Trivia

I'm seeing new sights every day. Sand herons in the parking lot. Armadillo in our RV Park. Kumquats near the laundry room.

Potpourri !!

I've been at Wycliffe Associates for sixteen days. I'm going to bring a few things up-to-date (perhaps **not** in chronological order).

I arranged and rearranged "stuff" during the morning while listening to worship services on Family Radio, on the Internet. Within earshot, I hung Teardrop Trailer patio lights in the track designed to attach the screen room or awning. (I should probably sell both [screen room & awning] because I can't set them up alone. I hate to ask for assistance!) I've had two packages of the patio lights and this is the first time I've opened them. Patio lights: Something else I've hauled around taking space in the KIA. Decorating Christmas trees yesterday (in the Wycliffe Associates building) inspired me to do a minimum of decorating at my T@B.

On Saturday afternoon I drove the KIA for the second time since I've been here. The first time was eight miles round trip to a Publix grocery store. Forty miles on Saturday with no destination in mind, and gasoline the only purchase. It was OK to get "a little bit lost" because I had Carmen (my Garmin GPS) to get me home. However, Carmen and I are **NOT** seeing things from the same vantage point. She constantly wants to put me on a toll route and I passionately avoid them!! Her irritating voice is constantly "recalculating"!! (I know she hates me!!)

Twice, I've been invited to join a group around an evening fire circle. Twice, I've declined. It seems I'm always on-the-go for one activity or another. Monday night there will be a potluck supper to finish the Thanksgiving Day dinner leftovers. Sunday evening, there will be a "Sing" in the clubhouse. I'm told that activities are back-to-back starting in January.

Friday, I washed my two sleeping bags in the nice large washing machines and dried in the nice large dryers. "Free!!" ~~ It was a cloudy, windy, day so not extremely hot in the T@B. I pulled towels and blankets from the area at the back of the bed and placed them in a large laundry bag. They are going "bye bye." One day soon, I'll pull things from the back of the KIA and donate them to an upcoming Wycliffe auction. Remember my struggle with the car-top carrier, in Campbellsville? I'll never use it!! "Bye bye."

In Elkhart, Indiana, at an RV accessories surplus warehouse, I bought "a back seat heater" (can be wired to our 12-volt battery). I thought I could install it in the T@B for heat while "boondocking." At the recent T@B rally, the guys told me it couldn't be done. Off it goes to the Wycliffe auction. Likewise, I'll donate the solar panel I purchased at the surplus warehouse.

I've been hauling new games from Lancaster, California (over six years)!! I have Mexican Train, Scrabble and another one or two. They have **never** been out of the little suitcase!! Time to donate them to an organization that may sell them for a few dollars?!?!

I don't plan to drive forty-plus miles to the Kennedy Space Center for the launch of Discovery. I'm told I'll be able to see the lift-off from my campsite (and not have to contend with the traffic). I find it very meaningful to be at this location for the final launch of a space shuttle. I was a secretary at NASA, at Edwards Air Force Base, when the Challenger exploded. I was back at Edwards AFB, five or six years later, to see the successful return of Endeavour (the first orbiter after the tragedy).

Campus Crusade for Christ is a near neighbor. They occupy a large area that I can see across the man-made lakes. Their international headquarters uses some of the Wycliffe volunteers.

As recently as five years ago, the surrounding area was very rural. Now there are subdivisions in every direction. I've been cautioned to cross the street carefully between the RV Park and Wycliffe Associates building. Once a dead-end street, there is now high-speed traffic.

I'm told that traffic will multiply in the future because a major hospital complex is under construction a few miles away. I did a Google search but could not identify the hospital.

The WiFi signal is remarkably strong at my site. You know how much I depend on WiFi?!?! Volunteers on other sites complain about **not** getting a signal. I am so blessed!! I'm able to listen to Family Radio over the Internet.

No cable but my little antenna works fine. I seldom watch TV but nice to have available for news.

Something to smile about: The individual bathrooms, here at the RV Park, are larger than my T@B!! The shower alone is 4 feet by 4 feet by 10 feet. That's approximately 160 cubic feet. The central area is 6.8 feet by 9.4 feet; the ceiling is 10 feet. That's approximately 639 cubic feet. Combined, the bathroom is approximately 800 cubic feet. My T@B is less than 350 cubic feet!! A little trivia; something to smile about!!

Wycliffe campus on a Sunday afternoon

Cafe in the Wycliffe Discovery Center

Cafe in the Wycliffe Discovery Center, and gift shop. Good food, good fellowship.

Confession

For all my many blessings I am deeply grateful!!!! Confession: However, occasionally, I lapse into depression (B-R-I-E-F-L-Y !!) . Thanksgiving dinner was delicious--and I was invited to sit at three different tables!! This morning ten of us went to breakfast at Denny's prior to decorating throughout the Wycliffe Associates building. The Christmas decorations are gorgeous!!

I came home to my God-given T@B and checked e-mail messages--and cell phone messages. Nothing from my sons!! So I briefly had a "pity party." I reached for my Bible and randomly opened it. My eyes immediately read Jesus words: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." (John 14:1-4) ~~ "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine [my] iniquities, who healeth all thy [my] diseases; Who redeemeth thy [my] life from destruction; who crowneth thee [me] with loving-kindness and tender mercies. Who satisfieth thy [my] mouth with good things; so that thy [my] youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103:1-5)

Greetings from Orlando, Florida

Gratitude

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
-- Melody Beattie --

An acquaintance shared this quote with me. It really "spoke to me." I'd like to think that I've been a grateful person. Would you agree that I've demonstrated this year that what I have has been enough, and more? Over the years I've been denied (rejected) more times than I've found acceptance. Trusting in God, my Heavenly Father, chaos has turned to order and confusion to clarity. I'm very familiar with simple meals, but enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast this afternoon!! Incomprehensible to many people, my tiny T@B is "a home." Here at Wycliffe Associates, strangers have quickly become friends. Gratitude makes sense of my past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow!!
-- Lorraine Edwards -- See Psalms 100 --

Happy Thanksgiving !!

I sincerely wish friends and family a very Happy Thanksgiving. On this late Tuesday afternoon, I have good intentions regarding a newsy message. However, I returned to my T@B (at 4:30) with a monster headache. I'm learning so much daily!! The computer software is very straightforward and data entry is relatively simple. The "learning curve" is my only problem. ~~ Karen (the lady who conducted my phone interview about six weeks ago) treated me to lunch today at the cafe on campus. Then she presented me with a potted vine to decorate my campsite patio. ~~ Beautiful 83 degrees today. ~~ I'm so blessed!! ~~ Giving thanks!!

Prayer for our Nation

I received this as an e-mail message (below the ~~line). I thought it would be a good prayer to pray for our nation this Thanks-giving. Before publishing to my blog, I did research and found that Snopes.com states that Billy Graham **was NOT** the author. Please click the Snopes.com link and read details about the original prayers.
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Billy Graham at age 90

Truth...........from a man the media has never been able to throw dirt on.....amazing!

He has certainly hit the "world" on the head!


Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!"

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "One nation under God!"

Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your e-mail list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world. (It's worth a try!) "One Nation Under God!"

Have Thine Own Way, Lord

Have Thine Own Way, Lord

Text: Adelaide A. Pollard, 1862-1934
Music: George C. Stebbins, 1846-1945
Tune: ADELAIDE, Meter: 54.54 D

1. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.

2. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.

3. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

4. Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

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I'm almost in tears!! Working at Wycliffe Associates brings great joy!! The staff individuals have "bumped me up" to an even more important task. I has happy with the phone and computer assignment. Today I learned there's an even more critical job that needs to be done. I was trained this afternoon. However, with twenty-five years of computer experience behind me, the instructions were easy to grasp.

What a difference between the work I might have been doing at Amazon.com (Campbellsville, KY) and the work I'll be doing--for the Lord--at Wycliffe, in Orlando. I'd rather have Jesus.... When I left Kentucky, my prayer was "Have Thine own way, Lord."
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Good news !!

I received this as an e-mail message. It is so poignant; I want to share it with you. With so many negative stories, it's a joy to read good news.
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If you read a recent front page story of the San Francisco Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the Golden Gate ) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her.

They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she was thanking them.

Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude. I pass this on to you, my friends, in the same spirit.

On My Father's Side

A friend recently sent this link to the beautiful song On My Father's Side. The lyrics are new to me--and I loved them!! Another vocal group. Listen and enjoy. Also, please check the information on my earlier blog Where will you spend eternity? .

An answer to prayer

I spent time with the lady that (possibly) will be my supervisor. She tells me that I am an answer to her prayers. She has been in desperate need of a person with computer and communication skills. Personally, I am thrilled that God, our Heavenly Father, takes care of the "details." We just have to "Trust and Obey" (as the old hymn says), "for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Not by accident, I'm reading a small book written by Bernie May, titled Learning to Trust. On pages 13-17 Mr. May writes:
I am forever amazed over the ability of God to take seemingly disjointed events and put them together for His glory when men and women trust Him.

I remember being called out of a meeting in Oklahoma to take an urgent phone message from Forrey Zander, who directed the regional office of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Chicago. Forrey was excited. He had been talking with a young woman from Asia who had just completed her master's degree in communications at Wheaton College. Since foreign missionaries are no longer allowed in her country, this young woman, Thangi, had planned to return to her homeland in some missionary capacity.

Asia is a vast continent with many diverse cultures and languages. Thangi's parents, who are national missionaries, work near an area where more than half a million people represent twenty different languages and dialects. Only two language groups have portions of the Scripture. Her father, knowing she was about to graduate from Wheaton, had asked her to consider returning home as a Bible translator.

Thangi had contacted Forrey in our Chicago office. He, in turn, had suggested she apply to the Summer Institute of Linguistics school in Dallas--to work on another master's degree, this time in linguistics. It was now one week before deadline and Thangi was still $1,000. short. Forrey was calling, asking if I could raise the money for this critical need.

I had just come out of a meeting with a number of representative from various divisions of Wycliffe Bible Translators. They had come from many different parts of the world to present their financial needs--which totaled more than eight million dollars. Some of these needs had been critical for years. Now Forrey was asking me to put Thangi at the front of the line.

I knew I had the ability to raise the money. I knew I could bypass the request from Indonesia to raise thirty-three thousand dollars to buy a new electrical generator to give power to the jungle base at Danau Bira. I could bypass the need to find money to purchase a new airplane to replace the one which had recently crashed in South America. Sure there was enough money--in some budget category--to send Thangi to graduate school in Dallas so she could return home as a Bible translator to her own people. All I would have to do was to change some priorities. But I also knew that that would be trusting in my own ability. I felt God was asking me to trust Him.

"I can't treat her in a special way," I told Forrey. "But if God wants her in school this week, we can trust Him to locate and provide the funds. I will do two things. I'll pray about it. And if anyone approaches me and say they have one thousand dollars to help train a national translator, I'll direct the money to Thangi."

I could hear the air escaping from Forrey's punctured balloon. But since he also understands what it means to trust God and not self, he agreed to my terms. He contacted Thangi, told her of the decision to trust God, and received her enthusiastic approval. She, too, understood the principle.

The next day I had lunch with a wealthy man who could have easily written out a check for one thousand dollars to send Thangi to school. All I had to do was use some marketing and sales ability I had learned a long time ago and I knew he would give me the money. But I had no leading to ask for money for Thangi. I left the luncheon feeling guilty, but I knew it was right to wait on God.

Two days later I was flying my plane from Oklahoma back to California. The weather was bad over the southern route, so I flew home by way of Colorado. I knew my friends, Henry and Marcia Stuart from Dallas, were probably vacationing in their cabin near Crested Butte. I needed gas anyway, so when I stopped over, I gave them a call. Henry was delighted to hear my voice and drove over and picked me up at the airport to take me out to his house. I was just getting ready to sit down on the porch and drink a glass of tea when Henry spoke up.

"Bernie, I'm glad you stopped by. I've been thinking about the work carried on by Wycliffe Bible Translators. It seems you ought to try to find some Christian nationals and begin training them to help with Bible translation. If you ever find anyone like that, I'd like to invest one thousand dollars to help with their education."

I began to laugh, "Let me tell you about Thangi," I said. By the time I had finished my story, Marcia had brought Henry the checkbook and I had the money in hand.

I borrowed Henry's phone and called Forrey in Chicago. He in turn called Thangi, who saw it as a confirmation of God's will. Flying on to California, I filled the cockpit with praise to our God who takes loose ends and weaves a beautiful tapestry. A young Indiana woman at Wheaton had opened her life to God's call--trusted Him to act. A father back in India who sensed a need trusted God and spoke what he believed was the word of the Lord to his daughter. Our Chicago Wycliffe executive had communicated that need to me and trusted God to act. A Texas couple, vacationing in Colorado with some of God's money in their pocket, trusted God to act and to show them where He wanted the money. And then there was me. We were all trusting God--and He acted.

There is no way man can engineer something like this. God, however, has a plan for every life. Where there is a plan, there is a purpose behind it. And with every purpose and plan, there is ample provision. All God needs are men and women who will not lean on their own understanding, but will trust Him.

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Volunteer Service, Day Three & Four

Yesterday, I worked in the kitchen, and assembly room (clubhouse), preparing and serving a luncheon. I was a "helper"--obviously not the organizer. ~~ Last night: A birthday party for one of the volunteers. We had a nice gathering and I had the opportunity to get better acquainted with other volunteers.

Today, my assignment included phoning individuals who have expressed interest in volunteering in the United States, and foreign countries. When asked if I might like to continue making calls, I said that I'm willing to do whatever needs to be done. So-o-o-o, I might be on the phones, on a regular basis, for the foreseeable future. Many volunteers are off on Friday, I'll be working on the phones tomorrow.

I started this blog (at 3:30 PM) after putting laundry in two machines. It's now 7:15 and I've just returned from a social outing to CiCi's Pizza. Thirteen of us... but (I'm told) fifty to one-hundred Wycliffe Associates each Thursday evening in January. This is such a nice, friendly, kind, group of workers!! I feel so privileged to mingle with them!!

While in CiCi's I was told that residents' in the RV Park can put things in the large refrigerator in the laundry room. And we can use the kitchen in the Clubhouse. I'm always pleasantly surprised at all the amenities!! The washing machines, and dryers, are free--in the beautiful laundry room. There are ironing boards, and irons, if I need to "touch up" some of my garments. It appears that every consideration has been taken for the comfort of the volunteers.

There will be a Thanksgiving dinner next Thursday--sponsored by Wycliffe (no charge--but donations are welcome).

Volunteer Service, Day Two

Another very enjoyable day!! The morning started with devotions from seven Korean students (adult students) who have been here at Wycliffe for six weeks. Very soon they will be in overseas missionary assignments. ~~ Then I spent the morning trimming cancelled stamps. ~~ After lunch, I helped unpack logo T-shirts and put them on shelves. ~~ The afternoon concluded with the shredding of obsolete materials. ~~ Tomorrow I will assist in the kitchen for a small banquet. ~~ None of this "feels" like work!! It's an enjoyable way to pass the hours. The campus is beautiful; our weather is delightful!! ~~ Would you believe no time card and/or no time clock? This Christian organization trusts the volunteers to donate the appropriate number of hours.

Volunteer Service, Day One

It's 4:44 PM as I start typing this message. I've had a headache today from all the information streaming my direction. The day started before 8 o'clock with devotions in the Wycliffe Associates clubhouse. Then, there was an Orientation for the new volunteers. I don't have my assignment yet. For several hours I worked sorting postage stamps, trimming edges, and packaging. I learned that Wycliffe has "earned" over $5,000. from selling stamps to stamp dealers. Obviously many people have saved stamps and donated them to their local Churches who, in turn, send them to Wycliffe. Only two of us working on the project today but, I'm told, in a few weeks there will be fifteen to eighteen ladies in that room working with the stamps. ~~ There was some discussion about having me do data entry but, first, there is an urgent need for someone to do child care for returning missionaries. (Child care while the adults are being "debriefed.") I feel that God, my Heavenly Father, is allowing me to have an experience as "vicarious Grandmother" (thank you Lord!). I've told the administrative staff that I'm willing to do whatever needs to be done.

Everyone is so friendly!! Many of the volunteers have been coming back year after year so they quickly spot the "first timer." I ate lunch in the Cafe, at noon, and was invited to join my Lancaster, California, friends: David and Norma. (They owned a print shop that I patronized frequently.) They introduced me to a dozen other people. Is it any wonder that I've had a headache??? So many names to try to remember, and so much new information!!

It's a small world !!

I have a lot of details to tell you (tomorrow perhaps?) but wanted to hastily comment that I just returned from a social event where I met many other Wycliffe volunteers. I saw a familiar face (but couldn't recall from where) and boldly said "I know that face. Where are you from?" The man answered my question with a question: "Where are you from?" For some strange reason I said "California" rather than "North Carolina." I was astonished when he said "Lancaster." David quickly called his wife, and Norma couldn't believe who she was seeing. I got a **BIG** hug and listened while they told everyone around us "We knew Lorraine in California."

I'm old enough that I remember (the good old days) when Disneyland (Anaheim, California) had a "It's a Small World" ride. We saw animated characters dressed in their native costumes from around the world. "It's a small world after all; it's a small world after all; it's a small world after all; it's a small, small world!!"

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Written by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

It's a world of laughter

A world of tears

It's a world of hopes

And a world of fears

There's so much that we share

That it's time we're aware

It's a small world after all

There is just one moon

And one golden sun

And a smile means

Friendship to ev'ryone

Though the mountains divide

And the oceans are wide

It's a small world after all

It's a small world after all

It's a small world after all

It's a small world after all

It's a small, small world

Heaven, I'm in Heaven !!

There's a song with words to the effect: "Heaven, I'm in Heaven." That's the way I feel at 5:00 PM, Friday, November 12th, 2010!! ~~ (Postscript, 11/14/10: Not all the words apply but you get my gist?! I originally wrote "There's a hymn..." but research proved me wrong. I love Google!!)

I arrived at Wycliffe Associates about 3:00 and was quickly shown my site. I barely had enough time--before 4 o'clock--to get my computer programmed (by their technicians) so I have WiFi for the weekend. Yes, WiFi at my campsite (and it is fast). I believe I even have cable TV although I haven't strung the lead-in and attempted to connect my little TV. ****First things first!!**** I wanted to let the whole wide world know that it was 75 or 76 degrees as I unhitched the T@B & KIA, lowered the stabilizers, attached the electric cord, etc., etc. I was doing all while wearing my Great Smoky Mountains short-sleeve T-shirt (no sweater, no jacket). ~~ I am so excited about everything I've seen, and experienced, so far!! This is a beautiful campus!! ~~ I'm praising God for this new and wonderful gift!!

I often tell the following story (originally heard in Church, or read in a Christian publication): An individual died and went to Heaven. Jesus was showing them everything--far and wide. Finally He took the individual to their mansion. Inside were beautifully wrapped boxes of all sizes and shapes. Imagine the most elaborate wrapping and decorations. When the individual inquired "What's all this?" Jesus said, "These are all the gifts we wanted to give you while you were still on earth. You never unwrapped them." After sharing that story, I add this postscript: "I'm always eager to unwrap the gifts that my Heavenly Father has for me!!"

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Last two pictures: The restrooms and showers, and laundry room, as seen from my campsite. My campsite as seen from the restrooms, showers, and laundry room.