Massachusetts L'Abri Snow Day!

Snow Day... So Cool!

Sunday Oct. 30, 2011 L’Abri day 22

Have you ever had a day that almost feels magical?  Today, thus far, is one of those days for me.  Yesterday afternoon, snow began to fall, and this morning, we awoke to a lovely thick winter coat blanketing our gorgeous Massachusetts countryside, set off with brilliant blue skies and golden sunshine.  So very pretty! But, that’s only a part of what has made this morning so special.  I’ve gotten ahead of myself though.  First, I’ll tell you about last evening.

The “L’Abri Helpers” were invited to dinner at the Keye’s residence, so we students were left here to enjoy an evening on our own.  Just as we were eating our meal, our power went out, due to the heavy snow storm, so we pulled out a couple flashlights and joined together in the entry parlor to cozy up to the warm fire.  It was magical.  Then, we decided to play Mafia; I had never played before, and it was a total hoot.  There we were, practically in the dark, murdering each other and interrogating suspects while they howled their defense. Everyone was so animated and totally into the game.  So fun!

Then, this morning, we awoke –or at least those with non-electrical alarms awoke – to a powerless house!  Our electric was, and continues to be out!  So, our breakfast options were limited, and our coffee was quite strange, but good.  Then, most everyone decided not to head out to church, but I was going to go with Matt who had room in his car.  Well, I was until, after my shower, it dawned on me that I had no way to dry my hair, so I opted to cozy in at home as well. 

Yesterday, two new students came, Almec and Jessie, and sadly they will only be here until later this afternoon.  They are some of the most incredible guys I’ve met yet.   Almec is an actor and director from NY, and Jessie heads up a ministry at Columbia University.  JungWon, Almec, Jessie, and I decided we would have our own church near the fire in the Parlor, so we did.  We opened in prayer, then each of us took turns playing guitar as we sang some hymns, and then we took turns sharing from our hearts, reading scripture, and talking about insights the Lord had given us this week.  I asked Jessie, who is a pastor, to share his thoughts on a very deep topic.  I wanted his take on individuals dealing with the consequences of the original fall, when we were not yet born when it occurred.  We had a wonderful discussion.

We talked about a lot of things, but perhaps the most poignant for me was when he commented on how Adam sinned, and though we were not there, we suffer from the consequences.  In much the same way, Jesus died for us, and though we were not actually present, we can partake of the consequences—the incredible blessings--of his great sacrifice on our behalf.  It’s hard to describe how peace filled and joyful, as well as how helpful this conversation was for me. 

Also, JungWon was sitting there, and we asked her to share.  She pointed to the nine pane window with the sun shining through, revealing the snow covered trees, still brilliant with Fall colors, and how they dance gracefully in the graceful breeze.  She commented that all the panes, when looked through together, form a lovely picture that makes sense, but if we look through only one pane or another, or another, we see just a small segment, that is disjointed and does not give the full picture alone.  Then, she likened that to our discussion of how we can only see in part, but will one day see in full.  Jessie shared from his heart about the grace of God, Almec shared about how God has blessed him as of late through the testimonies of others, and I shared a short story I learned while “training up” Daniel.  As I sat there and we all shared in song and ministry to each other, the realization crept up in me that our time together, this morning, will ever live on in my memory as one of those truly lived experiences when Christ is right there in your midst, and life is full and very good! 

Being house bound without power, has given us yet another opportunity to live fully where we are, making do with what we have, and enjoying time well spent unhurried, slow, and joyful.

I’ve decided to read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis today, so will now close…

Hugs… 

Starbucks Fall

October 23, 2011 L’Abri 16. 

You’re not going to believe my story as to why there are still few pictures posted.  Before I begin though, I’ll let you know that I am doing well… now.  And, though the mishap I’m going to tell you about was not fun at the time, it’s actually at bit humorous to me now.  So, my flippant telling is sincere… now.

Yesterday, while at Starbucks, after posting the comments and link to the marriage lecture, I worked diligently to get pictures of fellow students posted so you could finally meet them vicariously through my blog. 

Pictures take a long time to up-load, so after a while, I decided to get a cup of coffee during the wait time.  Well, as most of you know, I have balance issues (due to my illness), so usually when I stand up, I’m kind of scoping out what I might reach for to steady myself if I feel myself leaning a bit.  But, yesterday, while I stood, I held my open p.c. in one of my hands, so I didn’t think of balance either way.  Just as I stood, I could feel myself starting to topple, and there was nothing to grab.  I tried to steady myself with my left foot, but it didn’t help, and the next thing I knew, I was going down, big time!  It seems that several people hollered while scurrying to grab me, and I heard my computer crash to the floor.  Fortunately, I had gotten it close enough before I let go, so there was no harm done to it!  I’m so thankful for that.  I wish though that I could say the same for my foot.  Somehow, while trying to keep the p.c. safe, I got my foot all tangled up, and it doubled back as I fell.  Next thing I knew, I was completely down with this searing pain shooting through my foot and leg.  I was feeling quite disoriented because of the fall and the pain.  I could hear people all around, but I couldn’t see them, because my eyes were closed.  I remember one lady asking if my shoes were Sanitas, and it seems like I answered that they were.  Someone else was talking about how nurses wear Sanitas, and I momentarily wondered if I was somehow in the hospital.  It felt like that strange disorientation when you’re coming out of surgery.  People’s voices seemed like they were down at the end of some tunnel, and everything was moving in slow motion.  Someone was putting a towel under my head and someone else a cold cloth on my forehead.  But, I kept my eyes closed, so I didn’t see anyone.  I was just trying to keep my wits enough so as not to pass out.  I kept hearing someone say: “Call 911.”  Through my daze, I was insisting that I would be okay, but that I just needed to focus so I wouldn’t pass out.  Truth was, I wasn’t really sure if I would be okay or not; my foot was killing me!  I don’t know how long I was laying there, but I know I didn’t pass out—thank heavens.  Next thing I knew, paramedics were leaning over me asking me questions.  I opened my eyes to see this huge gurney next to me, and I realized they were planning to haul me off for what would most likely be a $2000.00 ordeal.  All I could think was that I just couldn’t let that happen!  I wasn’t sure if my foot was broken or not, but I wanted a chance to figure that without a huge medical bill.  So, I begged the paramedics off insisting that I didn’t think it was broken even though it hurt like H E Double Hockey Sticks!  At the very least, I figured I would avoid the wild and expensive ride in a red truck with its accompanying ER visit.  I wanted to give it a day to see what happened.  If something was truly broke, I would find out the next day when I could go to a regular clinic.  So, I kept insisting to the paramedics and the Starbucks manager that I was going to be okay,  Finally, they believed me enough to let me sign a refusal release, and they assured me there would be no costs.  After, what must have been 30 to 45 minutes, I was finally sitting back up in my chair, and I was able to hit the POST button on my p.c. so the pictures I had worked so hard to up-load would post.  But, it appears they didn’t post after all.  So, all that, for nothing!  Still no pictures!

As for my foot; well, it’s not doing so great; but, I’m confident it’s not broke.  One of my fellow students came to pick me up, and she offered me her arm while I inched my way to the car.  Each step was excruciating!  I was beginning to think perhaps I shouldn’t have convinced the paramedics to leave, because I might have a break after all; but, it was a little late for that. Once at L’Abri, a student, Sarah, helped me walk into the house, and by the time I got sat down, I felt faint again from the pain!  After a bit, I decided I needed to find a L’Abri worker to help me.  I knew Ben and Nichaela were home, because they were hosting lunch.  So, I managed to get up stairs to my room where I got my walking stick.  Then, I made my way back down the stairs, and I hobbled my way up a hill, about ½ a city block, to where Ben and Nichaela live.  By the time I reached their door, I was feeling disoriented again!  The pain was excruciating!    When I got to the house door, I called to Ben and he dropped what he was doing and helped me to a chair.  He propped my foot up and wrapped it in a bag of frozen vegetables to keep the swelling down.  Elaine (a student) brought me some Ibuprophen. I took four!  Fortunately, after about 25 minutes the pain meds started to work, and I started getting some relief.  Fortunately, Ben had some old crutches and he adjusted them to their lowest position so they would fit me. A L’Abri worker, Sue, is a former midwife, so we had her take a look at it.  I told her I wanted to avoid an ER visit if possible.  She evaluated that it is most likely just a nasty sprain, but not broken. Last night, one of the other students brought me a medicated patch to wrap my foot in, so I slept pretty well and only woke up a couple times.  This morning, I couldn’t get my regular shoes on due to swelling, but the pain had decreased significantly. So, here I am at L’Abri, hobbling around on crutches!  Tonight, I dared to put a little weight on my foot to see how it’s coming along, and it didn’t hurt nearly as badly as it did yesterday.  So, I’m definitely on the mend.

Ben commented that I might have felt embarrassed about falling in a public place, and you know, somehow I never gave that part a thought.  I mean, it’s not like there was a thing I could do about it.  I never really saw any of the people, I couldn’t tell you who was there, who was talking to me, who asked me the brand of my shoes, or who the sweet lady was that picked up my computer and told me it was okay. I know, I had asked someone to get me my phone so I could call L’Abri, but I don’t know who handed it to me or who found the number.  It was all kind of surreal. 

I just keep thanking God that I didn’t pass out and get hauled into the ER.  It would have taken me at least two years to pay that off!  I’m also so incredibly thankful that nothing is broken!  Whew!  What a relief that is. 

Sorry the pictures didn’t post.  I’ll try again when I can get to Starbucks again!

Hugs…

The Mysterious Unity of Marriage lecture

22 October 201, L’Abri, day 14 

I realize this is a blog chronicles a journey, and thus far, I’ve kept it pretty light and mainly covered just the fun stuff.  I’ve enjoyed that, and I hope you have as well.  But, while having fun is a big part of this journey, it’s about much more than that for me; I’m at L’Abri after all.  I plan to shift gears a bit and add in some of the deeper issues as well, spiritual insights resulting from involvement in lectures, books, readings, movies, discussions and more which are a big part of our daily life in this unique environment.    

Dick and Marty Keyes gave a lecture last night on marriage.  I must admit that when I read the lecture title, a part of my heart cringed.  At the risk of sounding cynical, I want to share a few of my thoughts on this issue. 

With little exception through the years, it seems that most every sermon on marriage that I’ve heard fails to rightly present the realities and challenges, as well as the “real” blessings, of married life in a gut-level, realistic, and honest manner.  Instead, it seems, the institution of marriage itself is set up as some sort of god, and the very real problems that may threaten it are over generalized and misrepresented.  The married individuals seeking real solutions to very real problems, it seems, are too often given mandates, hierarchical gender role descriptions, and formulas  rather than real solutions that truly help.  I realize things may beeasier if the Bible offered a “one size fits all” solution to the complexity of human relationships whether married or single; but, I don't find any such thing there.  For this reason, I was less than enthusiastic to listen to yet another lecture on marriage.  However, being that I truly admire and appreciate the presenters, Dick and Marty, I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and sit in to hear what they had to say.  I am so pleased that I did!

The lecture was drawn from Corinthians (don't have access to chpt and verses), and my goodness, was it ever refreshing!  Dick and Marty have been married since Marty was fresh out of college, and their marriage is admirable and an encouragement to me.  Clearly, both have done their homework (pun intended-smile-) concerning the Corinthians text.  They offered insights that provided a perspective on “submission” that I have not yet heard in a Christian setting.  I completely agree with their insights, and the lecture was excellent. Loved it! 

Below is a link to the lecture, if you would like to hear it too.  Also, if you visit this site, you will also find access to other lectures as well.  I hope you enjoy, and I welcome your feedback.

http://www.labri.org/mass/index.html

click on the “Lecture Schedule” link on the home page,

then Mysterious Union of Marriage link.

If you have any problem opening the lecture, please let me know, and I’ll assist you.

Speaking of comments, I continue to get emails from people wishing they could comment.  Today one of my fellow students told me I may need to change some settings, so I will check that out after posting pics. I am, however, getting a few of the comments, but they just don't show up on the page for others to view.

Thank you again for joining me in my journey.  I'm now going to attempt, once again, to post pictures of L’Abri, of the Massachusetts country side, and maybe even some shots of my fellow students here at L’Abri. 

 

You will also see shots from the trips Brenda, Jung Juan and I made to Concord and to the "home of Little Women" where Louisa May Alcott lived while writing her most famous works.  The Concord home is not to be confused with The Fruitlands (also pictured) where Louisa lived as a young girl during the time her father experimented with his utopian dream of a Transcendental Commune.  The Commune experience failed, but his life, though I don't share is beliefs, was quite adventurous and interesting.  I hope you enjoy the pictures--if I can get them to post... uggh!

Hugs…

Living in the present...

October 17, 2011:  L’Abri, Day 9

Three years ago today, my darling little granddaughter Emma was born.   Yesterday (a day early) was her party, and  being that I am on opposite sides of the continent, I missed it, of course.  My thoughts were on her and my family for the greater part of the day, and I was taken aback by how homesick I felt.  It’s not easy to miss a family gathering especially when it’s for one of my precious grandbabies.  I called her on the phone and four of my fellow L’Abri students joined me in singing Happy Birthday to her.  But, the ritual only served to increase my longing to embrace her with a huge Birthday squeeze and to just let her little head rest on my shoulder—she is a snuggler! Needless to say, the day was difficult, but it did give me an excuse to talk about her to everyone and to share pictures, sent by her mommy, with her standing next to the Thomas the Train birthday cake she and her mommy had baked.  Today (the day after the party) I am feeling more focused and pleased that I made it through, and the birthday party is now in the past.  One of my goals for my experience here at L’Abri is to overcome homesickness, so yesterday was a milestone for me. I’m feeling much happier today.


Later today: 
We just broke for Afternoon Tea, and I was chatting with Dick Keyes, the director here.  We were talking about modern electronic devices and their tendency to rob people from living in the present and in the “real” and “now.”  I mentioned my personal discovery—since I’ve been on this trip –of how internet dependent I have become and the challenge the lack of access has presented me. 

As we were chatting, lights started going off in my brain… Ummm… Let’s see, I’m here at the famous L’Abri with so much that I love right at my fingertips, insightful lectures, book readings and discussions, activities, well read, well traveled, and “thinking” people; the list goes on and on… yet I’m having a struggle…?  What on earth for? Internet access???  Pleeeaaase!  I don’t think so! 

It dawned on me that here I am living this amazing experience; yet sometimes, I’m only partially present.  I’ll find myself thinking of other things like perhaps the next adventure, or of the birthday party I missed, or of the next L’Abri I may visit… and on and on.  I am realizing how easily present reality can seem mundane simply because it’s real and we’re in it.  I find it interesting that regardless of the adventure the adage is true: “Where ever you go, there you are.”  So true. 

I decided then that I would work to stay focused on the present and to enjoy it fully for the adventurous reality that it truly is.  This decision has been good for me.  Though I still think of home, my family, and other things, I am not homesick.  I don't let those thoughts interfere with the joy of the present--the joy of the journey!

Hugs... 

No Pictures!

For some unknown reason, pictures will not up-load, so I will try again later.  I am at the Library, perhaps will have better luck at Starbucks.

Hugs...
Jeannie

The Alcott's Fruitlands