My old boss used to use this phrase all the time for those who took up tasks at work that were not exactly easy or glamorous, and the origin actually comes from tenant farmers that were reputed for honest, hard work.
And I use this phrase to commend the volunteer group from our church Genesis who came out Saturday morning to the Detroit Rescue Mission, were we ended up cleaning dirty bathrooms, wiping down the shelter beds & furniture, sweeping & mopping out the floors from the mess left from their unfortunate recent plumbing disaster. Thank God for rubber gloves, that's what I say! And thanks to our DRMM contacts Bruce & Marci, for Rob & Sarah & Alli for coordinating our service there, and I'm sorry that I can't remember everyone's names but we were a group of about 15 and boy did we get a ton of work done in a couple of hours!
After helping to serve dinner at one of their other buildings for a few years, our monthly service there has now evolved to facility work, organizing, assistance with chapel service, and the medical professionals among us helping out a new 24/7 medical facility. Everytime we do a service project with them, I come away feeling humbled - by the many blessings in my life, and for God's grace in helping them to carry out their mission. So the true yeoman's service award goes to the men & women on staff for the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries www.drmm.org, who are celebrating their 100th birthday this year! WOW. I'm currently mulling over ideas about how we can celebrate this amazing milestone with them, so stay tuned :).
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Timing
Or, more specifically, God’s timing. The story of us is a story of how God’s timing is perfect, how God took us at the right time when we were at the right place and brought us together. Our marriage is a good example where it’s obvious (at least to us!) that God’s perfect timing is a part of God’s plan that is to our good. But recently we’ve seen a number of events in the lives of our friends where it’s harder to see that God’s timing is to our good – losing jobs, losing love ones, at times that don’t fit into our plans.
While we are fortunate not to have to directly deal with issues as rough as these, circumstances have made it such that we will have to delay our plans to move from our condo into a house this year. It’s always hard when you have plans, when you want things to happen to a certain timetable, when you want one thing to happen before something else, and those plans turn out not to be God’s plans. But in this case, God has given Liv and I wisdom to see that waiting a year to move is the best move for us. God’s timing doesn't always agree with our plans, but it’s for our good – and as the entrance song to our wedding reception says, “I know that God, my God, God is good.”
While we are fortunate not to have to directly deal with issues as rough as these, circumstances have made it such that we will have to delay our plans to move from our condo into a house this year. It’s always hard when you have plans, when you want things to happen to a certain timetable, when you want one thing to happen before something else, and those plans turn out not to be God’s plans. But in this case, God has given Liv and I wisdom to see that waiting a year to move is the best move for us. God’s timing doesn't always agree with our plans, but it’s for our good – and as the entrance song to our wedding reception says, “I know that God, my God, God is good.”
Friday, February 27, 2009
encouragement, part 2
I got this email from my mother-in-law this morning, and I really wanted to share her wisdom because it was so uplifting to me on this dreary rainy day (hope you don't mind, Mrs. Mac! :). I also copied the scripture she cited below her suggestion, and it was a fantastic idea - just try filling in your name and see if you don't feel encouraged! I have not always been great about accepting help in general, but the older I get, the more and more I appreciate our circles of "community" and I think that I've gotten a bit better at taking up offers of assistance. I hope that the people in my life that are going through a rough time know that they can lean on the Barton and I if there's anything that we can help with - please let us know.
You have been on my mind lately especially thinking back about your blog about setting boundaries. In retirement, I never thought I would still be having concerns about that issue. But I have realized it doesn't make any difference what you are doing, you have to be vigilant that it does not creep into places you hold sacred.
You are right, it has been a long winter for most of us in the Midwest. It sounds like you have had extra challenges placed in your life. Another good verse from Psalms is Psalm 91:14-16. At a Bible study, someone once suggested this verse and had us write it out with our name replacing "He". We will be praying that spring comes soon and we will see God's rebirth in nature.
Love, Mom
Psalm 91:14-16
Because he loves me, says the LORD, I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.
You have been on my mind lately especially thinking back about your blog about setting boundaries. In retirement, I never thought I would still be having concerns about that issue. But I have realized it doesn't make any difference what you are doing, you have to be vigilant that it does not creep into places you hold sacred.
You are right, it has been a long winter for most of us in the Midwest. It sounds like you have had extra challenges placed in your life. Another good verse from Psalms is Psalm 91:14-16. At a Bible study, someone once suggested this verse and had us write it out with our name replacing "He". We will be praying that spring comes soon and we will see God's rebirth in nature.
Love, Mom
Psalm 91:14-16
Because he loves me, says the LORD, I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
encouragement
It's been a tough week - and it's only Wednesday. My boss is leaving soon, two of my co-workers mothers passed away. And the dreadful Michigan winter weather drones on...
So if you have good news to share this week, post a comment or send me an email - I'd love to hear some! Let's lean on each other, friends.
I think I just saw this same verse in something I read recently (maybe Jodi's blog?) , anyway it was definitely worth the repeat for me.
Psalm 59: 16-17
"But I will sing of Your power. Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning. For you have been my defense and refuge in the day of trouble. To You O my strength I will sing praises; for God is my defense, My God of mercy."
So if you have good news to share this week, post a comment or send me an email - I'd love to hear some! Let's lean on each other, friends.
I think I just saw this same verse in something I read recently (maybe Jodi's blog?) , anyway it was definitely worth the repeat for me.
Psalm 59: 16-17
"But I will sing of Your power. Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning. For you have been my defense and refuge in the day of trouble. To You O my strength I will sing praises; for God is my defense, My God of mercy."
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A tale of two faces
The photo on the left is me, August 2007, at my sister's wedding. The photo on the right is me, September 2008, at my own wedding.
I guess I didn't realize how much weight I have lost until I put these photos next to each other. There's plenty more weight to lose, but thanks to better choices, a wife who supports me in eating healthier, eating red meat and pop a lot less frequently, and the Troy Community Center gym, I'm a lot healthier today than I've been in quite a while. And that is a blessing.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
My funny Valentine
Today, for my husband, I quote some of Beethoven's beautiful prose in his third letter to his immortal beloved:
"Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
ever thine
ever mine
ever ours "
"Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
ever thine
ever mine
ever ours "
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My 25 Random Things
-It's not that I think there's zero appeal to Facebook, I just feel like I can't afford to add a constant stream of distraction to my plate, you know?
-I took piano lessons for 9 years and should be much better than I am, through no fault of my teacher (I wonder if Mrs. Anderson is still teaching?).
-I wish I could've been in a girl band, though my actual participation would be fuzzy, given that I never learned to play the guitar (wish I did), am only a mediocre piano player (see aforementioned) and don't think sporadic karoake renditions or church choir would really prepare my vocals for performances.
-My niece & nephew are the cutest kids I know!
-In between leaving my parents house and getting married, I lived by myself for 12 years, a period which I did enjoy, but my husband is really cute so he can stay :).
-My two sisters & I all cry when we laugh hard, when something is really funny, we will literally weep!
-I have always been drawn to big purses, shiny jewelry and high heels, though I have had to curb wearing much of the latter since it turns out that my mom was right and my knees/ankles/feet have suffered greatly!
-I've always enjoyed trying and learning about lots of new things, but now I wonder if this has actually prohibited me from becoming really good at any one thing.
-I like to sing in the car and in the shower, and when I lived alone I apparently used to just sing around the house without a care, as evidenced by my neighbor in my first apartment who once saw me in the parking lot and said "hey, I like your singing!".
-I can't imagine what life would be like without friends who you can really be yourself with, and they've seen you at your best and worst.
-I am thankful that my husband is open to trying new food, because I love to see what different ethnicities have to offer, even though anything that is remotely "Asian" will probably always still top the list for me.
-It really bugs me when people don't hold to their commitments, because unless an urgent situation comes up at work, we make all the meetings and such, don't we? We should value our relationships even more than our paychecks.
-While I have traveled quite a bit, but I have lived in the suburbs of Detroit, MI all of my life, and actually think it is (was?) a great place to grow up and raise a family.
-I don't like "fake" blue in food - at all. Actually, I don't really care for eating anything that turns my tongue a weird color, but I will eat real blueberries.
-My first car was a 4-door 1984 Pontiac Sunbird, in a weird mauve-like color, but I thought it had a great radio system (it didn't).
-I thank God that He is!!!
-I fear that my parents got my name from 70's pop icon Olivia Newton John, though actually I like it very much and have gotten many compliments on it, even though it has now somehow risen into the top 10 names for baby girls and is no longer quite so unique.
-In one (of several) of my junior/high school student council elections I ran unopposed, but still gave the campaign my all - complete with posters, an appeal speech, and the cheesy (but appropriate) slogan - "Olivia - The ONLY Way To Go!" :)
-I have a tattoo of a cross & a rose on my left shoulder. I think I got it my sophomore year at college, by a talented classmate who always played Belinda Carlisle music in the background while she worked her inky magic.
-I am the founding member of the group "Engineers : The Asian Women Who Love Them", but my friend Kim is the only other member so far :).
-I get really annoyed when I have to repeat myself.
-I usually eat a couple servings of fruit a day. I'm fruity for fruit!
-I came in 10th in the state spelling bee in the 6th grade. I still have the big red dictionary they gave me, and also a picture around somewhere of me at the big event with my big hair, wearing a black & teal sweater dress & black nylons - hot.
-I think that going shopping without a plan is for amateurs.
-My friend Elson gave me a tube of Mac lipstick in junior high as a gift after I admired his sister Emily's color, and I've worn the brand ever since in varying shades of my signature red.
-I took piano lessons for 9 years and should be much better than I am, through no fault of my teacher (I wonder if Mrs. Anderson is still teaching?).
-I wish I could've been in a girl band, though my actual participation would be fuzzy, given that I never learned to play the guitar (wish I did), am only a mediocre piano player (see aforementioned) and don't think sporadic karoake renditions or church choir would really prepare my vocals for performances.
-My niece & nephew are the cutest kids I know!
-In between leaving my parents house and getting married, I lived by myself for 12 years, a period which I did enjoy, but my husband is really cute so he can stay :).
-My two sisters & I all cry when we laugh hard, when something is really funny, we will literally weep!
-I have always been drawn to big purses, shiny jewelry and high heels, though I have had to curb wearing much of the latter since it turns out that my mom was right and my knees/ankles/feet have suffered greatly!
-I've always enjoyed trying and learning about lots of new things, but now I wonder if this has actually prohibited me from becoming really good at any one thing.
-I like to sing in the car and in the shower, and when I lived alone I apparently used to just sing around the house without a care, as evidenced by my neighbor in my first apartment who once saw me in the parking lot and said "hey, I like your singing!".
-I can't imagine what life would be like without friends who you can really be yourself with, and they've seen you at your best and worst.
-I am thankful that my husband is open to trying new food, because I love to see what different ethnicities have to offer, even though anything that is remotely "Asian" will probably always still top the list for me.
-It really bugs me when people don't hold to their commitments, because unless an urgent situation comes up at work, we make all the meetings and such, don't we? We should value our relationships even more than our paychecks.
-While I have traveled quite a bit, but I have lived in the suburbs of Detroit, MI all of my life, and actually think it is (was?) a great place to grow up and raise a family.
-I don't like "fake" blue in food - at all. Actually, I don't really care for eating anything that turns my tongue a weird color, but I will eat real blueberries.
-My first car was a 4-door 1984 Pontiac Sunbird, in a weird mauve-like color, but I thought it had a great radio system (it didn't).
-I thank God that He is!!!
-I fear that my parents got my name from 70's pop icon Olivia Newton John, though actually I like it very much and have gotten many compliments on it, even though it has now somehow risen into the top 10 names for baby girls and is no longer quite so unique.
-In one (of several) of my junior/high school student council elections I ran unopposed, but still gave the campaign my all - complete with posters, an appeal speech, and the cheesy (but appropriate) slogan - "Olivia - The ONLY Way To Go!" :)
-I have a tattoo of a cross & a rose on my left shoulder. I think I got it my sophomore year at college, by a talented classmate who always played Belinda Carlisle music in the background while she worked her inky magic.
-I am the founding member of the group "Engineers : The Asian Women Who Love Them", but my friend Kim is the only other member so far :).
-I get really annoyed when I have to repeat myself.
-I usually eat a couple servings of fruit a day. I'm fruity for fruit!
-I came in 10th in the state spelling bee in the 6th grade. I still have the big red dictionary they gave me, and also a picture around somewhere of me at the big event with my big hair, wearing a black & teal sweater dress & black nylons - hot.
-I think that going shopping without a plan is for amateurs.
-My friend Elson gave me a tube of Mac lipstick in junior high as a gift after I admired his sister Emily's color, and I've worn the brand ever since in varying shades of my signature red.
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