Quixotic

The Miniature Schnauzer tramps along with head held high and nose quivering with stimulation. He spies a Great Dane approaching and without a moment's consideration, he strains at his leash, barking and jumping wildly to announce his jurisdiction in the presence of this imposter. The respective Masters exchange amused glances to see such a small, precocious dog challenge an animal three times his size. The Schnauzer doesn't see their condescension, nor is he aware of the size difference. He has never looked in a mirror, stepped on a scale, or realized that his name is Miniature Schnauzer. In his mind, he is every bit the Great Dane's equal--and more--and so he barks with all the bravado of a German Shepherd.

 

People may see miniature before your name; they may laugh at your naivete; they may hand you a mirror and remind you of what you look like; they may pull out a calendar and recall your past. Our God does not do this, for He has chosen the weak and the foolish to confound the strong and the wise. Submit to Him wholly and then throw away your mirror and your measuring stick, for He may very well replace the practical with the quixotic, calling you to defeat a giant with a sling-shot, or to witness to a gruff man, or to raise 17 children.

"Therefore [it is] of faith that [it might be] according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."" {Romans 4:16-22 NKJV}

God has called you—isn’t that enough? 




Photo Credit: Reuben Yau
Photo Credit: dailyinvention
Photo Credit: Renee
New King James Version, © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Dog Years

Fourteen years ago, Lauren and I had a litter of puppies to choose from: we chose the beautiful red pup with curly ears huddling in the corner, shy and uncertain.

{Top: Susanna and Sadie, 1999. Middle Left: Micah. Middle Right: Jonah}

{Top Right: Lauren, Susanna, Mikaela, and Melanie, sleeping under the stars with Sadie. Bottom Right: Jonah once again using Sadie as a pillow.}

And from that day when she joined our family of four girls as a rascally puppy who chewed through everything (including hoses, house siding, chickens, and trailer wiring) and taxed our impotent training efforts, she has grown with us and won us over long ago with her loyalty, love, and playfulness.

{Top: Mikaela, Lauren, Sadie, Susanna, Micah, Jonah, and Melanie.}

She insisted in following us around everywhere. When a toddling Jonah tried to escape down the driveway, we found him with Sadie by his side. We regularly biked to our neighbors to babysit, and Sadie would lope alongside of us, laying patiently at their house until it was time to head home. And when we went for a morning run a few weeks ago, assuming that we could sneak away without Sadie noticing (even though she had never missed a run before), we were once again astounded by her careful watchfulness over us. Despite her arthritis and hip displasia, and unbeknownst to us, she hobbled after us, until she fell in the road and could go no further.

Yesterday, we had to put our beloved dog to sleep. She rests now next to a creek on a grassy hill, which has been known as "Sadie's Hill" for the last decade because of her affinity for it.

Romeo and Juliet

Once upon a time, there were two cunning little kittens with fluffy, frizzy fur—one silver and one gold. They were the best of friends from the moment they met, and they frolicked together every day. The one sore spot in their life was their family—a rambunctious tribe with not one, not two, but four girls! In addition to that, were two male children and the parents. The kitties feared that their beautiful coats would be petted bare from all the caresses, and they were still bitter about being taken from their mothers.

One day, one of the girl owners dressed Juliet for the day in a dear green toile bonnet. Now Juliet was a sweet kitten, but she had a stubborn streak as well, and she waited for the girl to turn around before she tore her hat off. The girl repeated her efforts, but Juliet proved her obstinacy by losing the cap altogether.

Micah and Romeo



To add insult to injury, the kits' owners led them to a reddish brown mound. The kittens promptly began to investigate, only to discover that their owners had led them straight to…A DOG! A dog who was grinning at them and nosing them affectionately and gently and asking to be friends, but a dog nonetheless. On principle, both cats began to hiss.

Juliet

Another of the many girl owners held Romeo and cooed about how much calmer he was than Peabody, their poor, dead, beloved cat. And when little-boy owner spun Juliet around and then buried his face in Romeo’s fur, the two kittens had had it. They talked it over together that night, and plotted their escape for the next afternoon. Neither knew where they would be going, or how they would get there, but surely, anything would be better than this!

The next morning, the kittens woke up sour and ready to run away, only to find a bowl of warm milk beside their warm bed. Then little boy owner wooed Juliet to sleep by wrapping her in a thick, fuzzy blanket, and one of the girl owners let Romeo investigate every square inch of her bedroom. Then Mama owner stroked both of their coats until they shone, and bigger boy owner refilled their food dish every two hours!

Finally, when older girl owner cuddled them both in her arms and looked lovingly into their eyes, murmuring about how wonderful it was to have kitties again, Romeo turned to his friend and suggested they scrap the running away plan. Juliet agreed, and they’ve never thought of it since—not even when Juliet had to endure a pink ribbon around her neck, and Romeo was tricked into enjoying a piece of yarn for three whole hours.

Mikaela with Romeo and Juliet (in her lap)

Disclaimer: The kittens' desire to run away and/or their owner's innocent tormenting may have been exaggerated for literary effect. All parties in the relationship are enjoying their safe, loving, and nurturing environment.

And The Skies Are Not Cloudy All Day

Back Row l-r: Mikaela, Lauren, Mama, Melanie, and Papa

Front Row: Jonah, Micah, and Susanna

Last Wednesday we packed up and left town around 8:30 for a very special destination. When I think about it, though, perhaps it wasn't the destination that was so special. Certainly, camping and hiking around Winthrop, WA (est. population: 200) promised to be as picturesque and quaint as they come, but the occasion was the special part. Three out of five siblings (Papa and his two sisters), their spouses, and their children were uniting over dirt, nylon, fire, sweat, marshmallows, and little sleep in celebration of Grandma and Grandpa's 50th anniversary. It was going to be an exciting weekend!

Camryn (3) and Jonah (7)

Thursday was the actual day of Grandma and Grandpa's anniversary, as well as Uncle Joe and Aunt Hiedie's 16th anniversary. Memories flew as Grandma marveled at her age when she got married (she was 15 and Grandpa was 19) and recalled learning to drive after getting fed up with toting two young children to the doctor on the bus. Rebecca, Lauren, and I as well as another cousin (Aimee, who wasn't there) are all within 6 months of each other in age, and Aunt Hiedie bravely drafted four toddlers as her flower girls 16 years ago. That of course sparked another round of memories--I recalled being miffed that I had to hold the bridesmaid's hand. Imagine! I was all of three, and I was certainly capable of trotting down the aisle by myself!

Grandpa and Grandma still in love after 50 years!

After breakfast, everyone headed out for a 1.5 mile hike, exclaiming at the beauty all around us.

After getting back to our campsite, we promptly sat in the 1-ft deep river for a solid hour in an effort to cool off in the 95+ degree heat.

Fajitas were on the menu for dinner and our family was on dinner duty each night! That's Mikaela (left) and Lauren (right) above, frying a ginormous pan of onions.

Toasting our sparkling cider in celebration of what is becoming an increasing rarity in modern culture: 50 years of marriage! My grandparents certainly aren't perfect, but it has been such a blessing to see them grow exponentially in the Lord in the last five years. Their willingness to learn and their commitment to their marriage inspire me to strive for such a testimony.

On Friday, we headed to the grand old town of Winthrop, which is set up in a very cute, Western-themed design. Shopping, a picnic lunch, and ice-cream kept everyone busy for several hours!

Back Row: Melanie, Susanna, Mikaela, Rebecca, Lauren

Front Row: Micah, Jonah, and Camryn

Patiently holding out our hands for the next Jellybelly.

Friday night was full of surprises, planned and unplanned. Everyone for miles around lost electricity due to a fire nearby. Because the camp had its own wells requiring pumps, we lost all water too. It was those flush toilets and warm showers that kept things bearable for me, but when we had no access to those, I began to seriously wish for the comforts of home. ;-) As it was, we endured 24 hours of no water or electricity before everything came back on again the next day. However, we can now say that we were truly roughing it!

We forgot all about the electricity troubles, however, when Aunt Hiedie entertained us all with her ingenious game requiring us to guess Jellybelly flavors. She handed out 18 different flavors, which we had to identify based on a list provided. Then we had five more "advanced" flavors which were combinations we had to recognize and name (no list provided). We are all Jellybelly experts now, hardened to the former charm those sweet nuggets once held for us after indulging in more Jellybellies than one should ever have.

Back Row: Rebecca, Susanna, Mikaela, Melanie

Front Row: Lauren, Micah, Ryan, and Jonah

Lauren astride "Paleface"

Saturday morning was spent on a 4 mile hike. After an hour recovery, we all headed out for an extra-special treat that was the highlight of our trip: a Cowboy Cookout. Everyone over 8 saddled up for a 45 minute horseback ride while Camryn and Jonah rode in a wagon with Aunt Vickie (one way) and Mama (heading back). For city-slickers like me and my family (most of us had never ever ridden a horse), the experience was a learning curve as we learned how to handle the horses. Everyone was exuberant, however, and the evening was delightful!

After arriving at our destination--an old homestead--we were treated to a steak dinner and charming sea chanties from an authentic British sailor and western trail songs from an experienced cowboy.

The whole group!

Back Row: Grandpa, Uncle Larry, Papa

Middle Row: Micah, Grandma, Lauren, Melanie, Aunt Vickie, Mikaela, Mama, and Rebecca

Front Row: Susanna, Ryan, Jonah, and Camryn

Sunday we all had to pack up and leave, but before that happened, we got together for one last group shot. Quick, everybody! Straighten up, suck it in, look at the camera, stop talking, smile, and say cheese!

On the way home, we stopped in Leavenworth, a Bavarian village, and enjoyed a few hours of Bratwursts, shopping, ice-cream, and gigantic knights. ;-)

We arrived home late Sunday night tired and dirty, but grateful for a wonderful time with our family celebrating an amazing milestone in my Grandparent's marriage.



Pictures taken by Mama

Missing the Link

So I was on the Google homepage, and I noticed a strange icon in the place where they usually put "Happy Columbus Day" or "Happy Fourth of July." Curious, I clicked on it to find out what vital information I was missing out on. To my surprise, the great holiday was the discovery of the newest claimed evolutionary “missing link,” Ida. Another addition to the embarrassing list of Lucys, Neanderthals, and Piltdowns! Apparently, however, this one is special (and I say that with a serious sarcastic inflection!). In fact, there is an entire marketing force behind this little lemur, including a book, a documentary, and a website that claims this fossil is rewriting history! This is the most complete fossil primate ever discovered, and evolutionist Jorn Hurum claims that “this is the first link to all humans, [representing] the closest thing we can get to a direct ancestor." However, upon further research, I discovered that quite the opposite is true. Instead of being a half-lemur and half-human Frankenstein, this fossil is almost exactly the same as a modern lemur, having a few minor variations (like its teeth) that could easily be variations within its own kind. In fact, the amazing preservation of Ida, much of its fur, the contents of its stomach, and the many fossils around it actually point to a catastrophic world flood!
How could so many people who appear to be so smart have it so wrong? For those who believe that God created the world, every new claim of the discovery of a “missing link” brings sighs, and every new proof of a hoax or exaggeration causes us to wonder how much longer all these “smart” people will continue to miss the truth! How much longer will they make up their theory and then skip off with a shovel to try to prove it? Their blindness would almost be laughable if it weren’t so depressing. By way of solving the problem, we sagely observe that they should first examine the evidence and then base their theories off that.
It's time for the magnifying glass to turn the other direction. When I actually looked closer at my sage observation, I realized that I often repeat the same foolish process, and I end up in the same place, which is far from truth. I plant myself on a doctrine or belief, and then I skim through the Bible to find proof. Sure, I may find my missing link to support my belief, but I end up with a falsehood! I remember when I was about 14, and I had to write a paper answering from Scripture a specific question about the role of women. At the time, the details of a woman’s Biblical role were quite foreign to me, and I was struggling with where I stood. I had my own (wrong) biases, however, and I somehow managed to twist Scripture and support the same conclusion I had started with. The only difference between what I did and what evolutionists do is that I used Scripture to fill in my gaps rather than bones.
How did I end up with the wrong answer? I believe that I was missing the real link. All those scientists with PhDs and maybe some of you as well are missing the link. Yes, we all look at evidence through our own bias, but truth is absolute. When we twist truth to try to link our ideas with it, we end up with lies. There is only one sure link to all of life’s questions, and Christ is that link of truth.

I Corinthians 3:11-13, 18-19 “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work….Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness.’”

Instead of using skewed evidence to link my hypothesis to the conclusion, I need to grab hold of the main link of truth and never let go. Only then can I see the lies and reject man’s ideas that don’t fit. Only then can I see Ida for what she really is: simply one famous (but dead) lemur!

Sources:
>>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/05/090519-missing-link-found.html
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2009/05/19/ida-missing-link
https://www.wtgnh.com/wtgnh/support/chain.jpg

http://www.revealingthelink.com/

Peacocks, Black Ice Cream, and a Supermodel: My Week

My handsome brother, Jonah! The pose was all his idea.

I broke one of the cardinal rules of playing in a symphony--I associated with the winds! Seriously, I have met and know every string player in my large symphony, but I have only gotten to know a few wind players. Somehow, I think that there is an unwritten caste system in symphonies! However, I have gotten to know a clarinet player very well, and thus it happens that I have found myself house-sitting for him this week. He has six inside cats, as many outside cats, and--of course--many peacocks and peahens, of all things! Never a dull moment....

Peabody, our very fluffy, very self-satisfied, adorable cat! He was my supermodel this week. ;-) He sat contentedly, occasionally adjusting his head position for my picture-taking satisfaction.

Adam, a man from church, who has been putting trim up in our house.

Three cheers for Adam!

This is Mel, my fifteen year old sister, showing off her unique tongue color! She and I went out for ice cream at Lynns Ice Cream, Yogurt, and More a lovely "hole-in-the-wall" that has a retro feel and delicious ice cream. Mel had the black (and I do mean black) licorice ice cream, and this is the effect several hours later!

My adorable six year old brother, Jonah!