13 cake pan with PAM.

Spread a 20-oz. can of crushed pineapple over bottom of pan.

Spread a 20-oz. can of cherry pie filling on top of pineapple.

Sprinkle 1 box yellow cake mix (dry!) on top of cherry filling.

Sprinkle with 1 cup chopped pecans.

Thinly slice 1 stick of butter and layer pats over top of mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

Sooo easy and SOOOOO GOOD!!!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Journal Entry in April

…interesting how much sunlight can lend a different perspective to a new season, a later hour of the day…its throwing dapples of light across this journal page which move when the breeze brings motion to the tree limbs and leaves…sitting here, writing seems to be a contribution to this envelope of calm into what should be, by this hour, a bustle of busyness and activity…not like it is…a sleepy sun awakening just before noon, still holding a mystery of what the coming hours will bring

…perspective…definitely determined by outside influences and dealt with by inward attitudes…how much of one influences the other?... how much of the outward impacts the inward?...is the outcome a true measure of character and/or strength?

…look at the rocks here on the table…do they appear to be different within the dance of different patterns of light and shadow?...yes…are they different rocks?...no…they are the same…solid, cohesive…but with the different season and hour, different facets are highlighted, different minerals are revealed, different edges are hidden

…I suppose I am much the same way…differences, good and bad, beautiful and ugly, positive and not, revealed under different patterns of light and shadow (outward influences?)

…but, unlike rocks, I can move…I can shift my position…as such, is it my responsibility not to allow myself to become paralyzed with emotion so that I sit sedentary, covered in shadow?

…I believe the answer is “yes” but sometimes I can’t find the way to break the paralysis…at least, not immediately, not as quickly as I would have it be done

…my responsibility…IS it my responsibility?...or is my responsibility only to call on the One Who can break my paralysis…Who is in control…I’m glad that God can pick up the pieces…He can lift me up, spiritually, emotionally, when I’m paralyzed…plus, He has a different perspective and I pray to see things through His eyes

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Gifts Outside My Window

From my window, I saw the U.S. Postal Service truck as it was driving up the road, pausing at mail boxes.  It was Valentine’s Day, and I wondered what wonderful cards and letters of love that mail carrier was delivering.  I smiled to think of happy recipients who opened their mail to confirmations of someone’s heartfelt devotion. 

The prophets and apostles also wrote all kinds of love letters.  Moses told the people that God wanted them to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) and to “love the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)  David wrote psalms of love.  It was possibly Solomon who wrote an entire book about love.  Apostles like Paul and Peter sent love letters to people throughout the Middle East and parts of Europe.

Jesus, the Author of Love, had much to say on the subject.  And He, alone, offered the supreme Love Gift when He gave up His life, hung on a cross for peoples in all places and all times.  Because of His sacrificial Love, we know that Someone loves us on Valentine’s Day, and on every day throughout the year.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 

Monday, February 13, 2012

Conversation with a Praying Mantis


Last week, I met a Praying Mantis by my mailbox, of all places! We were on the same eye-to-eye level... perhaps on another level, as well. I had seen mantids several times before, but always "from the top looking straight down." This time, I was more beside him as he hung upside down, and could watch him as he watched me. He turned his head to follow the sound of my voice, my fingers as I wiggled them at him. I almost felt as if I were interacting with him on some intelligent level.

I watched him for some time... taking note of his praying posture, his patience as he could wait, unmoving. I remember reading somewhere that mantids can teach us much about perception through stillness. Time in a linear sense seems irrelevant to them. They move according to inner instinct.

Manny (the Mantis!) showed me how to consider my own patience, my own "perceptions through stillness." Have I lost patience with something or someone? Have I been too patient? I had never considered being too patient before, but realized that both ends of the spectrum can have as detrimental an effect in different ways.
He invited me to reflect on my own perceptions about certain situations and people. He reminded me that I needed to be in touch with my instincts, and move or not move appropriately.

It was an interesting "conversation," one I will long remember. It was more than just "Pandy is talking to a bug again..." It was somehow more, and I am awestruck, once again, by how much we can learn on a personal level from God's Creation.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

So Simple, Yet It Meant So Much!

 

A friend called today to see how I was doing and I told her that I really managed to mess up my little toe-- I caught it on a nail.  Ouch.  She asked how I was treating it.  I was soaking it in water because I ran out of Epsom salts.  She told me that her daughter was in town, she would call her on her cell phone and ask her to drop off Epsom salts and Neosporin at my house.

Later when I looked, I found such a nice surprise!  Outside my front door was a gift bag with the Epsom salts and Neosporin.  Also in the bag was a bright red envelope with a butterfly keychain, AND (here’s the best part!) a bag of Godiva Dark Chocolate Strawberry Truffles!  It was so completely surprising as it was from my friend’s daughter, and I really don’t know her well.  That she took the time to “fix up” my medical stuff made it special.  But the Godivas put it over the top!  That gift bag was so unexpected and sweet that I had good feelings for the rest of the day!

I did call my friend (her mom), told her about the bag and asked, “Now, did you tell her to do that?”  I could hear the love and pride in her voice when she answered, “No.  She’s just like that!  That’s the way she is!”

How about that?  So special!






Saturday, February 11, 2012

Poetry Pause ~ Lifespans Within Us

You
grew older
when I wasn't looking.
I don't know if my mortality
frightens me,
or if I am afraid
because I now recognize
countable years
within you?

I remember...
I remember....
Images of you yesterday
are vivid and clear.
When did you change?
When did you
grow older?

by Pandora
Stand Alone
August 1998, Vol. 2, #7

Friday, February 10, 2012

Perspective?

Have you ever done something innocently enough, to have it revealed in the light of a different perspective?  And do you know what usually sends me emotionally sprawling on my face?  My sponsor kids.

I sponsor a child in Africa.  I gave an extra $20 for her Christmas present last year, which I was feeling kinda bad about—I wished it could have been more.  I just received a “thank you” for what it purchased for her—a pair of shoes, and cloth.  (To be fair, when you give extra for Christmas, it goes into a “pool” and is distributed evenly among the children.  I feel that’s fair.)

But, anyway, this was her Christmas.  Shoes and cloth.  She and her mother are very poor, and I don’t know of any details of what all she receives other than this.  I only know the “thank-you’s” that come in the mail are only for those things that came indirectly from me.

Then I thought of ME in comparison to her. 

When I was her age (12), and would I have received shoes and cloth as a gift from someone, I can tell you what my reaction would have been.  I would have smiled and thanked the person (because that’s how my Mother taught me to behave) but, honestly, deep down, I WOULD have been very disappointed.  Especially when friends would have been telling me about presents they received, which I know I would have thought were so much better.  More “cool.”

Then I thought about her again.  You know, to her that gift may have been everything!  Her thanks may have been an expression of sincere love and honest appreciation.

Has living in America dulled my sense of appreciation?  I grew up and didn’t really know “need.”  I had a place to live, food to eat, an education, clothes….and, though money was an issue, I always had some of my “wants” met. 

What does this say about our society?  Surely, I’m not the only one to realize that something had died deep within…until Jesus sent me a little girl in Africa who helped open my eyes.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

What's on YOUR Desk?

A friend sent me the question:  List ten things on your desk.  Now, I know you didn't lose sleep because you didn't know what's on my desk, and I know that knowing this doesn't matter one whit in the grand scheme of things, but answering this was kinda fun!

Okay.  I am a coffeeholic.  I have cups of coffee, some still hot and some that have cooled completely, all over my house.  Well....maybe not all over....  Nevertheless, the first noteworthy thing on my desk is my cup of coffee.

I don't have a lot of "open space."  I've always been like this.  When I was employed outside the home, I had "disorganized organization."  That's a nice way of saying that my desk looked like a bomb exploded on it.  Perpetually!  


So this corner of my desk has a phone (yes, I still use a landline!), business cards are clothes-pinned together, a Netflix DVD that I need to return, and a menu for Chinese food!  In the background is an organizer (which, in itself, for MY space, is really ironic!) with bills and greeting cards and statements and CDs, then there is a Facing Your Giants calender.  Apropos!



On the other side of my desk is my Greyhound mug filled with pens and pencils, stuffed Panda bears, and behind the bears is a wall calender hanging from the back wall of the hutch.  Then I have pix of some of my sponsored kids, HP printer, a stuffed chickadee (?) is on the printer (this was a Christmas present--when I squeeze it, it cheeps!), the paper behind its head is a list of 2012 suspense dates for a newsletter that I do for an organization, and a fold-out greeting card is taped to the back wall of the hutch.  Oh!  To the right of that is a pic of a friend and the book for a Bible study--"When Life is Hard."  In front on the desktop is my mouse, a wooden star which reads BELIEVE (another Christmas present!) and the remote control for my radio.

Well.  I have not been in the work force for over ten years, but little has changed regarding my desktop.  And I guess I still have trouble counting to TEN!

Now, I'm going to fire another question back to my friend.  Before taking pix, did you "tidy up a bit" first???  HA!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Quiet Time

The hour is late so I can see little more than darkness beyond my windows.  I hear the dishwasher running…the hum of the computer…I hear Mia breathing as she is sleeping with her nose buried into the dog blanket on the floor.  (She sounds like Darth Vader when she does this!)

I like this time of night.  It gives me a chance to gear down before going to bed.  Maybe I will go through my mail.  Or make a cup of Chamomile tea.  Finish reading the chapter in my book.  Write a little.  Or just be introspective and listen to the quiet.  Talk with God.  This is also a good time to hear Him talk to me.  He has a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12) and I must be still [noiseless, silent, stationary, tranquil, calm].

During the day, I’m in the midst of “doing” and I’m distracted by a million things.  I call it “Pinging”…and I’m all over the map!  Telephone calls interrupt, the “kidz” see a cat outside and all is sheer pandemonium for a couple minutes, people stop over unexpectedly….  During the day, I usually don’t have a chance to make myself quiet.  So I do enjoy my night-times with Jesus.  Well…I enjoy ANY time with Jesus!