this and that

You know, I always admire bloggers who really do "pieces" when they post. I guess this is just more of a patchwork quilt. So you'll have to forgive me, but we've had a lot of lovely small things happening of late. Btw, the new photo is by Ty. We had a great time last week out at Ashland, the Henry Clay estate taking pictures.

Newsy bits:

1. Visit from John. This happened just a few minutes ago. John came by and we had tea. He's so hard to understand with his tics but he teaches me patience in just sitting there while he gets out his words. That was such a lesson to me. I think it's a good mode of communication because it's easy to get impatient with people and stop listening and then fill in the blanks. Maybe we just need to give them more time. I write people off too easily because I don't stick around long enough to hear the full story. John told me he prays for me and my family. Humbling and so appreciated.

2. The Hope Center. I helped serve breakfast there yesterday morning. I think, after the heartbreak I felt after the cook at the CAC went back on cocaine, I'm finally ready to get back into this kind of volunteering. Anyway, the guys were nice, and only one complained about the really sorry-assed breakfast we had to dish out. Rice, toast and day or two old bagels. Starch anyone? I'm glad I went and am scheduled now for Monday mornings. I hear such disparaging talk about the poor sometimes, that it just breaks my heart. I wish those folks could meet some of the inhabitants of the Hope Center.

3. A visit from Elysa and Jim.  First of all, it was great to really see Elysa in freedom and able to just be Elysa. We had SUCH a great time! I love this lady! We went to Africa together (she found me via blogdom) and she is probably my greatest literary advocate. I have no idea how many readers she's brought my way. We ate together, did a driving tour of Lexington, and we had a wonderful lunch with her and her husband Jim. Gosh, we covered so much distance in the conversation, from what does "emergent/emerging" really entail to intentional community to inner city ministry to homeschooling. Great conversation with great people!

4. Ty is loving her new job in Clay City! She's getting a real education in seat-of-the-pants ministry to the poor. Her boss and the people she works with are just the salt of the earth, folk who serve because it is truly part of their fabric. I'm so glad God brought us and others into seeing how justice is a great part of His plan, but these wonderful folk just know that instinctually and obey. I'm glad Ty is experiencing their humble way of following the Lord and learning from it.

5. It's getting chillier again here in Lexington. Time for the heat to go back and grrrrr. I swear! Anyway, this past Saturday we stuffed some more insulation up the chimneys and I sprayed that foam stuff which is always fun (I mean it!) and put weather stripping or whatever that stuff is called around some of the drafty places. I'm going to do some of the more "breezy" windows with that plastic sheeting/blowdryer jazz. We'll see.

6. God has just been so good to us. Will is going to be able to take his mid-term and final exams for his PhD in March and then get started on his dissertation. This cuts off a good six months for him. It'll be kind fun married to Dr. Samson. Ha! Alas, he'll probably still get eyerolls from the kids no matter what letters are behind his name! I'm proud of him (and of me! ha!) and thrilled he loves this academic life so much.

7. Finally, we're only about 2,000.00 away from raising all the money for Sam's School in Swaziland!  Woo-hoo! Thanks for all who have participated. This experience has just been so great for our family to participate in too. What great folks we have in our lives! You rock!

8. Okay, I've got to stop with an even number. Thank you for your prayers. Please keep us before the Father's throne. As the economy continues to weaken, I'm going to have to figure out something more to do than just writing. So if you could pray some speaking engagements my way, I'd appreciate it. The new budget is working out great, btw, and I'm so thankful God's giving us this chance to be better stewards. I'm humbled by his grace in that I realize how stupid we were previously. Praise Him for new beginnings!

Love to you all, and the grace and peace of Christ be yours,

lisa

Comments

[Elysa]

You are so absolutely gorgeous...inside and out! Truly!

I thank the day God led me to you thru the Wonderful World of Blogdom.

He has used you in such amazingly wonderful ways. And how could I NOT send people to your books...they've impacted my life in so many great ways that I want that for others!

Feeling a little misty around the edges and a whole lot loved,
Elysa (but not Marie)

[Jeanne Damoff]

That's a fabulous photograph. My compliments to Ty (and you)!

I love these little glimpses into daily Samson-dom. Your earnest efforts toward living intentionally in finances, ministry, and family relationships are an inspiration. Thanks, Lisa.

Love, Jeanne

[Mary E. DeMuth]

Love the pic, Leese. Funny, on my to do list today was to inquire about your project. Could you email me with the specifics again?

Thanks,
Mary

[Christa Allan]

I've sprayed that foam stuff and, you're right; it's neat to watch it fill up spaces...like industrial strength Cool Whip.

Keeping you and the pre-Dr.Samson in my prayers.

[Candace]

Lisa, I am a big fan of yours, thanks to Elysa! :) I have posted on your old site, but not in a looong time, so hello again! I'm glad you and Elysa had such a great visit!

Candace