Technical Challenges

Greetings dear readers!

I am doing something new. Probably some of you have received an email with my blog post and you opened it only to find a blank page.

I'm starting to use my website for my blog site and for a few weeks, I'll send you a reminder through this blogspot.

This is a little of my blog for today:

To view the rest of the blog, please go to: http://shirleymozena.com, click at the top of the page to "blog". You should be able to read the rest of it.

Thanks for stopping by!

I really enjoy looking back sometimes. Looking back usually shows you how you’ve moved forward. I write a blog, keep a journal and write down prayer requests. Then I can look back and see how God has worked in my life. It’s amazing, actually.

http://shirleymozena.com/blog

1946

I’m going to admit to you today—and most likely never again—the year I was born.

Today I celebrate a milestone birthday. Why? Because it has a “zero” in it! I call them milestone birthdays.

Last evening, as we were dropping off to sleep, Jim asked me, “Do you remember other milestone birthdays?” 

My first Milestone Birthday, age 10

Just liked this at age six

I thought about the various zero milestones in my life. I remembered each one of them. Some were more special than the other. Others were really difficult ones and with not much joy. I clearly remember the one ten years ago.

I was a teacher and I was brokenhearted. Why? My high school sweetheart, the father of my two children, the man I’d lived with for forty years, my husband, died only three months earlier. On my day, I was at a solo/ensemble contest with my elementary vocal ensemble. This would be the last contest our school would enter, for in another month, the school would close its doors permanently. On that day, after the contest concluded, my son, Todd, roared down from the sky in his airplane to pick me up and we flew home to Vancouver, where my daughter, Erika, had a special birthday celebration for me. It was a day as wonderful as it could be for someone who had a broken heart. There were many friends there, with words of encouragement and praise for me on that day. It was good. 

The years passed. My heart began to mend. I met another kind, loving man who brought love into my life once again. It was a story-book romance. All the sadness and brokenness of my past slipped away. Blair loved me and we were joined as husband and wife. Too soon, though, Blair was taken away from me. And I had another broken heart. By this time, though, I knew that though it was broken, God could heal it. And He did. Not with another man, but Himself. Jesus promised His followers:

The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me

To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the

brokenhearted.

Luke 4:18

Whenever I read anything in the Bible that talks about a broken heart, I perk up, for I know what a broken heart is. Only one person can take care of that broken heart. It isn’t time. It isn’t another husband or boyfriend. It isn’t possessions or travel. No. It is Jesus Christ, the person speaking in the above verse who heals a broken heart. 

It took time for my heart to mend. I wrote a book about my losses and my heart began to repair. There was travel and I learned to do that on my own. I was in a relationship I thought was right when it wasn’t and in God’s sovereign way, it was ended. 

More than a year passed. I’d begun to resign myself to not ever having another man in my life. I was told I’d had my Cinderella type of experience once, that I’d had two men who loved me and why would I think I could have it again? So I let go of any expectation of a future with another man in my life. 

But God, in His miraculous way, had another idea. This person  popped into my life one September morning. We met face to face for coffee and soon realized we were right for each other. And miracle of miracles it happened! Jim and I have now been married two years and five months! 

We have a wonderful, loving relationship. It is better than I ever dreamed. And I believe  Jim would say so too. 

“Why don’t I meet someone like you did?” You might ask. “Why don’t I have a loving husband like you do?” Might be another question. I don’t have an answer for you, but I will tell you that your relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important relationship you can have with anyone. He promises to be that husband you don’t have—or the husband you wish he’d be and isn’t. He promises it. 

I’ll go back to “the day” I’m celebrating. Instead of being bummed that I’m turning another decade, I’m going to be joyful I’m still here on Earth, healthy, happy, adored by my husband, loved by my family. I know I”m loved intensely by the God of my childhood and through my adult decades as well. What more could I ask? Nothing. 

I looked up other people born this year. There are lots of them. We’re the first of the baby boomers. You might recognize some of them. Here’s a short list: Bill Clinton, George W and Laura Bush, Donald Trump, Connie Chung, Hayley Mills, Sally Field, Patty Duke, Candace Bergman, John Piper, Ron and Rosaleen Stone…..and more. Happy birthday, Baby Boomers born this year! I hope you’re as happy as I am. You are loved—by the Maker of the Universe, Jesus Christ. 

The following photos are some random, but important events in my life:

With my parents

With my new in-laws

Giving my daughter a blessing before her marriage to Trent

Another special day with Blair Graybill

With my son at his graduation from OCS

Look what God brought together! December 7, 2013

On the Sea of Galilee, March, 2016

Face Your Fears

Daniel was a great man in the Bible who had powerful faith in God. By the time he reached old age, he had many experiences in trusting God. Yet when he was approached by “a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. His face was like lightening, his eyes like flaming torches…..and his voice like the sound of a multitude,” he was terrified. But the man said:

Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

Daniel 10:12

After talking with the man—probably an angel—Daniel was again overcome with anguish (this is a really good story—you might want to go to Daniel, chapter ten in the Old Testament and read it for yourself). And then the angel said:

Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength.’ Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,' he said.' Peace! Be strong now; be strong.’ 

Daniel 10:18b

Wow. Even Daniel was afraid. 

We’ve been camping at the beach these past couple of days. Nearly a year ago, we came to this very place for a writing retreat and to spend time with Jim’s sister and brother in law. The weekend was interrupted by a fairly simple fall that turned out to be very serious.

One year later, we’re back. We’ve enjoyed taking leisure strolls along the beach. We rode our bikes on meandering roads  throughout the park. Tomorrow, we plan to hike out to Cape Lookout where there are breathtaking views.

This evening, Ron and Rosaleen will join us for the weekend. I’m not superstitious, but I do have some flashes of fear when I take steps up into the RV where my fall took place. I don’t want to repeat that same accident, and most likely I won’t, but that doesn’t chase away the fear completely. Even Jim gives me cautionary comments such as, “Watch your step, honey. Don’t trip.”  We rode our bikes today and Jim followed behind, chiding me to “slow down, be careful.”

I remember reading about an Olympic athlete who was asked, “Aren’t you afraid when you step into that sled and go so fast down the track?” 

The athlete responded something like this, “You must face your fear and then do it.” I liked that statement and it means even more to me now that I was set aside for a time because of a major injury. That means I’ve got to face the fear and not be afraid every time I go up stairs, ride my bike, or go for a hike.

Just as Daniel was reminded in the Old Testament to “face his fears”. Jesus’ disciples needed a reminder when after observing many miracles and having personal teaching of Jesus, they saw him walking on water and were afraid.  He calmed their fears with these words:

Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.

Matthew 14:27

A boat on the Sea of Galilee

The disciples were afraid. I’m sometimes afraid. So was the prophet Daniel and the Olympic athlete.

Sea of Galilee, or Lake Galilee

In Capernaum, on rocks Jesus walked and worked as a carpenter/stone mason

What’s your fear? It doesn’t have to be big. Maybe it’s tripping while walking among rocks.

 Or getting back on a bicycle after a long period of time. Perhaps it is fear of growing old. Passing an exam in school. Losing a job. It could be talking to a doctor about some disturbing symptoms you might have. Perhaps your mate has a problem remembering things—you don’t want to face what that might mean in your future. Do you need to step out and face the fear? 

This weekend at our campground, there will be a competition between hang gliders. I’m pretty sure they have to face their fears as they jump off the cliff and float/glide to safety. Of course they need to check their harnesses, re-check all of the controls before they jump. But then they need to “face their fears” too. 

So for now, I’ll indulge my husband Jim’s fears I’ll fall. I’ll  take hold of the handrail as I step into our little motorhome. I’ll be extra cautious when I get on my bike. And watch my step among rocks and boulders on hikes in the mountains or on the beach. Yet I have to do it. Face my fear. And then move on with courage. Facing the fear is the most difficult. 

Pearls

Love that is hoarded molds at last,

Until we know someday

That the only things we ever have

Are those we give away.

It’s been nearly three months since my mother in law, Marian Rudberg, left this earth for eternity. I should say Heaven. Everyone leaves the earth for eternity, but not everyone chooses Heaven. Marian is in Heaven.

Marian had a deep faith in God and I know right now she’s enjoying the presence of Jesus. She was a strong pray-er and talked about her Lord and Savior often. Her Bible was well marked and the binding loose from the many times she paged through it. 

She lived for nine decades and was 93 years old. I’m facing a new decade in a week or so, and I’m not excited about it. Yet, measured in decades, it doesn’t sound quite so old. We can’t stop time, much as we’d like to. 

My mother in law loved her home and the things in it. She made her copper bottomed pots and pans shine with cleanliness. She dusted and polished her furniture to a rich gleam and her home was spotless. She ironed her tea towels and even her sheets!

Marian had a hope chest for each grandchild—boy or girl—and throughout the years, put some of her treasures in there. Tea towels, crystal, a recipe book, a handmade afghan.

When she moved into a one bedroom apartment, there were many things she gave away to family, or sold at a yard sale. 

As Marian grew older, she moved one last time to a group home and now her home was reduced to one room, allowing for only a few pieces of furniture. Even those were eliminated at the end when there was only a dresser and hospital bed in the room.

Just last week, her surviving son, Don and his wife Nancy, presented me with something she left for me. It was her string of pearls—real ones—that I know she treasured. I remember her saying at one time, she didn’t want to wear them for they needed to be re-strung and she was afraid they’d break and she’d lose some of the pearls.

I felt a swift feeling of sadness, yet pleasure that she remembered me. I missed her—not the Marian in her last days so much, though she was still that loving person—but all those years she was in my life. More than fifty! It was an honor those pearls were singled out for me. I know she carefully thought about what to give to each person and when she fingered her pearls, she thought of me! 

One day, I’ll pass those glowing pearls on to another. But it ’s really other things about Marian I’ll remember than the lovely necklace that belongs to me now. It’s her strong faith in God. Her love as well as her stubbornness and determination. 

 Thanks for remembering me, Mom. I’ll see you again one day in Heaven. Maybe we’ll even meet at the pearly gates. I know you’ve already seen them—and I’ll bet you’re amazed at the beauty there. I’m pretty sure you haven’t thought once about that string of pearls you left me. You loved deeply and though you were very human, I’d say love would be the best description of you! And I know that would make you happy!

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

I Peter 4:8

What do you want to be remembered by? I’m pondering that question too.

 Enjoy your day. And think about what treasures mean the most to you—and what you want others to remember about you. 

Here are some photos of Mom, just because it’s fun to see the changes over the years. 

With nephew Ron and firstborn son, Bill

Marian loved her great grandchildren

She loved parties, giving them and attending them, too

In Marian's early days

At one of her most difficult moments

This taken only 10 months ago

Welcoming Jim into the family

Christmas, 2013

True Friendship Lasts a Lifetime

I had a date yesterday. It was a blind date of sorts. You see, it was with a friend who was my best friend in elementary school. 

Here we are in 4th Grade. Sue's on the end, I'm wearing yellow

She and I attended grade school together in the old days. I remember sleeping over at her place, in the twin bed in the cold upstairs bedroom. As you dropped off to sleep, you could hear Johnson Creek gurgle and talk in the back yard. We wandered around the little farm as young girls, looking at cows. We played in the pond and pulled up skeins of frog eggs that looked like lacy green curtains with emerald sequins . We kept secrets at school, and in our imaginations were sure there was buried treasure out in the playground. We played marbles at recess. Learned  to play the violin from the same teacher. We sang duets together in school programs. She sang lead, I sang harmony. We each loved to read, and would share titles and books we picked up in the bookmobile that visited our school every other week. We talked about everything as best friends do. Our future. Who would we marry? What would we grow up to be? What would heaven be like? In the fifth grade she and I were one of the few select students in our class invited to participate on a local television program where each of us would perform a science experiment. It was so exciting to be on live TV! Most years we were in the same class and always tried to sit next to each other. There was a good chance of that—our last names were close in the alphabet. L and Q. 

This time we sat next to each other: 6th grade

For six years, we remained steadfast friends, but in the middle of the seventh grade, my family moved to Washington State. It was only across the river from Oregon, but at age 12, that’s a long way. 

We corresponded by mail for a few years. I was in her wedding. She came to mine a year later. We even had a few family get-togethers when our first borns were little. But time, as it does to all, ate away any chance of nurturing that friendship. 

Last year on a whim, I decided to see if I could locate Susan on FaceBook. I found her!

Yesterday, we met after at least 25 years. She was wearing an animal print top. So was I! She still had the same winning smile, her hair still strawberry blonde, her eyes, a rich, warm caramel.

Just a few years later.....

We talked for a long time, as good friends do. Neither of our parents are on earth anymore. She’d suffered painful loss in the death of her teenaged daughter. I’d lost two husbands so now there’s a kinship of loss. But it’s really more than that. It’s what caused us to like each other in the first place. As we said goodbye to each other yesterday, we promised it wouldn’t be so long next time. And it won’t. I’m so glad we found each other. Welcome back into my life, Sue!

Cathedrals Among the Rocks

We’ve been home nearly a week now and for the most part, adjusted to the Pacific Time Zone. 

Our trip was amazing and never to be forgotten. For the first twelve days, we wended our way through Israel, that tiny country that packs amazing history wherever you go. We climbed up slopes, gazed at rocks, stepped down into ancient water tunnels allowing towns to withstand enemy onslaughts for months. There were beautiful old cathedrals in cities and villages. We climbed among the the tels--archeological mounds created by old civilizations--and on one road, we stopped and gazed at an old, first century tomb that the road department workers discovered while working on the road. It was similar to the garden tomb where they laid Jesus. 

Each day, we were awestruck by the sights we saw. The rock sites that once were cities began to take on personality and substance. 

It was so satisfying to see OLD churches still in existence. In Jerusalem, there was one founded and built in 325 AD. THAT’s old!

We ended our trip by visiting a dear family in a little town called Avanos, near Cappadocia. Turkey has its own flavor and antiquity as well. Sad that even though the apostle Paul journeyed there three times, and early church seeds were planted and the early Christian Church thrived. Yet now, no cathedrals grace the streets, to attract visitors. Just newer mosques with their minarets and the speakers on top of them where the call to prayer is announced five times a day.

While we were in Turkey, we took a hike not far from Avanos with the family. They called it a valley, but here in the NW, we would call it a gorge. It was beautiful and reminded me of high desert central Oregon. Mountains and streams, sprinkled with evergreens and rocks. 

Among the rocks there were churches! Yes churches! 

High among the blooming trees, there were caves. We climbed up to a few and here’s what we saw:

I thought about those churches. Fearing persecution, early Christians hid and worshiped back there in the wilderness, carving out a place to worship  Jesus.

Governments from the first century up to now, have tried to stamp out Christianity but have not been successful. Though they had to hide and hew their churches in rocks, the cross is still there to remind believers what Jesus did for us. 

"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Luke 19:40

I'm grateful for those brave souls who kept believing in spite of persecution. I'm grateful for the One who gives us strength to believe and even gives us what faith we have. I'm so glad God promises us His love:

....yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.

Isaiah 54:10

Greetings From Turkey!

We’ve been on a long journey and I am surprised how quickly the time has gone. What can I say to summarize our tour of the Holy Land? I think I’ll give a few small bites of the trip.

The sights were nearly unbelievable. Rocks and more rocks that soon morphed into several thousand-year-old cities.

This is our hotel in Jerusalem

We saw the Jordan River and the Spring of Dan, one of the three springs that feed the Jordan River. We hiked up to a newly discovered Canaanite Gate—The Gate of Three Arches, where findings revealed Abram would have walked through with his nephew Lot and wife Sarai.

Gate of Three Arches, Where Abram entered

Entering the Dead Sea. Once in, it was great!

The streets of Capernaum, where Jesus walked

Where Jesus walked

On top of Mt. Carmel, where Elijah challenged Baal

A few of the people on the tour took notes, but for me—a habitual note taker—it was too much. There were too many awe-striking views to photograph, listen to the lectures by our tour guides, let alone write down much of the facts that were given. 

We listened to Dr. Ron Allen’s lecture at each location. They were full of information peppered with biblical facts and stories. I snapped photo after photo ’til the battery of my iPhone died, then we’d use the other phone.

Seeing the country with names such as Mt. Tabor, Mt Hermon, Mt Gilboa to name a few. Hopefully when we are home we can piece together our itinerary with our photos and remember more. We may have to return!

Meanwhile, I’m reflecting on what I’ve seen and what it means to me spiritually and otherwise. Every bit of the Bible has opened up to me.  When we read from our Bibles, we get out the map and remember our time in that particular spot.



There's so much more I could say, but I'll wait a few days. We've been in Turkey the past five days with a wonderful family. Thank you Kai and Chris! We loved our time with you in a "real" foreign town, complete with stone walls, Turkish toilets, and the sound of the calls to prayer from the Minarets. Such a sad sound.

Tomorrow we return home. I  think we'll see things differently now. We have more of an old world perspective.

Enjoy the remainder of this Holy Week.  And the most important day, Resurrection Sunday. Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

Possible tomb where they lay Jesus--empty now!