We bought a house yesterday.
I know: a bit of a shocker. We aren't moving though, rather we are (well, after home inspection and closing) the owners of a three apartment converted home. Yup, we'll be collecting rent come February. We will also be mowing another lawn, fixing three more toilets, hoping the water heater doesn't conk out and finding new renters when those who are there now choose to move on.
Crazisauce!
We've been praying about this and looking and praying and learning. We really feel like this is what God would have us do at this point in our lives. Cool things have happened. Our realtor (who goes to our church) has been doing this for 30 years and has agreed to be our mentor. What great advice he has given to us! We've prayed for clarity and God has blessed over and over.
Sure we'd like to make some money. We would also love to be fair and honest with our tenants. We'd love to show them the love of Christ. We'd love to pray over those who apply (hopefully) to live at our place that God would allow us to bless those that He would chose. We see this as evangelism in a way. We hope to feel free to develop a relationship with those who come our way. Every part of our lives is ministry.
I'm so excited. So. Excited. I know that we might get stung or lose money. I know that this may be inconvenient with late night calls and added expenses. I also know that God will use this in our lives and hopefully the lives of others. Bring it.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Julia Koeman
It was one week ago that we celebrated the life and death of my Grandma Koeman. This wasn't a heartbreaking time for me. . . although there is something very about my last grandparent dying. It means that my folks are part of the next generation and I don't like that!
I loved seeing cousins, aunts and uncles. I have a wonderful and rich history with the Koeman family, one that I don't take lightly. They are a significant part of my growing up. I learned to ride a bike while camping with them. I learned from and loved my cousin Julie so very much--we were one year apart and she taught me tons--even how to become a good kisser by practicing on an orange. We loved cutting down our Christmas tree on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and then having cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. Picnics at Teusinks Pony Farm, Christmas at Uncle Jack and Aunt Joyce (great toys!), Uncle Keith and Aunt Marla took care of my sister and I when Kevin was born, planting corn with Grandpa, chatting about baking with Grandma, skiing in Colorado with Uncle Ted, hearing Uncle Ken preach. . . oh man do I love this family. Guess what? We have flaws. I know--you are so shocked that a family might not be perfect. Funerals tend to bring out rose colored glasses and Grandma was not an exception to this.
As the bell rang one time for every year of her life (95--it took awhile!) I counted and marked her years. At specific intervals I'd lean over to Gary and whisper "This is when Dad was born. This is when Mom and Dad got married. This is when Grandpa died. This is when we got married right here in this church." He might have been a little annoyed. Then again, he chocked on a Mento and distracted everyone with his coughing fit. When I realized he would be fine, a mento aint' gonna take down my man!, then I had to try and conceal my laughter as Gary tried to quiet his loud hacking. I also had to conceal my laughter when I received a note from my brother Kevin asking me if I could eat anything right now what would it be. Kevin will often pass notes down during church. He is also a bad person to sit by during prayer--we hold hands when we pray and Kevin does not hold a hand very nicely! The service was 95 minutes long (Uncle Ken announced that we owed her one minute for every year of her life), so the chuckles were a welcome diversion.
Writing about the funeral is not my intent. Surprising since I just spent quite the number of words talking about it. The funeral was great. It was the visitation that was our Holy Moment. I don't get Holy Moments every day. I'm writing about it to celebrate it and give glory to God and so that I can remember it.
The visitation was from 1-3 and 6-8. Gary and I took our kids at 5:00. We wanted to be there without any other folks around. We wanted to focus on our kids and answer their questions. We spent about 20 minutes at the church. We loved talking about Grandma and how she was in heaven. They asked about her body and if they could touch it. They did. It felt stiff and we talked about why that was. They would run around and then return to the casket for another question. Questions also arose about Grandpa Larry (Gary's dad) which I was so thankful for. They didn't get see his body. Before we left I stood at the casket and grieved and thanked God for this woman who raised my father and was a sweet Grandma to me. She is part of my chain to Jesus. She is part of the reason why I am a believer. Garrison, my sensitive soul, struggled at this point and we cried together.
Soon the others came and we laughed and cried. I love that God has placed me with these kids and we could share Grandma's and our belief in Jesus Christ with them. I also liked it that I could comfort my kids but also receive comfort from them. They need to know that they can take care of me too. I'm also thankful that Gary grabbed the camera and captured my heart. It was so thoughtful of him.
We left by saying "see you in heaven Grandma Koeman!" and exited. I hugged Gary with tears in my eyes and said "That was awesome. Our kids did great and they learned and asked great questions. God is so cool that He made this happen. Yeah?" And yet I didn't know that I hadn't even reached the Holy Moment yet.
We got into the car, but before we could leave Gary and I heard our Simon's voice from the back say "I think we should pray." We named him Simon because we want him to be like Simon Peter and have the courage to get out of the boat--to be a leader, to take risks, to stand up for the Lord. Here is my Simon getting out of his boat. "What do we need to pray about Simon?" "We need to pray that Grandma enjoys heaven and we need to tell God that we will see her again someday. I'll pray." And then we heard two more voices "I'll pray too." "I'll pray after Noel." My eyes filled up again as we bowed and one by one my kids prayed. They told God they were so excited to see Him someday. They asked that He enjoy spending time with Grandma Koeman. They thanked Him for Jesus because without Jesus we couldn't go to heaven. Oh how my heart was just bursting all over the place! This is it! This is my greatest hope and dream and prayer for my kids--that they love Jesus and accept him as their Savior. Each one professed their faith. After Garrison closed with his Amen, Simon announced that it was time for a parent to pray. I look up at Gary with tears streaming down my face and gave him the nod that said "you need to do it because I'm too weepy". He prayed. I smiled as I looked up at Gary afterwards and then I heard my son's voice again from the back "Mom, now it is your turn." I huge grin broke out on my face and I was secretly thankful that my son wasn't going to let me get away without praying--even if I was crying. I prayed and then we clapped because we are all going to go to heaven someday. Yeah!
Holy Moments. Thank you God.
I loved seeing cousins, aunts and uncles. I have a wonderful and rich history with the Koeman family, one that I don't take lightly. They are a significant part of my growing up. I learned to ride a bike while camping with them. I learned from and loved my cousin Julie so very much--we were one year apart and she taught me tons--even how to become a good kisser by practicing on an orange. We loved cutting down our Christmas tree on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and then having cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. Picnics at Teusinks Pony Farm, Christmas at Uncle Jack and Aunt Joyce (great toys!), Uncle Keith and Aunt Marla took care of my sister and I when Kevin was born, planting corn with Grandpa, chatting about baking with Grandma, skiing in Colorado with Uncle Ted, hearing Uncle Ken preach. . . oh man do I love this family. Guess what? We have flaws. I know--you are so shocked that a family might not be perfect. Funerals tend to bring out rose colored glasses and Grandma was not an exception to this.
As the bell rang one time for every year of her life (95--it took awhile!) I counted and marked her years. At specific intervals I'd lean over to Gary and whisper "This is when Dad was born. This is when Mom and Dad got married. This is when Grandpa died. This is when we got married right here in this church." He might have been a little annoyed. Then again, he chocked on a Mento and distracted everyone with his coughing fit. When I realized he would be fine, a mento aint' gonna take down my man!, then I had to try and conceal my laughter as Gary tried to quiet his loud hacking. I also had to conceal my laughter when I received a note from my brother Kevin asking me if I could eat anything right now what would it be. Kevin will often pass notes down during church. He is also a bad person to sit by during prayer--we hold hands when we pray and Kevin does not hold a hand very nicely! The service was 95 minutes long (Uncle Ken announced that we owed her one minute for every year of her life), so the chuckles were a welcome diversion.
Writing about the funeral is not my intent. Surprising since I just spent quite the number of words talking about it. The funeral was great. It was the visitation that was our Holy Moment. I don't get Holy Moments every day. I'm writing about it to celebrate it and give glory to God and so that I can remember it.
The visitation was from 1-3 and 6-8. Gary and I took our kids at 5:00. We wanted to be there without any other folks around. We wanted to focus on our kids and answer their questions. We spent about 20 minutes at the church. We loved talking about Grandma and how she was in heaven. They asked about her body and if they could touch it. They did. It felt stiff and we talked about why that was. They would run around and then return to the casket for another question. Questions also arose about Grandpa Larry (Gary's dad) which I was so thankful for. They didn't get see his body. Before we left I stood at the casket and grieved and thanked God for this woman who raised my father and was a sweet Grandma to me. She is part of my chain to Jesus. She is part of the reason why I am a believer. Garrison, my sensitive soul, struggled at this point and we cried together.
Soon the others came and we laughed and cried. I love that God has placed me with these kids and we could share Grandma's and our belief in Jesus Christ with them. I also liked it that I could comfort my kids but also receive comfort from them. They need to know that they can take care of me too. I'm also thankful that Gary grabbed the camera and captured my heart. It was so thoughtful of him.
We left by saying "see you in heaven Grandma Koeman!" and exited. I hugged Gary with tears in my eyes and said "That was awesome. Our kids did great and they learned and asked great questions. God is so cool that He made this happen. Yeah?" And yet I didn't know that I hadn't even reached the Holy Moment yet.
We got into the car, but before we could leave Gary and I heard our Simon's voice from the back say "I think we should pray." We named him Simon because we want him to be like Simon Peter and have the courage to get out of the boat--to be a leader, to take risks, to stand up for the Lord. Here is my Simon getting out of his boat. "What do we need to pray about Simon?" "We need to pray that Grandma enjoys heaven and we need to tell God that we will see her again someday. I'll pray." And then we heard two more voices "I'll pray too." "I'll pray after Noel." My eyes filled up again as we bowed and one by one my kids prayed. They told God they were so excited to see Him someday. They asked that He enjoy spending time with Grandma Koeman. They thanked Him for Jesus because without Jesus we couldn't go to heaven. Oh how my heart was just bursting all over the place! This is it! This is my greatest hope and dream and prayer for my kids--that they love Jesus and accept him as their Savior. Each one professed their faith. After Garrison closed with his Amen, Simon announced that it was time for a parent to pray. I look up at Gary with tears streaming down my face and gave him the nod that said "you need to do it because I'm too weepy". He prayed. I smiled as I looked up at Gary afterwards and then I heard my son's voice again from the back "Mom, now it is your turn." I huge grin broke out on my face and I was secretly thankful that my son wasn't going to let me get away without praying--even if I was crying. I prayed and then we clapped because we are all going to go to heaven someday. Yeah!
Holy Moments. Thank you God.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Four kids
I love our church. I love the people. I love the preaching. I love the awesome ways that my kids are growing and learning. Good stuff.
One of the many reasons why I love my church is the different ages of the people. Gary and I wanted to attend a church with 80 year olds and 2 year olds with lots of ages in between. I've gotten to know so many of the older women. They are so encouraging and funny and thoughtful and just plain awesome.
Today after church one of them came up to me a little upset. Apparently there was something wrong with my Christmas card that I had put in her box. She was upset because I had four children and she knew that I really only had three. "When did you get another child? Where did the fourth one come from?" What followed was a comical conversation (on my part) to try and help her figure it out. She only remembers me "having" two, so therefore I must have "gotten" both Simon and "the other one" from somewhere else. I assured her that I had birthed my last two kids at our church. I was a mom of four and had been for 2 1/2 years. Still, she was right! Surely I had snuck one in there. :)
I loved talking with her and loved that I was able to celebrate the birth of Penny 2 1/2 years after it happened. :)
One of the many reasons why I love my church is the different ages of the people. Gary and I wanted to attend a church with 80 year olds and 2 year olds with lots of ages in between. I've gotten to know so many of the older women. They are so encouraging and funny and thoughtful and just plain awesome.
Today after church one of them came up to me a little upset. Apparently there was something wrong with my Christmas card that I had put in her box. She was upset because I had four children and she knew that I really only had three. "When did you get another child? Where did the fourth one come from?" What followed was a comical conversation (on my part) to try and help her figure it out. She only remembers me "having" two, so therefore I must have "gotten" both Simon and "the other one" from somewhere else. I assured her that I had birthed my last two kids at our church. I was a mom of four and had been for 2 1/2 years. Still, she was right! Surely I had snuck one in there. :)
I loved talking with her and loved that I was able to celebrate the birth of Penny 2 1/2 years after it happened. :)
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Oh where I have been!
 |
| Senior Picture 1990 |
So here I am. A respectable senior picture. I loved having my picture taken. I felt special and important and beautiful. Those bangs were beautiful. My swatch watch was a stunner. I thought my polka dot shirt with matching earrings was it!
I received this picture over the summer. A friend from college had been going through some things and found this picture along with the one posted below. I smile when I look at the photo above. I do NOT when I look at the picture below.
O.K.
Go ahead.
You can look now.
Ugh!
 |
| Shanda. College. 1990 or 1991 |
When I was handed this photo I gasped a little bit. Obviously, I had put on the freshman 15 30. I remember buying this sweater at Winona Knits. I bought two of them: pink and white and wore them constantly. Why? Because they were one of the few things that fit. Only there is a problem: I don't think it fits!
Why is my hair in pigtails? Why?
Why am I wearing those red/white earrings from my senior photo above with a light pink sweater? Why did I get a perm right before I left for Calvin? Why did someone not tell me about bras that fit? Also, I believe I should have been taught to stand like a lady.
I know where this was taken. I am still friends with the amazing girls who lived across the hall. We loved making crank calls, watching Saturday Night Live and changing our answering machine messages three times a day. I'm thankful that they were my friends despite my appearance. Though the picture is horrid in a very funny sort of way (I am laughing about it!), I love that it reminds me of a wonderful time in my life.
I'm also thankful when I look at this picture because I think I have aged well. I must admit that I wore my hair in pigtails last week (see photo below). Please tell me if is in inappropriate for a 40 year old to do that. I do believe that I look better now than when I did in college. My hair then. . . oh do you see how that dark brown doesn't do my any favors?!? I am very aware of how undergarments can help. I have more than two sweaters today.
So take a gander below. This is me. Would you agree that 2012 is better on the eyes than 1991? Wrinkles yes. But oh--that face has lived through tons and this chica has a lot more confidence now.
More wisdom.
More joy.
More.
I think it shows.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Annie
My niece excitedly announced a few months back that she was going to audition for Annie. Her church was going to produce the musical and she had the acting bug. Of course as her aunt and fellow lover of all things theater, I was so proud. I encouraged her and hoped that she would get a part. I know that there are so many kids (I remember well!) who audition and don't receive a part. She called with the good news that although she wasn't going to be Pepper (a fabulous part indeed!) she was a Hooverville kid. Perfect!
Saturday afternoon we left Penny with a babysitter (who was named Annie!) and stood in line with our tickets to get the best seats. We got them! I love seeing big Broadway stuff. . . but my heart is with productions like this. This is the stuff I used to direct on a high school level. I learn and appreciate and laugh with a director's choices. It is great. While we were waiting Simon crawled on my lap and was still there as the musical began. "Come on Annie, you are never going to get adopted." The words rang out so loud. The last time I saw Annie I wasn't a parent. Today I was. . . and my adopted son was sitting on my lap. I hugged him tight and fought back tears. I know it is a play. I know that it isn't real. I know that Annie will be adopted by Daddy Warbucks. I know that Jessica (who is playing Annie) is a Camp Roger girl.
I also know that I chose Simon. Wait. Not true. God chose Simon before time began. He adopted him into the family of God through the death and resurrection of Christ. Then, He let Gary and I know that we needed to adopt our third child.
"I choose you" I whispered into Simon's ear. He looked up at me and asked for a mint.
Saturday afternoon we left Penny with a babysitter (who was named Annie!) and stood in line with our tickets to get the best seats. We got them! I love seeing big Broadway stuff. . . but my heart is with productions like this. This is the stuff I used to direct on a high school level. I learn and appreciate and laugh with a director's choices. It is great. While we were waiting Simon crawled on my lap and was still there as the musical began. "Come on Annie, you are never going to get adopted." The words rang out so loud. The last time I saw Annie I wasn't a parent. Today I was. . . and my adopted son was sitting on my lap. I hugged him tight and fought back tears. I know it is a play. I know that it isn't real. I know that Annie will be adopted by Daddy Warbucks. I know that Jessica (who is playing Annie) is a Camp Roger girl.
I also know that I chose Simon. Wait. Not true. God chose Simon before time began. He adopted him into the family of God through the death and resurrection of Christ. Then, He let Gary and I know that we needed to adopt our third child.
"I choose you" I whispered into Simon's ear. He looked up at me and asked for a mint.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Ring Ring
My phone has been crazy ringing today--14 phone calls to be exact. That doesn't include the times that I've made a call. . . I believe it has been about 6. I'm not such a fan of talking on the phone. It has just been a newsy day--Grandma Koeman is in her last moments on this earth--as my dad says--one hand of Jesus is reaching out to her. She is just waiting for the other hand. Can you tell where I get my flair? :) There was a lot of confusion this morning as dad couldn't reach mom to tell her about Grandma. Mom hadn't turned on her cell phone. Gary wanted to know if I had ever hear about pickle ball. (I had.) Gary also wanted me to run outside to pick up my cell phone because he was driving by (it was a spare for mom). Two credit card companies called to let me know that this was my last opportunity to refinance. Thanks. There were questions about the children's Christmas program at church on Sunday night. I also received two calls from school. Two. Yuck! Garrison's stomach hurt and he just wanted to come home. I'm still navigating this whole "is your kid really sick or not" landscape. He doesn't have a fever, but he says it still hurts. I went to pick him up. He is able to watch tv and play the ipad. He did mention on the way home that he is afraid it might be what Simon had. I need to be sensitive that even though Simon's illness happened in March, it still is something that is on Garrison's mind. The second call came fifteen minutes ago from Yingpu--Simon's teacher. She informed me that "Simon is feeling uncomfortable and wants to talk to you." What?!? I'm feeling uncomfortable in many ways. What is going on? Simon gets on the phone and after many details that involve various kids, the playground and kicking--- it emerges that he swallowed a wood chip. What do I do with that? I laughed and told him that there were better things for him to eat. I don't think he got it. I made him stay at school. There was only a half hour left in the day. Crazysauce.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
1:39
It is 1:39 a.m.
I'm sitting in the girls room while Penny tries to settle herself. This in my opinion is the worst thing about using a pacifier--the stuffed up nose. She is restless and can't settle down. Fighting the cold is a pain for anyone, but when you are used to sucking while sleeping. . .
Being up in the night has given me time to pray. I was reminded in Bible Study this morning to remember how far I have come,. How many nights did I long for a family? How many times did I give to God my hopes of ever being a mama? 10 years ago I couldn't have imagined my life today. Instead of 100 students I now have 4. I've never been so in love in my entire life.
So often we miss the Divine in our lives. We keep on looking forward and miss those amazing big and quite little God Moments. I am able to rock my little one to sleep. I am able to pray for her. I can pray for each member of my family, for my small group, for my Bible study ladies. I have a sister that I adore. God gave me a book this week through a friend. Garrison was spared serious harm at school (as was the school) when he opened up a paper clip and tried to discover what happens when you put it into an outlet. The Divine. Right now a friend is in labor with her second child. Her first son was welcomed into glory at 38 weeks along. Tomorrow she will meet her second son after waiting and hoping and grieving for so long. Divine. Every day He offers blessings to me--even at 1:46 a.m.
Sleep will come again. Right now I will whisper soft sweet words when my little stirs trying to find sleep. Right now I will breath in and out and marvel at how amazing my Father is. I will quiet my racing mind as it tries to put together a speech. I've been asked to speak at a women's event and I couldn't be more excited about it. I love public speaking and love that God has opened up this door for now. The Holy Spirit will give me the speech. Now is not the time to work. Now is the time for thankfulness. God is indeed divine.
He is so very good. Look at what He has done thus far and there will be more blessings tomorrow! Every day. Blessings every day. Don't miss The Divine.
I'm sitting in the girls room while Penny tries to settle herself. This in my opinion is the worst thing about using a pacifier--the stuffed up nose. She is restless and can't settle down. Fighting the cold is a pain for anyone, but when you are used to sucking while sleeping. . .
Being up in the night has given me time to pray. I was reminded in Bible Study this morning to remember how far I have come,. How many nights did I long for a family? How many times did I give to God my hopes of ever being a mama? 10 years ago I couldn't have imagined my life today. Instead of 100 students I now have 4. I've never been so in love in my entire life.
So often we miss the Divine in our lives. We keep on looking forward and miss those amazing big and quite little God Moments. I am able to rock my little one to sleep. I am able to pray for her. I can pray for each member of my family, for my small group, for my Bible study ladies. I have a sister that I adore. God gave me a book this week through a friend. Garrison was spared serious harm at school (as was the school) when he opened up a paper clip and tried to discover what happens when you put it into an outlet. The Divine. Right now a friend is in labor with her second child. Her first son was welcomed into glory at 38 weeks along. Tomorrow she will meet her second son after waiting and hoping and grieving for so long. Divine. Every day He offers blessings to me--even at 1:46 a.m.
Sleep will come again. Right now I will whisper soft sweet words when my little stirs trying to find sleep. Right now I will breath in and out and marvel at how amazing my Father is. I will quiet my racing mind as it tries to put together a speech. I've been asked to speak at a women's event and I couldn't be more excited about it. I love public speaking and love that God has opened up this door for now. The Holy Spirit will give me the speech. Now is not the time to work. Now is the time for thankfulness. God is indeed divine.
He is so very good. Look at what He has done thus far and there will be more blessings tomorrow! Every day. Blessings every day. Don't miss The Divine.
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