A Quiet Wood

A Quiet Wood

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Loose Ends

It's the evening of Easter, a beautiful celebration of Christ's ultimate victory. I've spent this Easter weekend on duty here on the Hilltop. Fortunately, most of the denizens of my dorm chose to spend their weekend elsewhere, so it was actually a nice weekend to be on call. My buddy Cindy came over Friday and stayed until Saturday which was a special treat. So, all in all a glorious time was had by all.

It seems like I have a lot to say since it has been a while, but now that I actually sit down to blog I'm not sure I'll remember everything. (Please quit weeping and gnashing your teeth. I'll do my best.) Week before last we had our combination Winter and Jr./Sr. banquet - dubbed "College Banquet" on the calendar. I thought that was an original title. It was actually a really nice evening. I enjoyed it immensely. The food was good, and the fellowship was second to none. And the students looked really nice too. Sometimes I think it's good to have an excuse to dress up! I put a new picture of my little buddy, looking quite dapper in a tiny tux, on the top of my blog, but I know that you are dying for another peek at him in all his glory. I will oblige you. Here he is with his mom.


I also had an opportunity to get a photo with my staff. As you can see from the pic, you have to be a bit crazy to work for me.


And this post would not be complete without a nod to a few of my exercise buddies in one of our Turbo Jam poses.


Anyway, it was a lot of fun.

This past week, my girls surprised me with a late Christmas present/party. Their excuse for the timing was that they were celebrating "You're in Control Day" which, if I remember correctly is March 30. (One of my girls couldn't figure out why people would celebrate urine control day when the idea was pitched to her. I guess it helps if you can see the title written down.) Anyway, they made crowns for Dixie (my Assistant Dean) and me. With things like "I'm in control" written on them. They also had great food, sang a song in my honor, and gave me an mp3 player. I was deeply moved, to say the least. It was a very special evening. Moments like that really help to make the job worthwhile!

This past week was also an important anniversary for me. Any of you who have been on this journey with me for a while know that when I started my blog I had just had open heart surgery. Last week marked the 1 year anniversary of the big event. I have successfully stayed out of the hospital for one year! That may not seem like a big deal to some, but I haven't been able to say that since Sept. 2003. Needless to say, it's a pretty big deal to me, and I feel LOTS of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for helping things to even out a bit. Thanks also to all of my faithful friends who walked the journey with me and stood by me through some rather dark times. I pray that you will be rewarded in great measure for your kindness!

One more note. I've been in the book of Mark in my devotions of late, and I have been smacked in the face with how many times Jesus told people that it was their faith that saved them, healed them, etc. I've been asking myself how many times I limit God in my life because of my faithlessness. There was the women that held the hem of Jesus cloak and received healing. I've wondered how many times I brush up against the cloak of Jesus and never take hold in faith. I know that there is a difference between presumption and bold faith, and I pray that I can know the difference. I was challenged by Jesus admonition to the man whose son was demon possessed. The man said, "...if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!" Jesus said, "'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes." And I love the man's response, "I do believe; help my unbelief." How refreshingly honest. I want this to be my prayer. I want to believe, and I pray that God will help my unbelief!

20 comments:

Melanie C. said...

I wanted to say thank you for your comments on faith. This topic has been on my mind for a few weeks now, and your words have ministered to me .

(I stumbled on your blog through the endless maze of bloggers:-). I know you probably know me (Melanie Kuhn) but are more familiar with my husband's family...Clemens)

Kimberly said...

We should have done the "surprise" move. LOL

Tara said...

I'm doing one of those silent cheers (ala Mrs. Heer!) that you have remained "un-admitted" for a whole year now. That is worthy of celebration.
Enjoyed your blog and your pics. You were looking quite dapper...(hmmm, can a gal look dapper?) yourself!
Hope to see you soon....maybe Thurs. night???
Love ya bunches

Kimberly said...

You look pretty!
Thankful that when we are weak(even our faith)He is strong.

Liz said...

The picture of your "little buddy" in his tux is absolutely adorable!! Looks like a fun time. Happy Easter!!

CharleneOwensMomof2 said...

The urine control made me laugh out loud (it's our sick medical people's minds I guess:)

Happy anniversary of sorts. Is it really possible it's been a year? Time flies!!

The little guy is a cutie!

So glad for this blog world where we can stay in touch! Hugs!

jenny said...

I just realized late last year that the "I do believe; help my unbelief" response was in regards to healing. It really moved me to change the way I pray...as you said not in a presumptuous way...but in an effort to grasp the limitless ways God can (and does) work, even in spite of my unbelief.

I am so thankful that it has been a year since you were discharged and will be praying for many more.

Your little man and you make a smashing duo!

Proud of your workout crew, too...takes more discipline that most probably realize. You are inspiring.

Kim M. said...

Great post, great pictures!!! CONGRATULATIONS for staying out of the hospital for a YEAR!!! I know this has to be very encouraging for you. Cute little guy in his tux too!
Thanks for the notes on faith. I think most of us could use a bigger dose of it.

Kimberly said...

Did I totally miss the part about "your anniversary"...or did you add this later? Anyhow, so confused am I! but so thankful as well for this good year you have had!!

Kimberly said...

YEA!!!!!

I missed the anniversary part, too. I thought a hearty (no pun intended) "yea" was in order!

Anonymous said...

Actually, I did add the anniversary part a bit later, so no one needs to be confused any longer. Sorry for the curveball. My brain works slowly at times! Thanks for all the congrats. And I really meant what I said about my gratitude for all of you in my life. I am blessed with amazing friends!

Welcome, Melanie! I'm glad you found my little spot. I absolutely know who you are - though it has been a while. The last time I remember chatting was when you and my brother did a smashing duet at Jon & Beth's wedding. :) We should do it more often!

lauralavon said...

Enjoyed your new post and am so thankful (with you and everyone else) that you have had a year of no emergency hospital visits!
I'm so with you on how the "faith" or "trust" concept is central in the gospels. It is amazing to go through all of Jesus's recorded words and notice what He praised or condemned people for most. As I continue to learn to trust Him--in every area--as each new one arises, it keeps my relationship with Him alive and ever growing! It's a choice in every circumstance, on every issue; do I trust Jesus in this? Will I trust Him with this? Like you said, it's not about me getting something I want i.e. trusting myself to know what I "need." It's me saying, "I trust You to know what I need, I trust your wisdom above my own."
Good stuff, my friend! Life-changing!

Charity said...

Hey, yay for urine control! Just think about carrying paper towels and enzymatic cleaners around wherever you go ;o) (OK, so that's what we do for the dog, anyways). Congrats on a year minus hospital stays! Woohoo! And you do look fabulous, as does your 'main man.' I just got back from HSBC and good ole Alabama Place. Thought of you...

Cindy said...

Sooo... you spent your Easter Sunday blogging :) Well, if one is stuck on campus, what better thing to do?! I should be stuck in my chair from time to time...then it wouldn't be so long between blogs.

It was so fun to see you last weekend, even if we never did get that ice cream we were talking about. Next time I come, I'm thinkin' Graters...or even UDF. I'm not particular when it comes to ice cream :)

Enjoyed your thoughts about faith, or the lack thereof. You always challenge and inspire me, my friend. Thanks for being that kind of a friend to me.

So happy about your anniversary! Yay for you! So thankful that God has touched you this past year.

Okay, I should write the final chapter on this book already! Sorry! Oh, and thanks for the tea and biscuits...having breakfast in your jammies almost feels like breakfast in bed! Love you bunches...and have fun on band tour.

( I know this whole post is very random. I feel random today...a little ADD kickin' in.)

kayla said...

As has already been said, you and your little buddy are looking quite smashing.
As for unine control, being a geriatric nurse and having to potty train four boys, I say we should have more urine control parties.
Congrats on your annivesary! So thankful for your recovery.

cheriepasbjerg said...

That little man is adorable. I am so glad your recovery is going well. It takes almost a good year to recover from open heart. You are a wonderful person that I am glad God has granted us more time with you!

Susanna said...

You look beautiful, Sonja!! A big cheer for a whole year of being "unadmitted"!! I so wish I could have one of your hugs/give you a big hug!! Love ya,friend!

Sarah Cook said...

Hey! I think I know those gals you exercise with! Ha! Love the pict! Enjoyed your update! So glad that your health is being stable! Your life means a whole lot to a whole lot of people! Was glad I got to chat with you over the phone the other night. That event I was telling you about may be on May 9th. Just let me know how you feel, and I won't be hurt either way. Love ya, and keep on staying healthy. I like healthy! Healthy is good.
Tell Dixie her baby is adorable! That smile looks like his mommy!

Travis said...

sonja.

national urine control day made me laugh...heartily. haha. too funny.

-travis

Jo said...

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