Bruno’s back and he’s got a beef about Brazil nuts…
Archive for the Category »Humor «
Andrew Comings is a friend and a BMM missionary who works at the seminary in the Cariri Valley. Andrew has a great ministry with the seminary students and nationals there, including his work with puppets. Bruno, the Brazilian, is one of his creations. I enjoyed this clip of Bruno, and thought you all might, too
It’s only fair to give Andrew a little advertising boost since I’m using his video clip, so visit his family’s website at http://www.comingstobrazil.com/blog/ (only be prepared to see repeats of the Bruno posts on my blog!). You’ll find it an interesting read.
This video has made it’s way around, but it’s too good to pass up. For those who haven’t seen it, enjoy watching this two-year-old girl sing The Lord’s Prayer like you’ve never heard it before.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them;
for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
Last Friday I attended a Christmas party. Like many holiday parties, it had a gift exchange. In this case, the girls brought and received a girl’s gift; and likewise, the guys traded among their own gender group. I did not take a gift to the party because I did not want to take one home.
Since my arrival back in the States, I have been sorting through my stuff, “recycling” or giving it away in a vicious going-to-Brazil-once-and-for-all cleaning spree. I figured nothing I could receive would be worth its weight (literally) to haul back down to Fortaleza with me in my suitcase. In spite of my forethought, however, I still ended up opening a gift – two, actually.
I had gone to the party with my parents, but because they had to leave just before the gift exchange to attend another party (such popular parents I have), I was left as the family representative to open both Mom and Dad’s gifts. Since I was helping with the exchange, I received some of the last presents to be handed out. I emphasize this because, contrary to “gift rigging” that has occurred during other years, this was sheer chance – or rather, sheer sovereignty of a God who, I am certain, has a great sense of humor.
This is what I unwrapped:
As for the questions (“Are you obsessive-compulsive?”), Mom does not carry bleach in her purse, but she has a lot of other interesting things in there. My dad does not mow the neighbor’s lawn, but he does snow-blow the neighbor’s driveway. My credit cards are not alphabetized, but they are organized in a specific way.
What am I saying? Everything in my life is organized in a specific way. At FA, my students used to intentionally rearrange objects just to see if I would notice. One time, a student came up behind me and covered my eyes, then asked me to name the books I kept on the side of my desk, so I did…in order, of course.
Actually, I was surprised that this doll wasn’t called the ”Lundberg Action Figure ,” but that’s probably because we get the family name from my father. Dad obsessive? Maybe, like when it comes to trout fishing, deer hunting, golf, etc.; but obsessive-compulsive? Um, no. Just stop by the house sometime, and I show you his workshop – well, that or the ice cream bowl sitting by his easy chair.
Incidentally, this was the second time I was proved wrong. I went gift-less and with the same attitude to an earlier party where I was “force-fed” a gift, and it was perfect: a bath set with Sweet Pea scent (one of the two that I use…). I know God’s not obsessive compulsive (thank goodness or we sinful humans would have been destroyed long ago), but isn’t it amazing the care God gives to the little “insignificant” details of our lives.
And just so you know, I am working on my compulsive behavior. The Holy Spirit has convicted me on more occasions than I can remember (must be that selective memory) about my need to just let go…yeah, I see you all smirking out there…that business of recognizing and remembering that my godliness is solely the result of God’s grace in my life; of focusing on my behavior and responses and leaving the Holy Spirit to fulfill His role in the lives of others; and of so many more areas. *sigh* Good thing sanctification is a process, ‘cuz this is going to take a while…
The good news is God mercies are new every morning; indeed, great is His faithfulness (Lamentations. 3:23).
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed into the same image
from one degree of glory to another.
For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
Okay, I admit it: I want to be like Erin White. She is sooooo cool which is why she finds such fun videos to put on her website. Those who know me know that I like to be original, so when I thought of copying Erin – oh, how that went against my grain! – but the video below is too good not to share the fun. Enjoy! and Merry 12 Days of Christmas!
Do you remember those kids from elementary school who never wanted to lose, so whenever they ended up with the short stick during a game, they would change the rules? or if they got tagged, they would quit?? I was never one of those kids; however, when Erin “tagged” me in her blog, I confess I had thoughts of grabbing my ball and going home. As proof of my friendship, however, here it is:
WHAT WAS I DOING TEN YEARS AGO?
Ouch. This one hurts my mind to try to remember…hmm, let’s see. I think I was in my last year at Iowa. Katrina had married Jake the summer before, which means I wasn’t living with her, but I can’t remember if I had yet moved into the little Wayne Street Avenue apartment with Natalie. Regardless, I was undoubtedly spending time with both of them and playing soccer.
…I lied. I was living at home, and I have proof. Just now, I ran upstairs to look at some photos from that year. I had forgotten, but that was winter that I broke my petella (kneecap) playing soccer (at least I had that part right).
Do you like my schnazzy crutches? Nothing but the best for the Hawks. (Go team!) Actually, they were great crutches; but better than those, during my photo search, I found a great one of Natalie from Courtney’s Mary Kay b-day bash. Say cheese, Natalie!
This was my second oldest niece Jessica’s first Christmas; Rachel was two. It seems that since their births, as well as those of my other nieces and nephews, I remember time more by their growth and change than the events in my own life.
WHAT WAS I DOING FIVE YEARS AGO?
I was working in the office at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, having just spent my first summer there as Activity Director Dave Taylor’s assistant. Pr. Phil pestered me all summer long about staying on to work, and all summer long, I said no…obviously I’m a woman of my word.
That was also the year of the Jensen addition, so part of my office responsibilities was to be a regular nuisance to Marvin Nehring and the volunteer construction workers. Ah, fond memories.
Rachel was seven; Jessi, five; and Johnny was two. They were as fun then as they are today. Just as cute, too. If I’m calculating correctly,
WHAT WAS I DOING ONE YEAR AGO?
One year ago, I enjoying FA’s annual December activities. The first was the high school Mele Luau Christmas party. Do you like my homemade lei?
The second was the FA Christmas Program. That evening, I met a really ”cool” guy at school and was so smitten with him that I did something I NEVER do. I kissed him on the first date. Perhaps that’s also why it ended up being our last!
I also got my share of the cold last winter when I was given the best gift of all – a plane ticket home! Rachel, eleven, was nearly as tall as me. (FYI, when she greeted me at the airport last month, she had to bend down to give me a hug.) Petite Jessi was, nine; Johnny was six; Anna and Ali were three; and Parker was one. Austin, who would wait six more months to make his arrival, was safe and warm inside his mother.
During my short time in the States, I managed to squeeze in a quick camp visit to see my former friend Erin. Please remember, it was she who “tagged” me…well, I guess she did make a special b-day cake for my visit…however, she didn’t really make it for me…but she did send me peanut butter in a care package – oh yeah, that resolves it. Nevermind the “former.” It’s a typo. It should have read FOREVER friend! (Love you, Erin!)
WHAT WAS I DOING YESTERDAY?
Okay, this is really going to stretch my memory. Yesterday I spent the day trying to stay warm (see photo below) while working on this blog. (Right now, I am frantically typing to finish it up since I promised Erin a post!) I also worked on my upcoming church presentation, sent off some emails, worked on a Bible study, sorted through some of my belongings (what’s to go to Brazil, what’s to be given away, etc.) found out some disappointing news about my external hard drive, and talked for a short time on the phone to a cute guy named Fred.
FIVE SNACKS I LOVE
Popcorn
Maracuja (passion fruit) juice made with milk
A juicy mango
A spoonful of peanut butter – yum!
Vanilla Cappuccino Coolers (Did you notice the Starbucks Frappuccino on the endtable in the picture with my cast? That was a special treat from my sympathetic mother.)
FIVE PLACES I WOULD RUN AWAY TO
My special beach spot in Brazil
A coffee shop
California – that is, if it’s okay with two special ladies…
A good bookstore
IRBC
FIVE TV SHOWS I LIKE (DISCLAIMER: I don’t watch TV – really, I don’t – so I’m going to have to rely on shows from my past. Sorry.)
Scarecrow and Mrs. King – one of the best shows of all time!
The Cosby Show – another classic
The Mary Tyler Moore Show – I told you they were from the past, even beyond MY past!
Judging Amy
Trading Spaces
FIVE THINGS I HATE DOING (Hate is a very strong word, so I don’t know that I hate doing these tasks, but I certainly don’t enjoy them…)
Making mistakes
Responding to a “TAG” – Just kidding, Erin!
Matching socks – I’m far too much of a perfectionist. How do you find just the right match with the same about of stain and wear?
Lesson planning
Watching violence in movies or TV shows
FIVE BIGGEST JOYS OF THE MOMENT (Just what does this mean exactly???)
Spending time with my nieces and nephews
Talking with Freddy on the phone
Completing tasks – Ah! Now there’s a nice feeling!
Curling up under heavy covers
Having extended time to spend in Bible study and prayer
So, there you have it. (And with nearly two hours to spare, Erin!) I guess I’m now suppose to tag someone, only I don’t know that I can after listing it under things I hate; so let me resolve it with this: I tag anyone with a fun spirit and free time who is compelled to participate – only be sure to let me know, so I can enjoy reading it, too! Happy blogging!















