First responders

Who's the first responder at your house? Who is the person who jumps up to take care of things when milk spills, the toddler tips over, or the car gets a dent? Or, who thinks up wild schemes and forces you out of your comfort zone?

Depending if assistance is asked for, a helper can be perceived as welcome or annoying. Some people demand such control over everything in their job title that it's impossible to add to their boxed-in view of "expertise." They may do a good job or even be great at part of their work, but they'll never reach full potential because they grab on tightly, hollering, "THIS IS MINE! Back off!" Funny story: I watched a grown man stomp his foot in public just like a toddler, frustrated over something he perceived with ownership rather than partnership of ideas. Very astonishing, I admit. (And not impressive to a mother of four kids. I was happy he didn't throw himself on the floor in a tantrum. HAHA) He proved to everyone watching that he was neither a team player nor a trustworthy partner. In one instant, I lost interest in his work and the ideas he would offer me.

In contrast, creative designers come alongside with new thinking. Ideas from coworkers and alums rated as one of the best parts of my former job as alumni director. Sure, we can't always do "the dream." And many of us have to ignore "smaller" and "tightly controlled" offers to gravitate toward "bigger" thinking. God gave us such different worldviews and experiences that we benefit by valuing each other rather than shivering in fear that "our" project will be ruined by others' participation.

It's great to have someone on the team who blows our "that's-how-we've-always-done-it" out of the water. They may not be the one you scream for when the house is on fire. And not everyone reacts right away; some people need more time to ponder. Those individuals act as counterweights for impulsive go-getters who would constantly get stuck on a high wire without a balancing pole.

When your work is in the doldrums, when you feel boredom creeping in, when life as usual seems bland, find those inspiring persons. They won't mind if you tell them you probably won't use 90% of what they come up with. They love ideas for the sake of thinking and talking. They enjoy exchanging possibilities and impossibilities almost equally.
 
Jesus talked about the different ways people comprehend, embrace, or reject the gospel. He said some people never "get it." They miss the point of the gospel altogether, so the offer of salvation gets whisked away before they realize what they've missed. They're safe but blind. Others add Good News to a heaping menu of activity, only to lose it in life's shuffle. 

Yet there are a handful--oh God let us be like them--who respond wholeheartedly. Though Christian life runs against our human nature, though we don't understand God's ways, and though the journey overflows with bumps and challenges, such people open themselves to God at work. Such responders embrace the gift of faith, knowing following Jesus is not easy, not risk-free, and not comfortable. Sometimes it looks entirely different than what we planned.

And from such willing hearts comes fruit that remains to bless those around them. 

Read more:

* This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, "When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them."

But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn't see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn't hear it. 

Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced." Matthew 13:14–22 NLT

Over and over

I read an old diary earlier this week. On top of that, I watched our wedding video for the first time in nearly 34 years. 

Wow, we were mere youngsters, married at 20 and 21. What made us think we could start a family and lifetime friendship? I suppose it was expected of us and what we expected, the traditional thing to do in our conservative church. I never even considered other options. We jumped in with both feet!

I looked at our young faces, at the two kids standing at the altar with high hopes and ritual prayers, and pitied them for the trials and challenges that lay ahead. We fought sometimes over silly things and muddled our way through finances, job changes, and building a house. Our kids have been sick, and there have been times we were in a selfish snit and didn't even like each other. Yet God has been faithful! 

We're attending a wedding this weekend. We'll hear the familiar ceremony that has been performed over and over in the last hundred years or so. The bride, having exerted all her creativity and excitement (and having used up a lot of her parents' money), is Princess of the Day. One day. Then she'll wake up the next morning, as will her groom, to someone in the room. This stranger comes home day after day, wants to eat together, and sleep with him or her. For very private individuals, that can be traumatic. They will get to know each other, for better and for worse. God have mercy! (And may they have fun in the process.)

I wouldn't trade my own Prince Charming for anyone else I've met. We've laughed over the years with long-wed friends. We all say the same thing: "When we leave parties and get-togethers, we are SO relieved that we are going home with this special person who belongs with us." Though our relationships continue to evolve, we thank God for his kindness and patience. 

Can't wait to say, "Congratulations, you two!"

Read more:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24   NIV

Personal prejudice

Every person is born a bigot. That's my conclusion after reading history and the newspapers. [OK, here comes another controversial post. By now, most of you know that I think and puzzle through my life by writing. If you're in the mood to be offended today, feel free to quit reading. The rest of you, hang on and give me feedback if you like.]

My daughter, who is almost through her application for American citizenship, got tired of a friend's "anti-Canadian" jokes on a day when her body was exhausted and hurting. She let her guard down long enough to tell him it was "idiotic" to constantly yammer about Canucks, and really not that funny because it expressed his prejudice.

"I was only joking," he protested. 

"How would you like it if someone constantly made fun of you for being American?" she asked.

He expressed shock that other countries made fun of Americans. (This is in the deep South, mind you, and her friend has never traveled abroad.) He bugged her until she admitted that sometimes "non-Amis" found Americans annoying in their assumption that the USA is better than everyone else, as well as mistakenly thinking everyone would like to be American.

Her friend turned to her in genuine confusion, "Well, it's true. We are the best... and everyone DOES want to come here." K was so stunned she had nothing further to say.

Reading the news, we find every one of us thinks we are better than our neighbors, than the next country, or other people groups. Definitely our way of practicing faith is better than others' ways! Most of us won't admit our deeply rooted assumptions out loud. But even when economics, wars, or circumstances squeeze us from our hometown, we long for our own families and tribes. Our deep-down, unguarded selves prefer our own foods, our language, and our culture over every other one. 

Yesterday, I read an interesting comment by an AG historian about "Landesdeutsche," the Germans who farmed in Russia like my grandparents did. The writer was obviously annoyed and offended by the stinking German attitude of superiority. "Those people thought they were better than the Russians and never intermarried. When they came to North Dakota, they thought they were superior to the Dakotans. They kept to themselves, with their culture and language, and even joked that German was the language of heaven. They suspected the salvation of others." Well, duh. I laughed out loud. That's exactly how I was raised in church. (And an elder's wife cautioned me with that very thing. "Who knows if the English are really saved?" she said, wringing her hands, afraid for us when we changed churches.)

In Christ alone we find true equality of gender, race, and ethnicity. In God's love we experience complete equality and inclusion. Scripture affirms that God stamped his image on each person, regardless of our distortions, disabilities, or sinfulness. 

I instinctively react to ethnic or national pride because I grew up elsewhere with another identity; though we never would have thought to fly our national flag in church, the place of worship for all tribes and tongues, we sure didn't admit outsiders either. I react against patriarchal condescension in hierarchies because my dad taught me that gifting, not gender, mattered and I watched him treat women as equal partners.  Ugh, with hot tears for all of our prejudices that reflect our deformed, sinful hearts.

All peoples are protective of their upbringing and prejudiced against others. Yet how kind and generous God is as he opens his arms to each man, woman, and child he has created in every heritage. Oh, that my heart would be so like his that I would be color-blind, embracing every human who desires friendship and affirmation. Then others could say, "She has her Father's eyes, seeing the good in everyone." That's my prayer and hope for the day.

How do you show your bias toward those like you? How do you react to others who are different than you? Got any advice about what has helped you see others as God sees them? 

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*I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. Psalm 138:1-3 NIV 

*Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. Proverbs 8:10–11 NLT 

*You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28 NIV

Weedy seadragons

There seems to be something new popping up every minute. With all we know, we keep finding out more!

The BBC reports that a study on weedy seadragons conducted by Dr. Martin-Smith shows the relationship between their habitat and health. They look fascinating, almost alien.

I am staggered by the imagination of people. Far beyond that, God's creativity and infinite capacity to astonish blows my mind.

How he must delight in our discoveries, from childhood adventures to scientific research. I wonder if he adds weird critters once in a while, just for his amusement and the bemusement of humans.

What have you discovered lately that has surprised and enlarged your thinking? What new ways of knowing have helped you grow and flourish?

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*Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, 'I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding.' Proverbs 8:1-5 NLT

*LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me." Psalm 16:5-8 NLT

*(Jesus) "My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Matthew 11:27 NLT

Low country boil

The recipe follows. We enjoyed this Cajun "stew" in Springfield. Picture yourself sitting lakeside  warm breezes drift through the sun porch where a crowd chats, laughs. You're on a wooden bench, the table is covered with newspapers, and steaming food smells rise. Soon you'll be choosing flavors and textures from big trays of food, dipping the morsels into spiced salts, peppers, and hot sauces. My oh my. Enjoy!

Low Country Boil (Amounts given in brackets are for approximately 14 guests. Adjust the amounts for your own company!) 

• Boil well-spiced broth* in a BIG BIG BIG deep pot, toss whole, scrubbed, med. unpeeled potatoes (20). Boil 10 min. Turn down the heat to simmer after each addition.
• Halve and add  corn on the cob. Cook 5 min. (20 cobs)
• Halve and add bratwurst, Andouille sausage. Cook 10 min.  (10 lbs total)
• Add raw shrimp (size 41-45/lb). Cook 5 min. (4 lbs)
• Drain, dump into trays. **Save the broth, cool to room temp, and freeze it as a base for next time?

Seasonings on the table: Cajun and other spicy salts, peppers, hot sauces

Before serving, cover the table with several layers of newspaper instead of plates, provide small sauce bowls for each person. Everyone helps themselves from central trays of food: use fingers instead of forks. Salts and all scraps land on the newspapers = remove dishes, roll up the newspaper, and toss it and scraps into a garbage at the end. Easiest cleanup ever!

Optional Broth:
Beef or seafood bouillon cubes - enough to make 1/2 pot of broth. Remember that the volume rises as the ingredients are added, so watch the level.

Been a while!

My toes are cold! Socks, please. Forget the flip-flops, we're back to cool-weather wear! YUCK.


It's been a while since I did any writing besides PhD research and tutorials. W and I just got from a week in Springfield, MO, where it was a pleasant 85-95 with high humidity every day. Love it love it love it. I sat on the porch overlooking the lake at J and C's cabin, studying and writing in the warmth. Basking. What a great memory. Thanks, you guys!


We got in last night at 2,30am, too tired to notice anything but the dark. For this morning's walk, I pulled a light coat and a head band on over an undershirt and t-shirt. The sky's overcast heralds a wet or perhaps just gloomy day.


Some people say they love this climate. They swear they really do. I know them, and they are not liars. But it staggers the mind, to think that grey and cool qualify for "Love it!" anywhere but on the hide of a sea lion or the flank of a mountain.

I enjoy the green, tall trees. I love the 3 weeks of summer (when we usually are elsewhere, traveling). I really enjoy our house and the quiet woods on our property. And I love being near family.


This morning, that's just enough to keep me from fleeing Seattle. Thanks be to God.


Read more:
*Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.


“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.


"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, But water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:6-12 NKJV

New show coming!

I'm reposting for Taproot Theatre. GREAT shows. This one is a mystery. Your fave kind of play?

Taproot Theatre asks ‘Whodunit?’ with Something’s Afoot

Murder mystery musical continues 35^th Anniversary Season, opens on July 15

SEATTLE – June 9, 2011 – Taproot Theatre Company continues its 35^th Anniversary Season this summer with Something’s Afoot. “The butler didn’t do it!” So starts this murder mystery musical that has been delighting audiences for decades. When wealthy Lord Rancour is found dead at his lakeside estate, the race to find out whodunit begins. Filled with booby-traps and belted songs, this hilarious spoof hums along as you play armchair detective to a zany cast of characters. Something’s Afoot, directed by Scott Nolte, opens on July 15 and runs through August 13, with previews on July 13 & 14.

“Murder mysteries have always been a big hit among our patrons, since the early days of Taproot Theatre,” said Nolte. “So, we got to thinking, what better way to celebrate our 35^th Anniversary Season and say thanks for the years of support than to present a murder mystery musical? This clever spoof honors the mystery greats like Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers.”

With characters including a “saucy maid,” a “black sheep nephew” and a “tweedy, elderly amateur detective” known as Miss Tweed—who sings “I Owe It All to Agatha Christie”—fans of the genre will see elements of their favorite mystery novels parodied in this “engaging, funny, refreshing and original musical” (The New York Post).

Something’s Afoot features book, music and lyrics by James McDonald, David Vos and Robert Gerlach, with additional music by Ed Linderman. It premiered in 1972 at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta, and then was produced at Goodspeed Musicals in 1973. Opening on Broadway at Lyceum Theatre in May 1976, it went on to the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre in 1977.

The production features a talented cast of Dale Bowers, Gerald B. Browning, Ryan Childers, Jenny Cross, William Hamer, Ian Lindsay, Natalie Anne Moe, Deanna Sarkar, Pat Sibley and Tim Tully. The production team includes scenic and sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon and lighting designer Andrew Duff. Kristi Matthews serves as stage manager and Judy Naegeli as dramaturg.

Following Something’s Afoot, Taproot Theatre concludes its 35^th Anniversary Season with Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband, running September 21 through October 22.

###

Something’s Afoot

Book, music and lyrics by James McDonald, David Vos and Robert Gerlach

Additional music by Ed Linderman

Directed by Scott Nolte

WHEN: July 13-August 13 (Wednesday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday matinees, 2 p.m.)

Dates to note:

·         Previews: July 13 & 14, 7:30 p.m.

·         Opening night: Friday, July 15, 8 p.m.

·         Pay What You Can: July 20, 7:30 p.m.

·         Post-play Discussions: Wednesday nights, excluding preview

WHERE: Taproot Theatre Company, 204 North 85^th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

TICKETS: Tickets are available online at www.taproottheatre.org/buy-tickets/ and through Taproot Theatre’s box office, in person or by phone at 206.781.9707. Tickets range from $20-35, depending on the performance. Taproot offers a $3 senior/student discount off regular priced tickets (excludes previews). $10 tickets are available for ages 25 and under. Discounts are available for parties of 8 or more through Group Sales; call 206.781.9708. Tickets for the pay-what-you-can performance are available day of show at the box office only; contact the box office for details.

ABOUT: “The butler didn’t do it!” So starts this murder mystery musical that has been delighting audiences for decades. When wealthy Lord Rancour is found dead at his lakeside estate, the race to find out whodunit begins. Filled with booby-traps and belted songs, this hilarious spoof hums along as you play armchair detective to a zany cast of characters.

ABOUT TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANY

Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non‐profit theatre company with a multi‐faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves the Pacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and the Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Greenwood‐Phinney Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to our opening night sponsor, The Upper Crust. Support for Taproot Theatre’s 2011 Mainstage season is generously provided by The Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, The Seattle Foundation, 4Culture, ArtsFund and PONCHO.

Wild women in the woods

Take five women of different backgrounds, educational and economic brackets, and marital status. Then mix in ethnicity, diverse worldviews, individual ways of "how things are done," and add a daughter or two for each... and you have a volatile mix. 

Cram the women in a cabin in the woods, let the lights flicker on and off, and add a downpour. Meanwhile, entertain the kids, whose ideas of adventure include watching a video in the van, going to the bathroom in the woods, and other non-camping preferences. Let the fun, shouting, tantrums, and learning begin (among the parents)!

My husband and I loved the play written by Janesse Schaeffer and directed by Karen Lund. We laughed and cried along with the actors who earned "BROWNIE POINTS" with us for their portrayal of honesty and vulnerability.

I spent last weekend at Cannon Beach with my accountability group. We four women have met for almost 18 years. We've formed deep and trusting relationships, but still have moments of adjustment and disagreement. We work hard to include each one and feel included. I kept thinking, sitting at Taproot Theatre, how we four would respond if a stranger with a completely different history and unique expectations tossed her hat into our ring. Sparks might fly!


Go see "Brownie Points" if you can. Take a neighbor or friend - and be prepared to examine your assumptions about people you know. Let your guard down for discussions that follow. Rather than offering relationship solutions, the play opens the door to take an honest look at American culture and friendships. Audience members hung around after the show to talk about what they'd experienced.

Ladies, if you've ever thought you were the only one who struggles to make it through a day, you'll be among friends. Gentlemen, if you ever wondered how women think and what they talk about, you'll get an insider's perspective.

Don't miss it! And be sure to take in the quiz and display in the upper foyer before or after the show. Once again, Taproot hits it out of the park, pulling us into a story, and showing - as well as telling - how sweet and complicated life can be.


Actors: Faith Russell, Karen Ann Daniels, Amy Love, Casi Wilkerson, and Nikki Visel. Photos by Erik Stuhaug. Tickets provided the reviewer by Taproot.

2 for 1 tickets for good theatre

Really enjoyed this (more coming in the review tomorrow). If you need a date tomorrow night, go 2 for 1:

Escape the rain this Memorial Day weekend with a 2-for-1 Offer from Taproot Theatre!

SEATTLE – May 27, 2011 – If you’re staying close to home this Memorial Day weekend, stay warm and dry with 2-for-1 tickets to Taproot Theatre’s production of Brownie Points. Take advantage of the “Memorial Day Discount” and get 2-for-1 tickets for the Friday, May 27 (8 p.m.), or Saturday, May 28 (2 or 8 p.m.), performance, limit four tickets per order. Tickets are available through the box office at 206.781.9707 or online at www.taproottheatre.org (discount code: “Memorial Day”).

In Brownie Points, the girls' club pledge never promised camping would be easy...for the moms. In the late night mayhem of a backwoods campout a storm rages outside, while a squall builds inside the cabin. Set against tranquil mountains, the close quarters, diverse backgrounds and differing walks of life collide, spurring hilarious but meaningful conversations about race, religion and parenting.

The Memorial Day weekend discount is not valid for previously purchased tickets or with any other offer, is based on availability, and is valid for the May 27 and 28, 2011, shows only. Offer must be mentioned at time of purchase. Memorial Day weekend discount tickets must be used on May 27 or 28; if a patron switches to another night, they must pay the upgrade fee. Brownie Points, by Janece Shaffer and directed by Karen Lund, runs through June 18.

"Poof! It's gone!"

If I wanted to destroy a nation, I would give it too much. I would have it on its knees; miserable, greedy, and sick. - John Steinbeck (Daily Quote: John Steinbeck from The Poached Egg by Greg West; thankfully the photos are of someone else's desk and home.)

My sister-in-law and I tried on clothes yesterday. I'm a pretty traditional size and so it's easy to find stuff designed for middle-aged women, though the dressing room feels intimidating. Peel off layers to wince in harsh lighting that illuminates every wrinkle! Ugh. Quickly pull on the clothing. Whew. Covered again.

I rarely shop department stores. Doris and I spent a few hours at Nordstrom Rack. So much to see! So much to try! and soooooo many people buying. I'm amazed. Apparently people do this for fun, for diversion, for entertainment, even to alleviate boredom. How could the average wage earner afford such a thing?

My dear husband handed me a gift card Visa for the day. It's all gone, spent on 3 summery sweaters and 2 pairs of walking flip-flops. I looked around the shop at the bustle of consumers, listened in on conversations, "I think I'd like something pink for that picnic. Wonder if they have a Calvin Klein in that color." "That's a bit pricey. For a first date, I'd rather spend under $200." Etc. That's an expensive date, I'd say.

I'm proud of W, who works hard to support us and likes a good bargain. We couldn't dream of buying clothing every month or going out to eat every day.  It would be awful to teeter on the edge of a financial cliff, whether by over-spending or by unforeseen disaster. I don't mind wearing "classics" like the Eddie Bauer long-sleeved T-shirts I've had for ages. Or the long black skirt I've worn to weddings, funerals, and everything between for 10 years. Or the bootcut jeans that have lasted a decade or more... staying the same-ish size helps, of course.

However, with world news and natural disasters leaving many homeless and penniless, I've been grieving over the material excesses of my life. We've given away many items in the last year. Sold some, donated some, tossed a lot. Books. Clothes. Furniture. Chotch-kees. Someone came for 4 dozen home magazines yesterday. 25 Beautiful Homes (British). Architectural Digest. Dwell. I've got a Sally-Ann pickup soon. And some of our stuff is going to Montana via friends, this weekend.

It's all too much, says decluttering expert Peter Walsh. It's exhausting putting things away, washing them, dusting and vacuuming around them. It's even tiring to have to look at it all. 

I think Steinbeck's quote is correct. By burying ourselves in possessions, we're losing track of the important things. Using time to distract rather than serve. Dissipating energy to maintain rather than create community. God help us all! 

Look around your home or office. What would you love to have disappear with a poof into thin air? We'd love to know!