Happy 29th of February, 2008!
February 29 is the 60th day of a leap year in the Gregorian calendar. It occurs every four years in years evenly divisible by four except for centenary years not divisible by 400. Interesting, I did not know that.
I love February 29th. I don't know why. I guess it is because it doesn't happen every year. It just feels like a gift. Like a free day. I think it should be a holiday. What do you think?
WELCOME!
T - i - double G - grrrr
February 29, 2008
February 27, 2008
Sleep
I used to think sleep was overrated.
That was until this week. Since returning from our trip it has been an interesting process in seeing how our bodies adjust back to this timezone. The first night home in our own bed was wonderful and we slept 11 hours. I don't think my husband has slept 11 hours straight in the 30 years we've been married.
Since then sleep has been a challenge. Sunday night we slept from 11 PM to 12:30 AM and then from 3:30 AM to 5 AM. Weird...and let me say that there is not much on TV from 12:30 AM to 3:30 AM. Which you think would be good because we could watch something really boring and fall right back to sleep but that really doesn't happen. You just kind of toss and turn, change channels, talk a little and just keep trying to fall asleep. But, it doesn't happen and the first day back to work you got no REM sleep and just feel completely out of sorts.
So you get home Monday evening exhausted and do everything you can NOT to nap, hoping that will ensure a full and complete night sleep. BUT...3 AM roles around we both find ourselves awake and go through that whole process we did the night before with no success. So day 2 it is back to work with having had 4 hours of sleep and already having been awake for 6 hours before the day begins. This is a long day for me as I have a Donor Meeting to facilitate in the evening. Gary joins me at this meeting and we finally get home just a little before 10 PM. I think this turns out to be a blessing.
Gary is asleep within seconds of putting his head on the pillow. I'm asleep by 11 PM. This time 3 AM came and went without either of us noticing it. YEAH! Gary sleeps straight through until his alarm goes off at 5:15 AM (which I never hear) and I sleep until 6 AM!!!! I did wake up briefly around 4 AM when I realized my glasses were still on but after taking them off and putting them on the nightstand, I was asleep within a few minutes.
Driving to work this morning I realize how much more alive I feel and understand that my previous position on the over importance placed on a good night's sleep was most likely based on getting a good night's sleep. Oh, I've had my times when that wasn't the case. Like when the kids were babies. But in those times there is a reward for little sleep and it is that precious little child in your arms, completely dependent on you for all its needs, that has the sweetest face you have ever seen in your entire life. A friend who just had a baby and got little sleep last night said to me this morning "You know, I think God must give special abilities to new moms so that they can still function without getting the sleep they need."
I thought about that for a while, remembered those months after the kids were born, compared it to the last few days with little sleep, and decided she is 100% correct!
Jeremiah 31:25-26 CEV
Those who feel tired and worn out will find new life and energy, and when they sleep, they will wake up refreshed.
That was until this week. Since returning from our trip it has been an interesting process in seeing how our bodies adjust back to this timezone. The first night home in our own bed was wonderful and we slept 11 hours. I don't think my husband has slept 11 hours straight in the 30 years we've been married.
Since then sleep has been a challenge. Sunday night we slept from 11 PM to 12:30 AM and then from 3:30 AM to 5 AM. Weird...and let me say that there is not much on TV from 12:30 AM to 3:30 AM. Which you think would be good because we could watch something really boring and fall right back to sleep but that really doesn't happen. You just kind of toss and turn, change channels, talk a little and just keep trying to fall asleep. But, it doesn't happen and the first day back to work you got no REM sleep and just feel completely out of sorts.
So you get home Monday evening exhausted and do everything you can NOT to nap, hoping that will ensure a full and complete night sleep. BUT...3 AM roles around we both find ourselves awake and go through that whole process we did the night before with no success. So day 2 it is back to work with having had 4 hours of sleep and already having been awake for 6 hours before the day begins. This is a long day for me as I have a Donor Meeting to facilitate in the evening. Gary joins me at this meeting and we finally get home just a little before 10 PM. I think this turns out to be a blessing.
Gary is asleep within seconds of putting his head on the pillow. I'm asleep by 11 PM. This time 3 AM came and went without either of us noticing it. YEAH! Gary sleeps straight through until his alarm goes off at 5:15 AM (which I never hear) and I sleep until 6 AM!!!! I did wake up briefly around 4 AM when I realized my glasses were still on but after taking them off and putting them on the nightstand, I was asleep within a few minutes.
Driving to work this morning I realize how much more alive I feel and understand that my previous position on the over importance placed on a good night's sleep was most likely based on getting a good night's sleep. Oh, I've had my times when that wasn't the case. Like when the kids were babies. But in those times there is a reward for little sleep and it is that precious little child in your arms, completely dependent on you for all its needs, that has the sweetest face you have ever seen in your entire life. A friend who just had a baby and got little sleep last night said to me this morning "You know, I think God must give special abilities to new moms so that they can still function without getting the sleep they need."
I thought about that for a while, remembered those months after the kids were born, compared it to the last few days with little sleep, and decided she is 100% correct!
Jeremiah 31:25-26 CEV
Those who feel tired and worn out will find new life and energy, and when they sleep, they will wake up refreshed.
February 24, 2008
Three reasons to go back to Singapore
Kelly and Malcolm live on the right (east coast) side of the island. Fairly close to the Airport, but not too close!There are so many reasons to visit Singapore but I was thinking about my top three and decided to share them with you.
The first one is to see Kelly and Malcolm:
They are incredible hosts and really make the visit worthwhile. We have so much fun with them.
The second is to go to church.
It is hard to explain what church is like in Singapore or even why it is like that. Maybe it is because in a population of over 4 million people, Christians are only about 18%. Many it is because the Christians there may have had to sacrifice a lot to choose to follow Christ and they know that others see it as foolishness. Perhaps that impacts why and how they worship. I don't know, all I know is that you feel like you are standing on holy ground when in worship there. I am always moved to my soul and to tears just as a result of having the honor to worship with these Christians. You sense the urgency of the message presented and you know that when they cry and pray for their family and friends that don't know Christ that it comes from the depth of their souls. When they sing about the Glory of God there is not a single person who isn't singing from the heart. I wish every American Christian could have the experience of attending a worship service in Singapore (or another country where they really understand the sacrifice it is to choose Christ). You'll never be the same.And the third reason to go back to Singapore is to have a CRISPY SWEET CORN PUFF!
YUMMMMMMMMMMMY! February 22, 2008
It IS all about me!
Let me start by saying "we are home"! There's no place like home, there's no place like home.
I've been reading these books lately that are for Christian living and all have the same theme "It's not about you". While I know this is true and it is really all about God and His glory, the concept is a hard one to accept.
After being gone for three weeks, to some very exotic places, I found that almost everything I missed is all about me. Here is the short list:
I missed...
I've been reading these books lately that are for Christian living and all have the same theme "It's not about you". While I know this is true and it is really all about God and His glory, the concept is a hard one to accept.
After being gone for three weeks, to some very exotic places, I found that almost everything I missed is all about me. Here is the short list:
I missed...
- my shower (in fact that is the first thing I did when I got home).
- my shampoo and conditioner.
- my things and my own bed and my special blanket for covering up with (actually never would have needed this blanket on a tropical island).
- my pillows (all four of them!).
- the way the water smells in my shower (yes water does have an odor, you just get used to it and don't know the smell until you've been away from it).
- my toilet paper (but that might be too much information).
- SNOW!
- 20 degree weather!
- Slush!
- Oh, and did I mention SNOW!
February 20, 2008
Airports
For those who live in KC and use KCI I'm sure they will understand this post more than others who are spoiled by some of the better airports in the country. But even those "better airports" can't compare to the one in Singapore.
We arrived at the airport in Singapore before 9 AM local time. It is now 2PM and we are still here. Our original flight has been delayed which made it impossible for us to make our connecting flight in Hong Kong.
So they switched us to another airline (Singapore Air - known as the best in the world) and that flight should take off in about 2 hours. It is also a direct flight to LA which I like!
All I have to say is that if you are going to spend 7 or 8 hours in an airport this is the one you want to be in. Really, I am amazed. They have these awesome areas you can wait in with lounge chairs and soft lighting gentle music and flowing water falls. They have TV areas everywhere with comfortable chairs. You can shop until you run out of money or get a massage. Or there is a free movie area. Oh yeah, don't forget the many many food places. They will take whatever country currency you might have or a charge card. I could go on and on, like even the free internet access that is making it possible for me to do this post. And free carts for your luggage.
The whole place is carpeted and if it weren't for the airplanes outside the windows you wouldn't even know you were in an airport. You might think you were in a resort because of the workout room and spa area that is available, as well as a world class hotel.
Compare that to KCI. Well, really what can I say. I guess to give you a word picture I have to say that comparing the Singapore airport to KCI is like comparing the Mall of America to a Kmart store that is going out of business.
This will be my last post from this part of the world. God willing, we will be in the states about 24 hours from now. Very hard to say good-bye to my daughter and son-in-law. I think it gets harder each time and probably not knowing when we will see them next and be able to hug them makes it a little harder.
But this has been a GREAT visit and I'd do it again in a minute!
We arrived at the airport in Singapore before 9 AM local time. It is now 2PM and we are still here. Our original flight has been delayed which made it impossible for us to make our connecting flight in Hong Kong.
So they switched us to another airline (Singapore Air - known as the best in the world) and that flight should take off in about 2 hours. It is also a direct flight to LA which I like!
All I have to say is that if you are going to spend 7 or 8 hours in an airport this is the one you want to be in. Really, I am amazed. They have these awesome areas you can wait in with lounge chairs and soft lighting gentle music and flowing water falls. They have TV areas everywhere with comfortable chairs. You can shop until you run out of money or get a massage. Or there is a free movie area. Oh yeah, don't forget the many many food places. They will take whatever country currency you might have or a charge card. I could go on and on, like even the free internet access that is making it possible for me to do this post. And free carts for your luggage.
The whole place is carpeted and if it weren't for the airplanes outside the windows you wouldn't even know you were in an airport. You might think you were in a resort because of the workout room and spa area that is available, as well as a world class hotel.
Compare that to KCI. Well, really what can I say. I guess to give you a word picture I have to say that comparing the Singapore airport to KCI is like comparing the Mall of America to a Kmart store that is going out of business.
This will be my last post from this part of the world. God willing, we will be in the states about 24 hours from now. Very hard to say good-bye to my daughter and son-in-law. I think it gets harder each time and probably not knowing when we will see them next and be able to hug them makes it a little harder.
But this has been a GREAT visit and I'd do it again in a minute!
February 18, 2008
Phuket
Once again I am amazed at the hospitality of the Thai people. They are so nice and just seem to really enjoy making their guests happy. If they don't like their jobs you would never know it.
The resort we stayed at was on a hill between small mountains and the beach. We had a short walk down hill to the beach and the sand was so nice. The water is clear and we spent a lot of time playing in the waves.
We also got some famous Thai massages. I can't believe that an hour of massage is less than 30 U.S. dollars. The food was okay, the best place we ate was a small local place right off the beach.
My last thought on Thailand is that I am always thankful when I survive the taxi rides. I think that it is amazing I have never seen an accident since it feels like you will be in one at any moment. I pray a lot and will gladly get in a plane and fly 15 hours more than I would want to get in a car in Thailand. So I close my eyes a lot but we make it every time.
Must be time wasted on worry. I guess that is why the Bible instructs us not to worry. God must know that most of our time spent worrying is foolish and a waste.
The resort we stayed at was on a hill between small mountains and the beach. We had a short walk down hill to the beach and the sand was so nice. The water is clear and we spent a lot of time playing in the waves.
We also got some famous Thai massages. I can't believe that an hour of massage is less than 30 U.S. dollars. The food was okay, the best place we ate was a small local place right off the beach.
My last thought on Thailand is that I am always thankful when I survive the taxi rides. I think that it is amazing I have never seen an accident since it feels like you will be in one at any moment. I pray a lot and will gladly get in a plane and fly 15 hours more than I would want to get in a car in Thailand. So I close my eyes a lot but we make it every time.
Must be time wasted on worry. I guess that is why the Bible instructs us not to worry. God must know that most of our time spent worrying is foolish and a waste.
February 13, 2008
More Singapore
Well I'm finally starting to feel a little better. Yesterday Gary and I went to the Singapore Zoo. We took a bus to get to the train to take a taxi to arrive at the airport. I'm still amazed that while this island is not very big it does take a while to get to some areas of it.
The zoo here is amazing. You get very up and close and personal with the animals. It is better than any zoo I've been to in the states.
Today we leave for Phuket, pronounced poo-ket not foo-ket like I was doing it. YEAH! I'm exited. We will be staying at a beautiful resort and plan to spend most of our time on the beaches.
Sorry I can't figure out how to post pictures from here but I will add some when I get home!
The zoo here is amazing. You get very up and close and personal with the animals. It is better than any zoo I've been to in the states.
Today we leave for Phuket, pronounced poo-ket not foo-ket like I was doing it. YEAH! I'm exited. We will be staying at a beautiful resort and plan to spend most of our time on the beaches.
Sorry I can't figure out how to post pictures from here but I will add some when I get home!
February 10, 2008
Sunday in Singapore
Once again I am moved to my soul by Sunday church services here. Really, the worship was so moving that I had tears through it all. The Christians here at the church we attend with the kids are so on fire for the Lord and they have no fear to praise the Lord with loud reverence.
It is like nothing I've experinced anywhere else. It was amazing to see Gary have the same reaction. My voice is not good due to being sick but really that didn't seem to be important to anyone.
We also visited China town today which was fun and saw a bride and groom. They were so elaborate it was really cool. Being the holiday we also get to see Lion dancers often which are so colorful and it is really neat. Again, I hope to post pictures later. That's it for now!
It is like nothing I've experinced anywhere else. It was amazing to see Gary have the same reaction. My voice is not good due to being sick but really that didn't seem to be important to anyone.
We also visited China town today which was fun and saw a bride and groom. They were so elaborate it was really cool. Being the holiday we also get to see Lion dancers often which are so colorful and it is really neat. Again, I hope to post pictures later. That's it for now!
February 8, 2008
Singapore
(Note I can't figure out how to add a picture or do spell check from this computer so forgive typo's and I'll add pictures at another time.)
Topical island and perfect weather.
After a few delays our flight finally arrived in Singapore. The trip was harder this time then my last trip. The next day after we arrived I commented on how I was completely wiped out and felt like I had run a marathon or something. What I didn't know was that I was getting sick. That became quite obvious the second day.
Interestingly, I'm reading the book "Cat Theology, Dog Theology" (or something like that) and the chapter I'm in discusses the difference in prayers between cat Christians and dog Christians. And an example was how a cat would pray "God make me well" while a dog would pray "God, in sickness or in health may I glorify Your name may I share You with others I meet".
Well, I must admit that had I read this when I wasn't ill and when I was home and in my own country I'd be saying "yah that's right". However, being in a foreign country far from home and very ill it is hard to keep that attitude. My prayers are often "God please heal me and please don't allow anyone else to get this illness" and that is where I want to stop. But this book has convicted me to pray beyond that. To include "and God, whatever happens, Your will not mine be done. Help me to stay focused on others and how I can show them You no matter what."
This doesn't come easy. But I'm working on it.
I am trying to not allow this illness to prevent us from doing things but it is slowing us down quite a bit. My husband is spending far too much time worrying about me and not really enjoying this experience. For that I am most sorry.
This country is beautiful and we have walked the coast a number of times since our arrival. The sandy beaches and miles of ocean are awesome. The giant ships are incredible to see just off the shore. We are here for the Lunar New Year and that brings much celebration with it.
We went to Little India one night. Not Gary's favorite but what an opportunity to experience another culture. One the shops we went to had a whole wall of trinkets you could by. All of them were one type of god image or another. I really didn't know there were so many different gods still being worshipped. Then on a shelf right next to Buddha was a small plastic statue of Christ on the cross. Next to him another statue of Mary. It made me uneasy for two reasons.
One was that its sole purpose was for profit for the shop owner. God brought down to nothing more than a trinket on a shelf with other gods. This was quite sad and if I could I would have bought them all and just thrown them away. Everything about it just seemed wrong.
The second part that made me uneasy about it was that I knew that most who saw it had no idea who it was. Just as I had no idea the names of all those other gods that were there. For many there, they have never heard about Christ or the signifance of the cross. I was overwhelmed. Where do you start and how? These are all people who need to know about the only God who can save them. The only God who is real and deserves their worship. So silently I say a quick prayer and wonder who will tell them.
Topical island and perfect weather.
After a few delays our flight finally arrived in Singapore. The trip was harder this time then my last trip. The next day after we arrived I commented on how I was completely wiped out and felt like I had run a marathon or something. What I didn't know was that I was getting sick. That became quite obvious the second day.
Interestingly, I'm reading the book "Cat Theology, Dog Theology" (or something like that) and the chapter I'm in discusses the difference in prayers between cat Christians and dog Christians. And an example was how a cat would pray "God make me well" while a dog would pray "God, in sickness or in health may I glorify Your name may I share You with others I meet".
Well, I must admit that had I read this when I wasn't ill and when I was home and in my own country I'd be saying "yah that's right". However, being in a foreign country far from home and very ill it is hard to keep that attitude. My prayers are often "God please heal me and please don't allow anyone else to get this illness" and that is where I want to stop. But this book has convicted me to pray beyond that. To include "and God, whatever happens, Your will not mine be done. Help me to stay focused on others and how I can show them You no matter what."
This doesn't come easy. But I'm working on it.
I am trying to not allow this illness to prevent us from doing things but it is slowing us down quite a bit. My husband is spending far too much time worrying about me and not really enjoying this experience. For that I am most sorry.
This country is beautiful and we have walked the coast a number of times since our arrival. The sandy beaches and miles of ocean are awesome. The giant ships are incredible to see just off the shore. We are here for the Lunar New Year and that brings much celebration with it.
We went to Little India one night. Not Gary's favorite but what an opportunity to experience another culture. One the shops we went to had a whole wall of trinkets you could by. All of them were one type of god image or another. I really didn't know there were so many different gods still being worshipped. Then on a shelf right next to Buddha was a small plastic statue of Christ on the cross. Next to him another statue of Mary. It made me uneasy for two reasons.
One was that its sole purpose was for profit for the shop owner. God brought down to nothing more than a trinket on a shelf with other gods. This was quite sad and if I could I would have bought them all and just thrown them away. Everything about it just seemed wrong.
The second part that made me uneasy about it was that I knew that most who saw it had no idea who it was. Just as I had no idea the names of all those other gods that were there. For many there, they have never heard about Christ or the signifance of the cross. I was overwhelmed. Where do you start and how? These are all people who need to know about the only God who can save them. The only God who is real and deserves their worship. So silently I say a quick prayer and wonder who will tell them.
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