Bull in a China Shop

I’m sure you all heard of the expression “bull in a china shop.” It’s usually denotes dropping or breaking things because you move awkwardly or roughly. Has anyone really seen what a bull in a china shop would do? Do they destroy everything in their sight? Who came up with the saying anyway?

The other night Tom and I were watching the television show, MythBusters. These guys love their jobs. The premise of the show is to either prove or bust a myth. That night they were trying to prove what a bull in a china shop would actually do. So they set up some shelves in a bull pen and let loose a bull. The funny thing is the bull avoided the shelves and went around it. It knocked over one shelf. Why don’t you watch it yourself below?



If we could be so wrong about an expression that was probably used from the beginning of this century, then what else could we be wrong about? Just because someone says something is true, doesn’t mean it is. Sometimes we have a bad experience in a situation and apply a broad brush to every situation that is similar. What if you were bitten by a dog, then you might think all dogs bite and would be frightened when you see a dog.

Our fears sometimes keep us from trying. What if you were called to be a veterinarian? If you were the one bitten by the dog, you might not want to pursue that type of work. You might be the person that would come up with some innovative way of treating dogs that would save countless lives.

I’m been thinking about what perceptions I have that may be wrong. What fears I’ve embraced that might be hindering my reaching my destiny. What’s been on my heart lately is living my life fully, with passion and freedom. Doing what God has created me to do.

So I pray that the Lord would remove my fears or perceptions that would hinder me living my life fully. Lord help me to keep in step with what You would have me do. Help me to appreciate each day and look to You to guide me.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Side Note:

Check out this post from my hubby called, “Ready for Either.” It’s short but a great read.

What a Great Day

I had a great birthday and want to thank all of you who stopped by to wish me a happy birthday. Your comments made me smile and I was truly blessed. Thank you Iris for my e-birthday card, it bought a smile to my face. I want to thank Karolee for my new handmade red scarf. She had a giveaway and I won on my birthday. Funny thing is she didn’t know it was my birthday.

I’ll have to brag on my hubby. I woke up to a beautiful bouquet of yellow and pink roses (pictured above), a musical birthday card (it played, “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I Got), my favorite chocolates and tickets to see South Pacific. My wonderful kids called me and sent great cards. (I had to threaten them not to send any gifts.) They always seem to give perfect cards. My son sent me an “I Love Lucy” card. He knows how much I love Lucy. I don’t know what was better that it took him twenty minutes to find it or that he looked for that long for the perfect card for me. My daughter’s card was very humorous. The front had Snow White on it with the words, “Happy Birthday from one fairest of them all to another.” The inside said, “Who says there can’t be two of us.” To know my daughter (she is shy) is to truly appreciate this card.

When I got to work the ladies spoiled me. One made me jewelry (a necklace, bracelet and earrings). She also bought in bagels and a vanilla latte. Another one got me a gift card, chocolates and bought in fruit (melons and grapes). The new gal got me a nice bottle of merlot (she made a beaded cover for it) and chocolate cake. The doctor I worked for gave me a very, very nice bonus check and bought lunch for the whole staff. A patient even stopped by to bring me a small bouquet of red carnations as an appreciation for things I’ve done. She didn’t know it was my birthday. I felt very appreciated. (Pictured below are all the gifts I received.)
Since Jen asked, pictured below is my latest Lucy doll. It’s from the episode where Lucy and Ethel get the same dress.
My sister called me and my oldest friend, Juliana (I’ve known her since I was seven years old) sent me an email wishing me a happy birthday. I also got phone calls from my father-in-law and his brother (Uncle Bob).

Tom and I had a great dinner at Bone Fish. I had a birthday martini and we shared a Crème Brule for dessert.

My day was wonderful. I’m truly blessed. Again thank you all for making my day so very special. Have a nice weekend.

© Nadine Z. 2007

It’s My Birthday

Tomorrow is my birthday. I will turn 46 years old. I have many things to be thankful for. I'm especially thankful for my husband and kids who love me very much.

I thought it would be fun to post some pictures of me through the years. I’ve taken them from some scrap booking I’ve done (which explains some of the backgrounds). It helps while taking a walk down memory lane, if you can hear Kenny Rogers sing, "Through the Years." I'm sorry, now you're going have that stuck in your heads. So you don't have to "pretend," I've added the song.

The picture of above is me at nine months. Do the words “Buddha Baby” come to mind?

Below are some of shots of me when I was five years old. I went on a cruise with my parents. It’s a shame I was so shy. Don’t you just dig that outfit, that hat and that purse? It was back then that we found out that I get sea sick, but I still had a great time on the cruise. Maybe one day I’ll blog about that trip.

What do you do with a kid who twirls around the house whenever she hears music? Why put her in ballet school.

Don’t you just love school pictures? I believe I was about ten here.

Last but not least, is this shot Tom took me while we spent a day in the city. I was eighteen. Once a ham always a ham.
I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Just For Fun

You have probably seen these guys around before, but I was surfing You Tube and came across them. It’s a cute video that bought a smile to my face. I hope you enjoy. Have a great weekend.

Squirrel on a Wire

Driving to work today, I noticed a squirrel running across a wire. He was quick and sure footed. He ran across without a care or concern. It didn’t appear that the squirrel had any doubt in his ability to run across the wire. It made me wonder why the squirrel didn’t run across the road. Did he have a bad experience? Did his sister get run over by a car? What if this squirrel had a fear of heights? Then it wouldn’t run across the wire. Maybe his fear would cause him to walk across the wire carefully with hesitation. But this little squirrel had no trouble at all.

Squirrels do what come naturally for them. They do what they were born to do. No one had to tell the squirrel to run across the high wire, it did it to get to the other side. It adapted to the environment around it. Where there was no tree, it improvised.

So what were your born to do? Are you living the life you were created for? What comes naturally to you, but you ignore it because it’s too easy. Is there a change that has to be made in order to adapt to your environment. Did you have a bad experience and now have abandoned that first love? Did you have a dream that you thought would never come true? Does fear of heights hinder your desire to reach for the stars? Do you have to be perfect to pursue your passion? Do you even have to be good at it? Who sets those standards . . . you, a teacher, a parent, or a friend?

Sometimes we think we have no talent because something comes easily and naturally. Some people can sing and never had a singing lesson. I know that some people have this raw talent and it becomes better with lessons. That’s not the point I’m making here. I could have a million lessons and I doubt this side of heaven I could hit a note on key. This doesn’t stop me from singing passionately. You don’t have to feel bad for me. I sing anyway . . . alone in the car and in the shower. Besides I’m cute and have other talents. If singing was among them, it just wouldn’t be fair.

There is nothing as satisfying as doing what you were born to do. Nothing as satisfying as living the life God wants for you. What’s your passion? What makes you feel free and excited? What drives you? You can do what you are passionate about even if you don’t get paid for it. Do you want to run on the ground or on a high wire? I want to run on the high wire freely and passionately towards what God has planned for me. I may never get published but I will continue to write. Writing doesn't come naturally for me, but it was what I was born to do. It’s what I’m passionate about. It’s what gives me pleasure. It’s becoming more natural as time goes on. Sometimes a seed is all we need. When we allow it to grow, we can be surprised at the outcome.

Of course I’m talking about things we do, not passion about people. I’m much more passionate about my relationships than what I do, but you get the idea.

So what’s your passion? What were you made to run on the high wire towards?

© Nadine Z. 2007

Odds and Ends

First off I’d like to thank Karolee from My Montana Moments for The Smile Award (pictured below). This was what the author of the award said:

The thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading his/her blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell and I am grateful every day for each person whom I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with. I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement. Although there are MANY people I want to give this award to at this very moment, I am going to choose ten bloggers: Please grab your badge and wear it (with a smile) proudly, and pass it on because you inspire and encourage me, thank you.

You are sweet Karolee, thank you. I want to give this award to ALL of you. That’s everyone that reads my blog or is on my sidebar. Do you know why? Because Karolee said I can give it to as many people as I want and I want you all that bring a smile to my face when I read you blogs to have it. You know who you are. I love you guys.

I saw this on Art’s Strange World and I thought it was fun. Give it a try and let me know - how much is your blog worth? Mine is listed below.
My blog is worth $20,887.98. How much is your blog worth?

Finally, I want to thank my friend, Dianna for taking the above picture of Tom and I. She’s a professional photographer who attends our church and took the pictures of me on my blog. I think she’s great. Tom and I are going to Vancouver, BC to teach a class together. They wanted a picture of us. Why? I’m not sure, but I didn’t have any I liked. So thank you Dianna for taking this picture before church on Sunday.

© Nadine Z. 2007

My Progression of Love

I was thinking yesterday about the progression of love. When Tom and I started dating, I was only sixteen and he was eighteen. He was a very mature, intense and serious eighteen year old. As mature as I was, I was never in love before . . . infatuated yes, love no. I remember Tom telling me he loved me for the first time. I looked at him and he was as serious as could be. I knew he meant it. For the first time in my short life I wanted to speak truth to this handsome young man with love in his eyes but not hurt his feelings. I said, “I like you very much.” It wasn’t exactly what he wanted to hear, but he took it. He didn’t give up. (If you haven’t read about how we met you can here and here.)

As time went on and I got to know Tom, I loved what I saw. I knew that this man loved me and I could honesty say it back to him. It took time for me to get to know him. It took trust for me to know that he wouldn’t hurt me. It took faith for me to come out and say it. He was such an intense young man and he knew he wanted to marry me. I was only seventeen at the time. I knew I loved him, but for the rest of my life . . . well that took some more time. It didn’t matter to him that I would turn him down daily . . . he was on a mission from God he would say. He knew in his heart that I was the girl God had for him.

As our lives became intertwined, I knew I wanted to share my life with him. The progression of time, trust, and love was necessary. It’s a decision I’ve never regretted. I knew God wanted us to be together and because of this we’re able to get through the hard times. That is when your love is tested, through hard times. It’s easy to love someone when all is right in the world. What happens when your trust is tested? What happens when disappointment enters the picture? What happens when you argue?

Too many people today give up on the progression of love. They just want the good times and forget their vows: in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer. I love these traditional vows, there is power in them.

When I got home yesterday, my hubby sent me a link to a You Tube video of Faith Hill and Tim McGraw singing their song, I Need You. I’ve never heard the song before, but he didn’t send it to me because of the words of the song. He saw them singing while channel surfing and knew that I like them and their music. He knew that I love the way they look at each other because you can tell that they are in love. He sent it to me because he wanted me to know that he needs me and was thinking of me. He’s a romantic.

We’ve been together for over 29 years. I don’t remember things I did before him. We’ve been known to say, “Remember when we went to such and such a place?” The other’s response would be, “No that wasn’t me.” That still makes me laugh when it happens.

Love gets better with time like fine wine. It becomes richer, grows deeper and more passionate. Love has its ups and down no matter how well you get along. The thing to remember is not to stay in the bad places, but to try to resolve it and move on. Forgiveness the way God forgives is another (as far as the east is from the west He remembers our offense no more). It’s important to remember that love is a decision sometimes. I guess I could go on and on. There is so much to say about love. Remember don’t give up on love. Go and hug your loved one, tell them you love them, do something that is totally selfless for them.

Now go out on a date and stare into each other’s eyes. Have a great weekend.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Burning Man Stories

I wrote about an outreach our church participated in called Burning Man. Five people in our church joined 45 others from different parts of the United States to work as a team to minister to people in the desert.

My husband Tom wrote an excellent post called, Why We Go. I love the picture of one of the team members holding someone he just ministered to. Please check it out for yourself here.

Shadraq (his wife and cute little baby stayed with me during the week they were gone) wrote some of his stories about the experience. He has some neat pictures, so click here to read about it.

And Don C. shares about his passion for the people he ministered to. Read about it here.

So if you have a chance, check out these wonderful stories. Let them know and me what you think.

Have a great day.

© Nadine Z. 2007

9/11

The date September 11 has forever changed in the mind of the people of this nation. Even though 6 yrs have passed it seemed just like yesterday. People remember exactly where they were and what they were doing. But life has gone on even for those directly affected.

My niece worked across the street from the twin towers. She was going into her building when she heard an unusual noise. She looked up and saw the first plane hit. She ran inside to get the attention of those she worked with. She told them they had to leave and a plane flew right into the World Trade Center. When the second plane hit she knew she had to leave the city. She walked across the Brooklyn Bridge with hundreds of people. It was on the bridge when she turned around and saw a sight she will never forget. The first tower crumbled to the ground. For a good part of the day we didn’t know where she was or what had happened to her. It wasn’t until that afternoon that we knew she was safe.

Tom’s childhood friend always wanted to be a fireman. Tim had gotten hurt very badly in a fire and could have retired. Instead he fought the odds and came back to work doing the job he loved. That faithful day he was off duty, but he like many other servicemen and women went to see what they could do to help. He was in the second tower when it came down.

Thousands of people lost their lives this day six years ago. Today we remember a time when our nation was attacked. Tragedies like this either pull us together or tear us apart. This pulled our nation together. New Yorkers and people from Washington DC pulled together to heal their cities. The people on United 93 are remembered forever for their bravery. Those who sacrificed their lives trying to save others are honored for their selflessness.

Today I say a pray for all those family members left behind and relive this day in history with sorrow. May they find peace.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Busyness of Life

Last night I had a dream. I’m not the best at interpreting dreams, but I knew what it meant. I asked my own resident dream interpreter (Tom) his opinion. The basics of the dream was that I was busy doing everyday activities. When I went to Wal-Mart, my last stop of the day, I couldn’t find my car in the parking lot. I thought someone stole it, but I was more bothered because my book that I had written was in it. I found the car and then I woke up. The meaning was this; don’t get so busy with life’s everyday that I forget about my writing, especially my book. Car’s represent your ministry or vocation in dreams.

I find that God will try to get my attention in all types of ways, but when He really wants to get my attention, I dream. Why? Maybe it’s because that’s what we do at our church and I appreciate the fact that He speaks to His people this way.

This past week has been very busy at work. This weekend it’s been busy with church activities. I’ve not written a blog entry since Tuesday. I’m still trying to figure out if I should pursue self publishing my book. If I do, then where do I get the finances? Well it seems God wants me to not to forget about getting it into print. It’s my desire also, but one I’ve left on the shelf because of the busyness of life.

Everyone I know is busy. I’m a wife and mother, I work full time, I’m a pastor’s wife and lately a teacher. Each of these aspects of who I am have taken center stage in my life at different times and now it seems that God wants to add writer to it. It’s time to make that center stage. I’m still processing that.

So Lord I pray for your guidance as to how to precede from this point. Lord show me your way so that I may follow in the steps You have for me. Give me the grace not to let my car (writing) stay parked, but help me to start that car and move it forward. Amen.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Anticipation

Synonyms for the word anticipation are: expectation, expectancy, hope and eagerness. The dictionary describes anticipation as: expectant waiting – the feeling of looking forward, usually excitedly or eagerly, to something that is going to happen.

We all have anticipation about things in life, whether it’s the birth of a child, a wedding, a graduation, an anniversary, the first day of a new job, school or fill in your own blank. It seems the thing we await for takes forever to come, but once that day arrives, the event seems to come and go so quickly.

Tom came home safely from Burning Man. The team had a great time ministering to the people in the desert. They endured dust storms (pictured above), heat in the day and cold in the night, but they ate very well.

One of the team members from our church is a chef and he managed to cook great meals for the 50 team members. One night he made a six course meal and set a beautiful table. I can’t wait for some of the folks that went to blog about it. (Hint, hint)
Half the team came back by Sunday at 12:30. They looked tired but were so excited from their experience. Tom and Don C. had to drive back the large shopping cart. It was filled with a week’s worth of garbage (63 bags). This made the camper go very slowly and it was overheating. They had to dump the garbage, return the shopping cart (pictured below with team members in it) and then the camper. Don C.’s wife and I drove 4 ½ hours to pick them up. They got there about an hour and half later than we expected. It felt like an eternity.
The anticipation was killing me. Sometimes when we anticipate a moment it can be a let down. Sometimes the moment comes and it’s more than what we expect. When the camper rolled in and Tom came out it was more. His face was a sight for sore eyes. I held him for so long. He was so tired. By the time we got home it was 5:30 am on Monday. We just enjoyed being together, enjoyed the day and relaxed. It is good to have him home.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Perspective

This was a tough week for me at times. First off there were challenges at work. The part time lady got mad at the office manager and quit. The doctor made the office manager hire her back. Needless to say there was some tension when she came back. Now when this happened I just kept out of it. I found out later the part time lady, when in talks about coming back, tried to make it seem like I was adding work to her load. I have to tell you that is not the case. I only ask for help once in a while when things get backed up to keep the flow of patients moving smoothly. The office manager fortunately didn’t buy it.

I’ve had trouble with running toilets that won’t stop. I finally just shut it off. I knew enough to figure that out.

To add to the mix Tom has been away at Burning Man. He has gone away before for business and I miss him but it’s usually not horrible because we talk daily. This time around he was in the middle of the desert and communication was limited. I haven’t heard from him for the last two days. I know this sounds like I’m being a baby, but after all these years together I love and appreciate him. I enjoy being with him. My heart’s desire is to quit my job and travel with him, write and do full time ministry by his side. In all the years together we haven’t had this much limited communication before and my heart ached.

This morning I attended a funeral for a friend. A young man who went to work one morning and at 34 years old was discovered passed out at his desk. He leaves behind a lovely wife and four small children – ages six and under. The family didn’t invite us to a funeral instead they asked that we join them for a “Celebration of Life.” The service was exactly what Chris would have wanted, food, fellowship and a time of worship. He was a gifted worship leader and recorded some of his own music. As a matter of fact, he was putting the finishing touches on his latest CD. One day his wife will see him again for that is what we believe as Christians, but it won’t be tomorrow.

In light of all this I put my feelings of longing for Tom in perceptive. I will see him tomorrow night. I’ve missed him and longed for his embrace, but I don’t have to wait for eternity.

No matter how tough life may seem, keeping the right perception on the situation is helpful. My week was not as bad now as it seemed earlier. The longing in my heart is not as far away as it once seemed. I’m reminded of the words of my good friend, Jimmy when he lost his five year daughter to cancer. He told Tom, “I don’t know much, but this much I do know; 1 – God is good and 2 – He loves me.” These things keep life in perspective for me. As Tom would say, everything else starts at number 3.

© Nadine Z. 2007