Today (Monday) I haven't been doing much - just the basics (teaching, essential housekeeping and making meals). I think it's because the weekend took a lot out of me and I don't have much energy for productive endeavors. This is my day of rest.
On Friday morning, Sarah and I went in to Herberger's Community Days to shop this great sale and use our $10 off coupons. Unfortunately, 80% of the sale items don't qualify for the coupon, but we finally found things we were happy to buy. Friday afternoon Pete got new poults, so I had to take Sarah to Cologne (about 90 minutes away) to meet up with Uncle Tom and his Sounds Like Love group from Sioux Falls - they brought Sarah the rest of the way to St. Andrew's Lutheran in Mahtomedi for this Christian singing and dancing event. When I returned home, I made a steak dinner to celebrate Joel and Daniel's 19th birthday; we 'd already given them their present.
On Saturday morning I woke Joel and Daniel and we went in to Herberger's, JC Penney's and Target and found good clothes and shoes for the boys - another birthday present. They will look sharp now! Back at home I helped Andrew and Philip complete everyone's Saturday chores - another birthday present - and made caramel bars for their bonfire party that night - another birthday present. Pete and I went to the YMCA to lift weights and picked up a few groceries before heading back home again, where he helped with the party and I got ready for Sunday's church and travel. Although Michelle was planning to pick Sarah up at the softball clinic, she wasn't sure she could get to the Sounds Like Love concert in time to bring Sarah to the clinic, so I had decided to go.
Sunday morning Joel wasn't feeling well, but everyone went to Sunday School and church anyway. Before departure, I had to get food ready for the Luther League potluck; gather the music, reading material, Sarah's suitcase and bat and flute and homeschool books; remind Andrew to get what he needed for the trip; eat, shower and get ready for church myself.
At church, I had to lead Sunday School music, practice with Eddie for his trombone solo, talk to several people about different things, figure out what to play for prelude, and then play for the worship service and make an announcement about choir practice. After one of the shortest postludes I've ever played, Andrew and I hopped in the car, stopped at home to pick up a couple of forgotten items, and were on our way. Fortunately, Mapquest allowed extra time for city traffic (I suppose) and instead of arriving at 2:30, we arrived at 2:10, even with a short stop for gas and food. We found the cousins and thoroughly enjoyed the concert by 200+ students, including Sarah and cousins Liz, Rachel and Nathan, led by John Jacobson and a fabulous jazz band. The choreography made it fun to watch and the band made it fun to listen to.
Sarah and I sped off to the clinic, leaving Andrew to go home with the Coats family so he could have some cousin time. Once again, Mapquest overestimated, and gave perfect directions, so we arrived at the University of St. Thomas with fifteen minutes to spare. I looked at a Christmas catalog and visited and walked with another mom, Linda, until the clinic was over and Michelle arrived. We went to Fuddrucker's and had yummy burgers, then hugged and I went to the Coats house. Mary and I discussed the Compline service that the whole Stadem clan will lead on the first Sunday in Advent, following which Andrew and I left for home. He entertained me most of the way with his thoughts, observations and knowledge. Nevertheless, I was exhausted when we entered the immaculate house - thanks Pete, Joel, Daniel and Philip! I went straight to bed and have been dragging around the house most of today.
When we signed Sarah up for this clinic, we agreed that we would take our Sabbath from Saturday noon to Sunday noon on weekends when she had the clinic. We didn't do it this weekend because we had to go in for Sounds Like Love anyway, but I can see that it will be very important to be disciplined about resting before traveling to the Cities on a Sunday!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
You Won't Be Sorry part 2
We enjoyed a rousing Community Band concert today, with America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, three medleys (Thanksgiving, the Twenties, and Western themes) and Bugler's Holiday with three excellent trumpets. The big story for us, though, was Sarah playing flute and "keeping up" with her fellow band members, most of whom probably played in college - twenty years ago or more.
At the end of the first rehearsal back in September, Sarah was in tears. "I'll never master this music! It's way too hard! These people have all been playing forever! This is the worst day of my life!" Etc., etc., etc. I must admit to a little fear that perhaps she was right, but I clung to her flute teacher's assurance that Sarah was ready to play with this group. Day after day she practiced and improved little by little. When the Kraemers invited her to St. Cloud two weeks before the concert, and she felt she could miss the rehearsal because "my teacher says I'm amazing!" I knew she had achieved the impossible.
I hope Sarah will remember this milestone - achieving something she thought she couldn't achieve - and attempt other "impossibilities."
At the end of the first rehearsal back in September, Sarah was in tears. "I'll never master this music! It's way too hard! These people have all been playing forever! This is the worst day of my life!" Etc., etc., etc. I must admit to a little fear that perhaps she was right, but I clung to her flute teacher's assurance that Sarah was ready to play with this group. Day after day she practiced and improved little by little. When the Kraemers invited her to St. Cloud two weeks before the concert, and she felt she could miss the rehearsal because "my teacher says I'm amazing!" I knew she had achieved the impossible.
I hope Sarah will remember this milestone - achieving something she thought she couldn't achieve - and attempt other "impossibilities."
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The Healing Service
On Sunday we had a healing service at Svea. We've only done this one other time, when Pastor Bill was here (so before 2001), and the worship committee didn't exactly know how it would go over. Normally our congregation is very healthy, with just a few illnesses each year. Right now, seeming multitudes are suffering from various physical problems, including four with cancer, and of course the emotional, spiritual and relational problems often go unreported, unheard and unseen except by the Lord. So we decided to center our scriptures, songs and message around the healing power of God, and offer laying on of hands, anointing with oil and prayer to individuals.
After the creed and offering, Pastor Mary announced that anyone was welcome to come forward, as they do at communion, and receive this ministry from her. Joel sang "Blessings," and I sang a medley of four praise songs about the Lord's power and healing love. At first, it looked like no one was going to come, but after a few teens took the plunge, the flow began - and didn't stop! I sang three more songs, stretching each one out as long as I felt was reasonable, and then started on the songs we had already sung for worship. I think everyone there came forward for prayer! It was a great blessing.
My theory is that people don't get a chance to be prayed for by name individually, so they are hungry for it. Pete thought that everyone figured they were expected to come, so they did. Who knows? I'm confident that the Lord will work in everyone's lives no matter what their motivations were. And we'll have another healing service - sooner than ten years!
After the creed and offering, Pastor Mary announced that anyone was welcome to come forward, as they do at communion, and receive this ministry from her. Joel sang "Blessings," and I sang a medley of four praise songs about the Lord's power and healing love. At first, it looked like no one was going to come, but after a few teens took the plunge, the flow began - and didn't stop! I sang three more songs, stretching each one out as long as I felt was reasonable, and then started on the songs we had already sung for worship. I think everyone there came forward for prayer! It was a great blessing.
My theory is that people don't get a chance to be prayed for by name individually, so they are hungry for it. Pete thought that everyone figured they were expected to come, so they did. Who knows? I'm confident that the Lord will work in everyone's lives no matter what their motivations were. And we'll have another healing service - sooner than ten years!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The Value of Tentmakers Training
Today we met with three other couples to discuss possibilities for expanding the reach of Tentmakers training in the future. In reminiscing about the value of training, I was reminded of the various areas from which I benefited:
1. When we had to compliment the speaker at our table, I realized how foreign the concept of "looking for the good in others" was to me. I was used to criticizing the errors, scorning the blunders, despising the ineptitude of speakers. Tentmakers training taught me to find good qualities in everyone. I have often fallen back into my old habits, but at least I occasionally think about and get back to complimenting.
2. An ever-flowing fountain of questions to ask people, and an understanding of how very interesting most people are, have resulted in many fascinating conversations through the years.
3. "Compliment in writing; criticize only in person, and cushion with compliments."
4. Dreaming, setting goals, and implementing a Personal Management Plan have helped me think of the future in a purposeful way.
5. Understanding the value of an environment of encouragement has improved my directing skills.
There are more, but these are sufficient to explain my enthusiasm for bringing training to more people in the coming years.
1. When we had to compliment the speaker at our table, I realized how foreign the concept of "looking for the good in others" was to me. I was used to criticizing the errors, scorning the blunders, despising the ineptitude of speakers. Tentmakers training taught me to find good qualities in everyone. I have often fallen back into my old habits, but at least I occasionally think about and get back to complimenting.
2. An ever-flowing fountain of questions to ask people, and an understanding of how very interesting most people are, have resulted in many fascinating conversations through the years.
3. "Compliment in writing; criticize only in person, and cushion with compliments."
4. Dreaming, setting goals, and implementing a Personal Management Plan have helped me think of the future in a purposeful way.
5. Understanding the value of an environment of encouragement has improved my directing skills.
There are more, but these are sufficient to explain my enthusiasm for bringing training to more people in the coming years.
Monday, October 17, 2011
A Great Day to be a Viking!
We had a wonderful weekend at the Augustana Homecoming. After arriving at Steve & Tanya's Friday night and visiting with the family until midnight, we were at HyVee's restaurant at 9 on Saturday morning for breakfast with them all. Grandpa came in later than the rest of us, and as he went from table to table getting hugs from all twenty or so, customers were looking, if not staring and pointing. :)
The Augie parade began at 10, so we headed over to watch and connect with Pete's friends from college. We ran into several and found Tom & Tacey by the Dignitary Tent - they're definitely dignified! It's always enjoyable to catch up with people from the past, and we kept visiting long after the parade was over and David was calling, "Where are you??" He had
marched with the Augustana Marching Choir, singing "We are Marching in the Light of God" and doing Chinese fire drills and having lots of fun.
We went to lunch at Johnny Carino's with David, his girlfriend Callie, and her parents, Jon & Lori. They are delightful Christian people and we visited for a couple of hours. We will be praying for wisdom and discernment for David & Callie as they seek to know whether they are called to be together - permanently!
After a short nap, choir rehearsal for Pete, and a snack for him (Kari's tummy was upset, possibly because of the drugs she was taking to ward off cold symptoms), we saved 14 seats at Viking Varieties, the all-Augie talent show. When everyone had arrived, the show started - and what a show! The Brass Choir - David's roommate Michael played euphonium - performed a very long and impressive medley of New York-type tunes ("The Big Apple" was the theme of the entire weekend), followed by numerous individual and small group acts. David, Callie and 2 other friends offered a rendition of "Java Jive" which elicited laughter from the crow
d as well as admiration for their vocal skills. David was one of the Augie Dancers and did quite well one two of the songs. Callie played harp and sang "Cartwheels" with another friend of hers - beautiful in every way. An international student from Kazakhstan entertained and amazed everyone with his explanations of Russian, Chinese and Japanese accents (in English!). Several female vocalists, male saxophonists, and a unicyclist displayed their lovely talents, and the set, choreography, costumes and lighting all combined to enhance the experience. The emcees may not have been of the caliber of Pete and Joel back in the day, but their original material and fairly smooth delivery made for good transitions. The last act, the Augie Percussion Ensemble performing "Stinkin' Garbage" - playing on metal trash cans - was very fun, exciting and astounding.
On Sunday Pete sang in the Alumni Choir for the worship service in the Elmen Center (gym). They did "O Day Full of Grace" by F. Melius Christiansen, a gorgeous arrangement that my high school choir sang, and also "Beautiful Savior" and "God Be With You til we Meet Again." Dr. James Johnson, who left last year after a 19-year stint with the Augustana Choir, directed the Alumni Choir. We were all invited to the President's House for a light brunch and official farewell to Dr. J. There was a lot of emotion from people who sang for him for 3 or 4 years - he was beloved.
Kari napped in the minivan while Pete and the kids ate subs and played at Tuthill Park, then we went to McDonald's for coffee with Grandma and Grandpa and played cards at their house. Then it was on the road again, turning off the Vikings game when it became apparent what a disaster it was going to be, and arriving home at 10:30. Another successful family outing!
The Augie parade began at 10, so we headed over to watch and connect with Pete's friends from college. We ran into several and found Tom & Tacey by the Dignitary Tent - they're definitely dignified! It's always enjoyable to catch up with people from the past, and we kept visiting long after the parade was over and David was calling, "Where are you??" He had
marched with the Augustana Marching Choir, singing "We are Marching in the Light of God" and doing Chinese fire drills and having lots of fun.We went to lunch at Johnny Carino's with David, his girlfriend Callie, and her parents, Jon & Lori. They are delightful Christian people and we visited for a couple of hours. We will be praying for wisdom and discernment for David & Callie as they seek to know whether they are called to be together - permanently!
After a short nap, choir rehearsal for Pete, and a snack for him (Kari's tummy was upset, possibly because of the drugs she was taking to ward off cold symptoms), we saved 14 seats at Viking Varieties, the all-Augie talent show. When everyone had arrived, the show started - and what a show! The Brass Choir - David's roommate Michael played euphonium - performed a very long and impressive medley of New York-type tunes ("The Big Apple" was the theme of the entire weekend), followed by numerous individual and small group acts. David, Callie and 2 other friends offered a rendition of "Java Jive" which elicited laughter from the crow
d as well as admiration for their vocal skills. David was one of the Augie Dancers and did quite well one two of the songs. Callie played harp and sang "Cartwheels" with another friend of hers - beautiful in every way. An international student from Kazakhstan entertained and amazed everyone with his explanations of Russian, Chinese and Japanese accents (in English!). Several female vocalists, male saxophonists, and a unicyclist displayed their lovely talents, and the set, choreography, costumes and lighting all combined to enhance the experience. The emcees may not have been of the caliber of Pete and Joel back in the day, but their original material and fairly smooth delivery made for good transitions. The last act, the Augie Percussion Ensemble performing "Stinkin' Garbage" - playing on metal trash cans - was very fun, exciting and astounding.On Sunday Pete sang in the Alumni Choir for the worship service in the Elmen Center (gym). They did "O Day Full of Grace" by F. Melius Christiansen, a gorgeous arrangement that my high school choir sang, and also "Beautiful Savior" and "God Be With You til we Meet Again." Dr. James Johnson, who left last year after a 19-year stint with the Augustana Choir, directed the Alumni Choir. We were all invited to the President's House for a light brunch and official farewell to Dr. J. There was a lot of emotion from people who sang for him for 3 or 4 years - he was beloved.
Kari napped in the minivan while Pete and the kids ate subs and played at Tuthill Park, then we went to McDonald's for coffee with Grandma and Grandpa and played cards at their house. Then it was on the road again, turning off the Vikings game when it became apparent what a disaster it was going to be, and arriving home at 10:30. Another successful family outing!
Monday, October 10, 2011
You Won't Be Sorry
Yesterday, after a great worship service with the congregation once again singing exceptionally well, the Luther League had its monthly potluck and meeting. We were scheduled to go biking on the Willmar-Spicer trail, but only two boys, and our Sarah, raised their hands when asked who wanted to go. Nevertheless, those two and the family of one of them determined they would go anyway, and meet at a home at 2:00 to drive to the high school, where the trail begins. We weren't at all sure that we had a functional bike for Sarah (haven't done any biking this summer at all), but Emily offered her bike for Sarah to ride if necessary.
Andrew & Philip said they didn't want to go; back at home, after a short nap, Pete asked, "Should I make everyone go?" I didn't want to go either, but affirmed that if he could find enough working bikes, maybe that would be the sign.
With a pickup full of bikes, we headed to the meeting place at 2:00. It was sunny and warm, but windy - not a good day to take a walk on the farm, but perfect for biking on a sheltered, wooded trail. We had a delightful ride! I visited with Dianne, Pete visited with Scott, the kids rode with the three other kids who came, and all enjoyed it greatly. In Spicer we had treats at DQ; on the way back a dog joined our entourage, which was a hassle as it kept getting in the way, and Andrew fell off his bike and scraped his arm, but those were minor glitches in a lovely afternoon.
The moral of the story (and I have had numerous experiences to confirm this moral, so I shouldn't be surprised every time): If you get outside and do something, even if you don't feel like it to begin with, you won't be sorry.
Andrew & Philip said they didn't want to go; back at home, after a short nap, Pete asked, "Should I make everyone go?" I didn't want to go either, but affirmed that if he could find enough working bikes, maybe that would be the sign.
With a pickup full of bikes, we headed to the meeting place at 2:00. It was sunny and warm, but windy - not a good day to take a walk on the farm, but perfect for biking on a sheltered, wooded trail. We had a delightful ride! I visited with Dianne, Pete visited with Scott, the kids rode with the three other kids who came, and all enjoyed it greatly. In Spicer we had treats at DQ; on the way back a dog joined our entourage, which was a hassle as it kept getting in the way, and Andrew fell off his bike and scraped his arm, but those were minor glitches in a lovely afternoon.
The moral of the story (and I have had numerous experiences to confirm this moral, so I shouldn't be surprised every time): If you get outside and do something, even if you don't feel like it to begin with, you won't be sorry.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Old Friends are the Best Friends
What a wonderful weekend! Shelley & Jon, my college roommate and her husband, came from Friday evening til Sunday afternoon and we talked nonstop the whole time. We would start on a topic - say, one of the kids and how he liked college - and pretty soon we'd covered government regulations, our dreams for housing someday, and a friend's husband's cancer! Or some such...
On Saturday Shelley & I went around to some realtor's open houses, just to see what's in the area for when we eventually move. Oh, the beautiful things some people have and do. The vaulted ceilings; sliding glass doors; stone counter tops; sitting areas with fireplaces; tile floors; desk nooks, and in one house, a greenhouse right in the middle of the living space with skylights - all were inspirational. It makes me excited to move, and wondering whether we'll buy a place that's ready to move into, or do our own remodeling or redecorating.
Saturday evening Jon & Shelley took Pete & me to the local sit-down Chinese restaurant. Yum yum yum! We had 4 dishes - one shrimp, one pork, one chicken, one beef - and even the spicy ones weren't too spicy for me, so we all ate some of each, and egg rolls, wontons and shrimp appetizers besides. Rolling out the door, we laughed and talked some more.
Sunday morning the congregation was in top form - I rarely hear the singing as loudly as I did yesterday. We had a guest speaker who has been to Honduras 22 years in a row. He's a carpenter and had great stories to tell of God's provision. He felt the Lord wanted him to build a certain building early on, which would cost $3000 that Alan didn't have. He went to a builder's convention and won the grand door prize of $3000 plus round-trip airfare to anywhere in the world. Again, inspirational! Afterwards we thoroughly enjoyed a delicious potluck.
After our friends left and we had a nap, David called and we talked for an hour and a half about his life and (girl) concerns. We'll see him in a couple of weeks when we go down to Augie to watch the Viking Varieties talent show, in which he and 3 others will sing "Java Jive." That's a special treat for us, because we used to sing it with Pete's brother & wife, Tom & Judy. In fact, we won the County Fair talent contest and went to the State Fair with it in 1998.
We relaxed the rest of the day, finishing off with "Tangled" - what an excellent movie with great themes and lessons! - and an episode of the old TV show, "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Altogether an extremely fun weekend.
On Saturday Shelley & I went around to some realtor's open houses, just to see what's in the area for when we eventually move. Oh, the beautiful things some people have and do. The vaulted ceilings; sliding glass doors; stone counter tops; sitting areas with fireplaces; tile floors; desk nooks, and in one house, a greenhouse right in the middle of the living space with skylights - all were inspirational. It makes me excited to move, and wondering whether we'll buy a place that's ready to move into, or do our own remodeling or redecorating.
Saturday evening Jon & Shelley took Pete & me to the local sit-down Chinese restaurant. Yum yum yum! We had 4 dishes - one shrimp, one pork, one chicken, one beef - and even the spicy ones weren't too spicy for me, so we all ate some of each, and egg rolls, wontons and shrimp appetizers besides. Rolling out the door, we laughed and talked some more.
Sunday morning the congregation was in top form - I rarely hear the singing as loudly as I did yesterday. We had a guest speaker who has been to Honduras 22 years in a row. He's a carpenter and had great stories to tell of God's provision. He felt the Lord wanted him to build a certain building early on, which would cost $3000 that Alan didn't have. He went to a builder's convention and won the grand door prize of $3000 plus round-trip airfare to anywhere in the world. Again, inspirational! Afterwards we thoroughly enjoyed a delicious potluck.
After our friends left and we had a nap, David called and we talked for an hour and a half about his life and (girl) concerns. We'll see him in a couple of weeks when we go down to Augie to watch the Viking Varieties talent show, in which he and 3 others will sing "Java Jive." That's a special treat for us, because we used to sing it with Pete's brother & wife, Tom & Judy. In fact, we won the County Fair talent contest and went to the State Fair with it in 1998.
We relaxed the rest of the day, finishing off with "Tangled" - what an excellent movie with great themes and lessons! - and an episode of the old TV show, "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Altogether an extremely fun weekend.
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