How He Helped Me Say Yes

I knew He was telling me it was time to go to Africa for Jesus.

I knew when I read her words--"I would love, love, love for you to go with me for two weeks to Uganda next late May/early June."

But it FREAKED ME OUT!

Africa?! I never wanted to go to Africa, not even to visit. It's too far away, too outside the realm of my experience, too uncomfortable. Africa?! How could I help people in another culture and land I know nothing about? It didn't make any sense. Nothing prepared me for this. And how in the world could I come up with the $4000 I needed to go?!

While I squirmed and tried to find ways around it, God surrounded me with people who saw it clearly. My exercise buddies talked about how exciting it was and all I could say was, "I never said I was going!" but they knew. They knew what God was asking and they knew I'd eventually come to grips with it. A text from a friend concurred--"Just saying you're going and you know it and so do I!!" When I worried about how to come up with the money, my husband said without blinking, "That's not a big deal. God will provide it."

No one gave me an out. No one. I struggled to accept God's plan. I couldn't get away from the nagging thoughts. Fear sat in my gut. My heart pounded.

I hashed it out with God while cooking dinner one night, the vent fan humming, providing the appropriate backdrop to the fog in my head. Really, God? Are You really asking me to do this? I don't know if I can.

I stirred and took deep breaths and kept putting it out there.

This doesn't make any sense. Why me? Why now? What can I possibly contribute? What do I know about this?

My stomach churned and the meat sizzled and tears rested just on the surface.

I really have to do this?

And out of no where, the most comforting thought entered my brain.

I want this for you, Tami. This is my gift.

My mind flooded with images of breathtaking scenery and phrases from emails sent from the women urging me to join them in Uganda . . . I will take you on a safari, and a coffee safari, and show you the source of the Nile. There is something almost spiritual that happens when you see the Nile for the first time and think of its history! . . . I crave the discomfort because I get to see God show up in such BIG ways! . . . I promise you, a mission trip of this kind, will grow your faith exponentially. The privilege I was being given suddenly came into focus.

It IS a gift, one I can't refuse.

The next day I wrote an email telling my friend Kelly I was in, but I couldn't send it. I was still scared. If I did I was committed. I let it sit and took my daughters out to lunch.

We talked about this crazy Uganda idea at lunch and I told them about the email I couldn't send. Immediately Drama Queen said, "Mom, do we need to follow you up to your office and hit send for you?!" Princess Dawdle agreed. Even my kids knew. We came home from lunch, Drama Queen rustled up her dad and the four of us went up to my office. They gathered around me and watched me hit send.

I am in. Committed. Going to Africa for Jesus.

I still get scared sometimes. Lately God's been overwhelming me so much I'm afraid my heart can't take any more goodness. But when it feels scary and hard I remember His clear, comforting words.

I want this for you, Tami. This is my gift.

And somehow that soothes me. It makes me understand this is not a punishment, not a trial, not a test. This is a gift.

I accept, Lord. Thank You.



Photo Credit: floato

When I Said I Do . . .

I remember the day well.

They say everybody is nervous on their wedding day, but I wasn't. Maybe I was stupid and didn't know what I was getting into, but I wasn't nervous. Not at all. I was so excited I could hardly take it. Our six month engagement seemed eternal. I was ready to start this life together already!

I took the commitment seriously. I did. We even wrote our own statements to add to the traditional vows. I listened intently to everything the pastor said, to everything Kevin said. I looked my future husband in the eye and meant it. I had no fear in being united with him. Before coming to the altar, Kevin and I shared MANY conversations about marriage being forever. We agreed divorce was not an option.

But were we too young and naive to know what we were agreeing to?

Not long after the wedding I saw a new side to him. He wasn't as particular with money as I was and that scared me a little. I remember thinking, "What have I gotten into here?!" Was I going to have the burden of being the responsible one? Could I count on him to provide? But I loved him and knew God had brought us together. I trusted if I did what was right in the eyes of God, He would make it good.

Kids came and I quit working. At the same time Kevin was establishing himself in his career. I was home with four kids and he was gone. A lot. It was easy to feel slighted, overlooked, unappreciated. There were LOTS of times I wanted to be gone when he got home, to make him worry about me for once, to escape the demands of small children and take some ME time. I longed to drop the kids off at one of our parents' houses and get lost without anyone knowing where I was. But I didn't. Because that would not be right. I loved him and knew God brought us together. I trusted God to make good of it.

We purchased a van from a crooked dealer. We felt threatened when properties around our house were bought up, pressuring us to sell cheaper than we could afford. Kids got sick. Medical bills mounted. Problems arose in extended families. Basically life kicked us in the pants and I thought back to how much we didn't know on our wedding day. Would I have been as excited knowing all this was in our future? Desire for escape built and I wondered how much easier life would be without this husband, this family. But I loved him and I knew with every fiber of my being God brought us together. So I stuck it out with him. I learned to trust my husband. I found reprieve in his arms instead of escaping to no one and no where. God made it good.

The commitment hasn't always been easy. For either of us. I've been no picnic to live with, let me tell you. My husband has had to muster unbelievable amounts of patience and grace. I believe our commitment has stuck not because we were so dedicated to one another, but because our first day together we pledged to each other and GOD. We committed to HIM first. When disappointments and disillusion and trouble came and we didn't feel like honoring each other, we remembered making vows before GOD. When it felt like the other didn't deserve the commitment, we knew God did. We've been able to persevere through the rough days knowing we promised God we would.

I wonder if that's where we're missing the boat in marriage these days. Are we committing to a person who likely will change and hurt and disappoint us, instead of committing to God who is the same forever? Is it easier to break a vow to a person who's hurt us than to God who makes all things good?

When I said I do, I was madly in love, eager to be Mrs. Boesiger. Committing to him that day was easy. I had no idea what troubles might be ahead. When they came, I remembered I made a promise to God and that is what spurred me to work harder, forgive and press on.

I love him (oh, how I love him) and know God has brought us together. Only He makes it good. Honoring our commitment to our God has made it so.

When trouble hits your marriage, what motivates you to stick it out?

If you like reading about marriage and how others make it work, click on over to Chrysalis and read more Marriage Monday posts.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 220)

1) Princess Dawdle is often running behind (imagine!). As we were ready to walk out the door the other day, she noticed there was a spot on her shirt. This girl's slow, but rolls with the punches and said she could take care of it in the van with her Tide stick. She was working away at the spot when suddenly she made an important observation.

Princess Dawdle: Tide sticks smell like blue cheese.

Me: What?! No they don't.

Princess Dawdle: Yeah, they do, but sometimes you just have to suck it up and smell the blue cheese.

Oh my. This girl's becoming a product of her siblings.

2) I'm feeling bad for poor Drummer Boy. He called the other day to get some medical information because he decided to give plasma. 'Cause they pay, you know. Some people say it's a rite of passage for college kids to give plasma, but I've never done it. I think Kevin has. What say you? Is plasma giving standard procedure for college kids? Have you never lived until you've done it?

If so, I've never lived. And speaking of living, here's another little tidbit I found disturbing. I was talking with my friend Kelly yesterday, the woman I'll be going to Africa with, and she told me the life expectancy in Uganda is so low that she and I will be considered old. Really. She's been called an old woman and she's younger than me!

I don't like this. Not one bit. I was traumatized at Christmas when I discovered the only people in a room of 30 individuals that were older than me were my mother and my sister's mother-in-law! Then I had a birthday and now this! At least Ugandans revere the elderly for their experience and wisdom. This granny girl may get some respect.

3) Who says boys aren't considerate? Last Saturday morning Ladies Man left this note for Princess Dawdle. I guess he didn't want her to worry when she woke up to find no one home.


I know I'm a sucker for things my kids do, but I thought it was kinda sweet he even thought of it.

4) I'm super proud of Drama Queen. She's taking a women's literature class this semester and had to give a presentation on a female author of her choice. She loved the book One Thousand Gifts and decided to choose Ann Voskamp as her author.

I thought it a little risky. She goes to a public university and I worried she might encounter a liberal professor who thought her too idealistic and naive. I did a book report once for a Freshman English class in college and chose a Christian book. The school I attended was a private university founded by a church and still my professor blasted the book report, saying I used the word "inspirational" too much. In a three page paper, I'd used the word twice. He just didn't like the subject matter. I remember another paper on abortion for the same class that was marked down purely because he didn't like what I had to say.

But I didn't tell Drama Queen about my experience and thought she would do a good job with it. And she did! She received an email from her instructor saying, "Your presentation on One Thousand Gifts was incredibly inspirational, and it meant a lot to me personally . . . I can't thank you enough for a marvelous choice, and you easily earned an A."

You just never know how God's going to use something. I love how He can take an ordinary assignment and make it meaningful to someone. Way to go, Drama Queen. So cool!

5) We had a lovely family dinner last Saturday night for my birthday, except my head was still full of snot, I guess, because I couldn't taste a thing! We went to a favorite Mexican restaurant and I ordered a salad because I figured if I couldn't taste it anyway I may as well be healthy. Boo.

I've taken tasting for granted, I tell you. It's been coming in and out for the last week and is so frustrating. Kevin got an ice cream cake for my birthday and I couldn't taste it! Totally NOT worth the calories without that satisfaction. Sigh. My head must be plum full of snot as every time I blow my nose I hear squeakies in there. Sometimes when I blow my nose I can't hear out of my ear!

But no worries. It's getting better every day. And when everything tastes good again I'll wish I had that ability to shove the food aside when it did nothing for me.

6) And now it's time for Kevin's Korner.

So by now you all know my wife will be traveling to Uganda in June. I could not be more proud and thrilled for her. I see God all over not only this trip but every aspect of her life. She truly lives out her faith everyday of her life. Okay before you all get nauseated by my gushing, I'll move on. Sunday night as we gathered for choir rehearsal, Tami was talking with some of the ladies about the trip. I have to preface this by saying I have some of the best people in choir. They are truly concerned about each other and we are involved in each others lives. One alto (who shall remain nameless) asked this question. "Do we need to provide meals for Kevin while you are gone?" WHAT?!! I am perfectly capable of providing meals for myself and the kids while Tami is gone. I can cook and there is an abundance of fast food restaurants in the lovely metropolis of Beatrice, Nebraska. Now I know this question was not necessarily asked in total seriousness. We do our share of razzing each other, but I wanted to take this opportunity to assure everyone out there in the blogosphere, we will be fine in Boesiger household while Tami is gone… BUT if you do feel so led to stop by with some food occasionally I promise I won't turn you away.

Keep Kicking it!

7) One of my favorite traditions we started for my birthday a few years back was for Kevin and I to get away in the month of January. The fall is a super busy time for us and January gives us a little reprieve to regroup. We're spending this weekend at one our favorite places on Earth and will totally take advantage of some down time together, a beautiful atmosphere and no where else to be. Soooooooo wonderful. We will be working, mind you, but not in anybody else's time frame. I just love it. Am I a wimp that I feel like I NEED these kinds of weekends? It's so important both for my emotional health and the vitality of our marriage. I'm so thankful we can do it.

I hope your weekend is as wonderful as ours. Take a moment to read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

How God Tells a Middle-Aged Woman to Go To Uganda

It's a slow process, taking a few years.

First, He introduces her to books that annoy her, books that suggest she should be concerned about the world, not just her little part of it. He unsettles her with the idea that one person can have a global impact. She is not happy about it, but decides her heart could use some work, so she starts to pray for God to help her care.

Then He uses Facebook of all things, to bring back two women from her past, people she hasn't spoken to in years, who she never knew to be Christians. He unites them with the common thread of His Spirit and their communication is easy. They both read her blog and use it in different ways. One woman, Kelly, uses it as a basis for an impromptu speech half way around the world in Uganda. The other, Angie, asks to use it as an appeal for funding for her orphanage in Uganda.

It seems odd, this coincidence. Two women who don't know each other, both connecting on Facebook with her at the same time, both working in the same remote region, both reading her blog and taking the time to write. She tries not to think about it too much, but the coincidences don't go away.

Nearly every time she hears from one, she gets a note from the other within a week. Their correspondence hints at the same thing. When she tells Angie she's living her worst nightmare, being sent to Africa for Jesus, Angie says:

I know that someday you are going to come visit me, because voicing your worst fears the way you have, God has a knack of making us face those fears! LOL! But that's okay, I will take you on a safari, and a coffee safari, and show you the source of the Nile. There is something almost spiritual that happens when you see the Nile for the first time and think of its history!

Then her dear friend gives her a book about a young woman serving God in Uganda. Her Bible study co-leader has a daughter who takes a mission trip there. She can't get away from it. Uganda is everywhere! Kelly tells her this:

I have this feeling that God wants us to team up somehow. I feel there is something BIG that could come from that. So much of your daily writing resonates with me and I save many of them because they help me with my call in Uganda and in writing talks.

And if that isn't enough, Kelly sends her this note from her prayer partner, a woman she's never met:

I have goosebumps--again. I was going to call you today because several times yesterday while I was in prayer and again this morning, I got the same message . . . One of your key prayers of needing someone to join you is going to be answered . . . someone is being called to join you. Now of course, I don't know if it is Tami, but Tami will know.

He takes all these signs to get it in her head that some day she'll be going to Uganda. She can handle some day. It's there, but not too threatening, something you can plan for, like saying some day you'll need to replace the furnace or paint the house. Some day gives her time to adjust to the idea.

And God lets her simmer for a while. Kelly emails here and there. The communication is still open. She reads about Angie's orphanage and just waits in her content some day.

For almost a year.

A year of doing what's before her, satisfied in the work He's given, keeping the some day in the back of her head, but not rushing it, waiting very patiently, secretly hoping it's a long way off.

And then, out of no where, God moves. It starts as an email from Angie, thanking her for a little money she'd sent. The next day she writes a blog post titled, Playing it Safe, where she talks about how God doesn't let His people play it safe. She herself writes:

I have to ask myself some tough questions. Do I want to experience more of God if it means leaving my comfort zone? Am I willing to do hard to know Him better and grow in faith? If I play it safe, will I miss being part of God's work? Will I miss knowing Him in a deeper, more meaningful way? Do I want to risk that for personal safety?

My fearful human self whispers, "I want You, God," but my pulse quickens. What if it hurts? What will He require of me? I can't know and I suppose that is the gift we give Him--trust without knowing. So I pray, "Yes, Lord, whatever You want," but ask for His mercy to come alongside. I breathe deeply and hang on.

Is God leading you out of your comfort zone to draw you closer to Him, to show You more of His love? Do you think Christians can play it safe?

Kelly responds boldly:

Good blog! Serving as a missionary is certainly uncomfortable, but now I crave the discomfort because I get to see God show up in such BIG ways! It's one of the reasons I struggle when I have to come back to my comfortable life . . . I love reading your blog every day and I would love, love, love for you to go with me for two weeks to Uganda next late May/early June!

Some day has been given a specific time frame.

Some day has come.

The middle-aged woman panics, yet she knows. Her husband, her friends, even her children agree.

God wants her to go to Uganda.

How can she say no?

How can I say no?



Related post: He's Sending Me WHERE?!

He's Sending Me WHERE?!

It's overwhelming.

The need, the ways I could help others, the time required to make a difference in people's lives.

I see pain in eyes buried in brave faces and wonder what I can do about it. How can I make life better for them, more peaceful, fulfilling? What can I say? What can I do to ease the burden? Do I have the energy, the time, the abilities, the resources?

And then there's the people I don't know, children looking for sponsorship, heartbreaking stories of persecuted Christians in foreign lands and stolen little girls thrown into prostitution.

So. Much. Need.

If I understand God correctly, I'm supposed to do something about it. I'm supposed to be a light that shows the way to Him. I'm supposed to overcome evil with good. I'm told Love covers over a multitude of sins.

But what can I, a middle-aged woman in Nebraska, do? I can't make a dent in reaching the vast needs, not even in my own little community. What does God expect of me?

I pray about it, and He tells me to do what's before me, to worry about today, to listen, to read His Word, to obey. I guess all I can do is what He places before me.

So I go to Bible study. I talk with hurting friends. I take care of my family. I listen to people's problems. I pray. I make phone calls and send cards and drop an email here or there. I schedule coffee dates to hash over what God's doing. I write blog posts. I hug. I tell my stories to whoever is interested. I make myself available.

I think it makes a difference. Though my actions don't seem monumental, they matter. At least I've been content that I'm doing what God's placed before me. But I never stop praying for more opportunities, for more ways to help. Suddenly God has answered those prayers in a very surprising and scary way.

He's telling me to go to Uganda.

Yes, you read that right, Uganda, as in AFRICA! He's sending me to Uganda, which is completely crazy. As a teenager, it took me MONTHS to decide to become a Christian because I was afraid God might make me go to Africa for Jesus. I've never wanted to go on a missions trip. Never. Truth be told, I'm kind of a homebody. I'm the girl that cried every day the first two weeks of college, and I was only 30 minutes from home! In deciding on work opportunities as a young adult, I purposely chose jobs that kept me close to my roots. The furthest I've ever lived from where I grew up is an hour away.

But God's been very clear.

I'm supposed to go to Uganda.

And the questions whir again. Why ME? Why NOW? What can I possibly do? What do I know about Africa, or missions, for that matter? I've never had a heart that leans that way or an adventurous spirit. Being sent to Africa for Jesus is one of my biggest fears. WHY?

God answers in His trademark, expected way.

Trust Me. Do what is before you and let me take care of it.

So I do. And I will. But I know from experience that I can do very little on my own. I need your help. Start your engines, people! Bring on those prayers.

There's way more to tell about God's crazy plan. If you're one of those people amazed by His mysterious ways, stay tuned, friend. Already this has been an amazing journey of faith and faithfulness and is giving me a whole new perspective of God. I pray you'll join me as I share the story in weeks to come.



Photo Credit: Jeff Kubina

7 Quick Takes (Volume 219)

1) You'll recall Kevin was sick last week. Princess Dawdle caught it over the weekend and I started with it Tuesday. Yesterday was my birthday and I woke up with a fever. I've been telling people for weeks that the number is getting embarrassing and I need to quit having birthdays. Apparently God concurs.

As yucky as it sounds to be sick on your birthday, I found it to be a perfectly wonderful day. I laid around, played free cell, read, worked on a sudoku puzzle, and napped, all without an ounce of guilt. A few friends stopped by. I got some phone calls, enjoyed the Facebook frenzy and received lots of texts. A good, good day.

2) It's been a few weeks since we've seen Drummer Boy and I miss him. We'll see him Saturday, but until then I've been stealing glimpes of this cute picture he's had on Facebook. Love you, Drummer Boy.


3) Ladies Man: Princess Dawdle, you better not get a boyfriend your first year of high school.

Princess Dawdle (who is currently in 8th grade): I can't. I have to be 16.

Ladies Man: It'll be really hard for a kid in Band to date you (You can bet he'll be a hovering drum major). I can throw most of them across the room.

Is this protective older brother or proud I'm-a-dude behavior?

4) Drama Queen asked me to review a presentation she made for a class. I gave her a few suggestions, one of which was to change a picture she had included of me. I quickly got this email back which is so like her I laughed out loud:

Thank you!! Made all the changes! Minus the picture of you because I deleted them after I finished the powerpoint and there is nothing wrong with the one I have. Deal with it.

5) And now it's time for Kevin's Korner!

Sunglasses. How can something as simple as sunglasses cause kids to mock you? I have had to wear glasses since 6th grade. Sunglasses were never an option for me. This past summer when I got a new prescription for my glasses I also invested in a pair of over-the-glasses sunglasses. It was a cheaper option than getting prescription sunglasses. Almost instantly upon arrival home Drama Queen was chuckling at the size my new purchase. Now since I am not used to having sunglasses it did not take me long to lose leave them behind somewhere. For my next pair, I decided to consult with my children to make sure the new ones would be acceptable. They helped me pick out a new pair of over-the-glasses sunglasses at the Walmart in Okoboji when we were on vacation but I still saw their snickers behind my back. Well that pair lasted a little longer but they followed the demise of the first pair which brings me to this week. I went to Walmart to pick up a few things and happened past the sunglasses. I found what I felt was the best pair yet. I threw them in the cart, checked out and headed home. I laid the sunglasses out on the counter for the next morning's drive to work and it was no more than 5 minutes when the mocking began. It was 5 minutes, I tell you. They still had the tag on, I had not even donned them and starting with Ladies Man and quickly trickling down to the girls in the house, EVERYONE was mocking the new shades, even my lovely bride! Here's the kicker. I guess the size is what makes them dorky. They are a little bigger because they have to fit over my glasses but when I insisted they were not any bigger than Tami's, I was assured hers were fashionable. So, over-the-glasses sunglasses are officially nerdy no matter the look. I guess I should just accept my lot in life. After all I do listen to "Nerd People Radio," which is a rant for another day.

Keep Kicking It!

6) My children have an unspoken contest between them to produce the best response from me for my birthday or Mother's Day. Last year Drummer Boy "won" with his super sweet status on Facebook giving him bragging rights for probably the next ten years.

This year Drama Queen got in early on the Facebook wishes with this beauty:

Hey! If you see that amazingly gorgeous, intelligent, crazy talented and awesome Tami Boesiger today make sure you wish her a happy birthday! And if you don't see her today...find a way to tell her happy birthday anyway! Love you, Mom! Thanks for putting up with all of your hooligan kids.

Princess Dawdle wrote a heartfelt note in her sweet way.


But Drama Queen declared Ladies Man the "winner" with a jar he etched himself, full of meaning for my upcoming trip to Uganda in June (stay tuned in the next few weeks for more about this!). When I found it sitting next to my computer yesterday afternoon I cried.


7) While Princess Dawdle was sick, we got out a puzzle to pass the time for her, and I found I really enjoyed it.

Me: Uh oh, I'm going to turn into an old lady who sits around and does puzzles all day.

Princess Dawdle: No you won't. You'll have dad.

Me: But what if he goes senile?

Princess Dawdle: Senile?!

And then a hysterical thought hit me.

Me: Can you imagine how Dad would be senile? Think about how he'd rant about stuff then!

If we think he's fun now, he'll be a hoot as a crotchedy old man!

With that I'm calling this edition done. I hear the couch whispering my name again, although I do believe I'm on the mend. The ice cream cake my husband just brought home is begging to be eaten as well. Have a great weekend, friends, and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Faith in Marriage

I'm having one of those super sensitive, hormonal, what-is-the-matter-with-all-you-people?! kind of mornings and he perfectly displays the love chapter. Love is patient. Love is kind . . . He doesn't call me on my crap, but quietly loads the dishwasher.

I like his hair longer. He likes it short. So when he comes home with a super short new cut, I'm honest that I'm not crazy about it, but tell him it's only hair and doesn't really matter and it doesn't. God said so through Samuel. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Though he just wants to come home, and the grocery store will surely be packed and chaotic, he stops there for me anyway, modeling God's words to serve one another in love.

It's been a long day, one that didn't go according to schedule, and as the night comes to a close and the bed beckons, he wants to talk about his evening. Though my head aches and I've had enough talking for one day, I listen, recalling Paul's words to the Philippians. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

I approach him, feeling shaky, scared about what God may be asking me to do, telling him of all the "coincidences" and wondering if I'm hearing things right. He listens carefully then says, "I think you're supposed to do it." When I try to get out of it by mentioning the great cost he says, "I'm not worried about the money. God'll figure it out." And I thank God for a husband who understands his responsibility to encourage one another and build each other up.

I'm not completely comfortable with a big purchase he wants to make, but I've seen him seek advice, watched him handle the negotiations. I recognize the look of desire in his eye and appreciate his patience with his wife who has a hard time with change. I remember God's clear edicts in Ephesians. Women submit to your husbands as to the Lord and the wife must respect her husband. He's handled things responsibly and done everything he can to make this more comfortable for me, so I choose to trust him to buy it. (Later I'm so glad we did! Nice work, babe.)

He resists the eye rolls. I stifle the sighs. We do the right thing, though we may not feel like it, knowing love covers over a multitude of sins.

Married life isn't always pretty. Or convenient. Or easy. Both being in tune to God can make it easier. Our faith helps us do it better.

How is your faith displayed in your marriage?

Find more thoughts on faith in marriage by clicking over to Chrysalis for more Marriage Monday posts.

To be beautiful . . .

I had some dumpy days last week, you know, those days you feel like a slob. Holiday eating is catching up, I suppose, and my upcoming birthday reminds me I ain't gettin' any younger. I never get enough sleep and it shows. So does the worry, the gray, the wrinkles . . . sigh. Can a person really feel beautiful and sustain it?

And yet my favorite pictures of myself are those where I look content and happy. It had nothing to do with the number on my scale or the clothes I was wearing. The beauty came from within, not from my "outward adornment" as Peter would say. My spirit was still and at peace. How can I live there?

After Moses spent 40 days with God the scripture says, "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord."

His face was radiant, glowing, because he had spoken with God.

Sounds like real beauty to me.

But it isn't just Moses. David tells us in Psalm 34:5, "Those who look to him are radiant . . ." Isaiah echoes him telling us in chapter 60, "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you . . . Then you will look and be radiant . . ."

Radiant. I wouldn't mind being described that way. How about you? And what is required in each of these verses to become radiant?

Being in God's presence.

I need to spend time with Him. If I want to be beautiful, truly beautiful, I should spend more time with God than at the gym or beauty parlor or nail salon or department store. All of these places give temporary, outward results, but I need God to be wholly beautiful.

Will you join me on my quest to be beautiful? Will you commit to more time with Him? If so, scripture promises great rewards.

. . . And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (MSG)

Let the transformation begin, sisters! Let's get us some beauty. Lasting, pure, undeniable beauty. Let's sit ourselves down in His presence.



Photo Credit: ToniVC

7 Quick Takes (Volume 218)

1) I am having a difficult time getting back into the swing of things, friends. I find myself yearning to curl up in bed or my favorite chair and read until I can't hold my eyes open anymore. It doesn't help when the weather is rainy and cloudy like it was here yesterday (though I praised the good Lord all day for the moisture we desperately need). The outside just screams, "Take it easy. Grab a latte. Settle in. Read your little heart out." I managed some form of it, I guess. I started a new book while on the elliptical machine at the Y. I picked up a latte after taking Princess Dawdle to the orthodontist. And I did play a little free cell in between appointments. So I got all the relaxing all in, just not at the same time.

2) Kevin's been feeling under the weather this week and I saw a little resemblance to Ladies Man when he was sick before Christmas. I got the same little boy voice, the same sighing, same coughing, same droop. On Tuesday night I told my dear husband he should stay home instead of attending a meeting with me. I knew he must be bad when he immediately crumpled into my shoulder and said, "You're a good person."

Thankfully he seems to be on the mend now. Do you think I'll lose my Wonder Woman status now too?

3) We made an important discovery via a slice of bologna this week. We totally got our money's worth out of Princess Dawdle's orthodontist. Can you believe this perfect circle bite?!


4) We are thoroughly enjoying Kevin's new wheels. One idiosyncrasy I find hysterical is that he can only get good radio reception on one station. NPR! Of all the radio stations in the world, the one that comes in best is his favorite artsy-fartsy, classical music, Nerd People Radio (as our kids call it). One can't ignore the glaring sign that surely this car was supposed to be his.

5) We had a little snow in our neck of the woods on New Year's Eve. It was GLORIOUS! But now as it slowly melts, it tracks in all kinds of ickiness. I don't believe my kitchen floor has ever been so dirty!


All this with only two kids in the house! But I don't care. I'll clean floors any day just to see that beautiful fluffy goodness floating down from the heavens. I find it completely soothing.

6) And now for Kevin's Korner. Heeeerrrrrreeeee's Kevin!

This week has been frustrating for me. I got hit with a bug that drug me out for the better part of the week (refer to number 2). Anyway, after going to the doctor on Wednesday morning and getting put on steroids and an inhaler, I decided to stay home for the rest of the day and take it easy. I do have to admit the decision came after my wife asked me to stay home that morning and my boss told me not to come back to work after my appointment. I settled on the couch for the afternoon and clicked on Netflix. I landed on "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" a movie Tami would not ever watch anyway. Now I know reality must be suspended in order to even begin to believe any of the stunts could happen, but as the movie progressed things really got out of hand. Tom Cruise is indestructible in this movie! SPOILER ALERT: In the final scene of the movie he jumps into a car and nose dives it to the bottom of a parking garage and crawls away from it. I guess the crawling was to make it seem plausible. I have to admit by this point in the movie I had already thought "you've got to be kidding me" like a million times. The movie, which was listed in the "Action & Adventure" category of Netflix, qualified as a comedy in my book. At what point does a movie cross the line for you? I'm all for suspending reality but I guess in the case of this movie, I could only enjoy it if Tom Cruise had been wearing a cape and had a secret identity.

Until next week… Keep Kicking it!

7) I went to make cornbread last night and there was something funky about my cornmeal. First of all it was kinda lumpy.


Then I found some stringy thingys. Ew.


I haven't made cornbread in a long while, so I wondered if cornmeal had an expiration date. Boy did it!


Yeah. I sent Ladies Man and his lovely girlfriend to the store for more. Who knows what's been living in there! Yikes.

And so another week ends at the Boesigers. Keep your cornmeal current, people, and enjoy more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

The Only Way To Know God

Though I've read the passage many times, the verse stopped me.

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (John 15:3)

Already clean?

Not understanding, I followed my footnotes and cross references.

Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)

The Word cleans, sanctifies.

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:18)

The Word cleans, sanctifies, gives us birth.

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)

Clean. Sanctified. Given birth through. Born again.

Through the Word.

Yet again, I am reminded there is no substitution for the Word of God, no better way to find Him, no other method to improve our relationship with the Holy One, especially when you consider John 1 tells us Jesus IS the Word.

When I come to my Bible, God's Word, I come to Jesus. I am made new, washed, holy-fied, all things I can't do myself. All that from a few minutes of reading each day?! Why would I put it off?

What better way to start a new year than to get to know God more intimately? What else promises new life? Will you join me this year in seeking the elusive and resting in God's presence? Will you commit to cracking open your Bible faithfully and mining its treasures?

It's the only way to know God.



Photo Credit: Savio Sebastian

Honoring the Blessing

We saw Les Misérables over the weekend. Powerful movie. I cried and cried afterward, struck by the sacrifices and determination of others to bless my life, especially my mother. My time on earth has been relatively easy. I've not suffered poverty or sexual abuse or physical disability. I have never wondered when I'd eat again, never felt terribly unsafe, never had to hide from someone's anger. I've not been beaten or in bondage of any kind, never had to deal with an addiction. I've not feared for my life. I've not had health issues. I've always felt loved and cared for.

Why? Why have I had it so easy while others must struggle? Many times in the last few weeks I've pondered what that means, what it requires of me. I have been greatly blessed, in so many ways, through relationships and opportunities, through an easy American life, with freedom and access to resources. What responsibility is mine because of the blessing in my life? How can I honor the sacrifices of others, the privileged life I've been given?

How do I honor the blessing?

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Luke 12:48

These words have reverberated in my mind continually. Much will be demanded from me, but what exactly? I scour my Bible and find one answer.

Love deeply.

Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply from the heart.
1 Peter 1:22

My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.

My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
1 John 4:7-12 (MSG)

It's a pay-it-forward mentality. I can never repay my mother for all she's done to make my life blessed, but I can give the same sacrifices for my children, for people in my life. God says, "If you love me you will obey me. Obey me by loving others." I honor the blessing by loving others well, by offering my time, my resources, my heart. And as a result, my life is even more blessed.

God IS love, a love that doesn't make sense, that goes beyond human reason, that sacrifices just because. It's beautiful and other-worldly and noble and honorable. And real. And lasting.

May God open our eyes to the opportunities to love. May He give us courage and perseverance and faithfulness.

May He help us honor His blessing.



Photo Credit: jdv+

7 Quick Takes (Volume 217)

1) I just love the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Activities wind down. The church office is closed and Kevin is home most of the time. (He tells me the service won't plan itself. Imagine!) I don't worry about doing as much. We watch a lot of movies, take some cat naps in the chair, do some reading . . . glorious.

It reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend recently about capturing the peacefulness of vacation time. I see pictures from our 25th anniversary cruise and think I look very rested, very happy, joyous even. Why? Because for one week I gave myself permission to forget about the cares of the world. Is it possible to do that in real life every day? Can we teach ourselves to put aside our worries for a while and capture the same peace and contentedness in little moments?

I guess I'll see. I'm making it my mission this year.

2) Kevin got a different vehicle a few weeks back and I'm still getting used to it. The other day I heard the familiar sputtering of a bad muffler and got excited thinking he came home early . . . til I remembered he now drives a quiet car.

And my oh MY is this guy happy about his purchase. He's like a little boy. I bet I've heard him say a hundred times, "I just love my car." And it's not like it's some fancy sports model or anything. The car's ten years old, for crying out loud.

Proof we are simple people. (I'm happy for you, babe!)

3) Ladies Man attended the local highlight of the year for high schoolers last Sunday, what is known in our little town as Snowball.




He cleans up pretty good, huh?

4) Always the social butterfly (or is it constantly being ditched by her siblings?), Princess Dawdle enjoyed having friends over. We had three different girls here this week.




This explains why her bedroom never did get clean over break. Grrr.

5) While Ladies Man was dancing the night away and Princess Dawdle entertained guests, Drummer Boy and Drama Queen were in sunny Florida with the Cornhusker marching band, participating in festivities for the Capital One Bowl.

There was a parade in the rain.


Another parade and New Year's Eve fun with friends at Universal Studios.




And a game that was pretty good until 4th quarter. Boo.



Tan lines in January?!


And the last time these two will play on a drum line together. I think they were kinda sad. I know I am. Don't you love how she wants to be grouchy but just can't?


6) And now for what I hope will become a new feature on the Friday Quick Takes, an idea Ladies Man thought up. Welcome to Kevin's Korner (A phrase also coined by Ladies Man. For the record, cutesy misspelled words are a pet peeve of mine--think Kwik Shop and Kum & Go--ACK! But I digress.), a place for my darling husband to share his latest rant. Here's Kevin!

Since all the kids have been home I have complained about being mocked by the very children I spawned. I like to make it seem I am the victim of course, to the protests of my kids. Tami even joins in on the fun. Drama Queen started a picture in the shower and left a message for us all to finish. The developing picture turned into an elf holding a bag with a caption saying, “I want to be a dentist.” On the surface it seems like a reference to the elf on Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer but it has been a standing joke between Tami and I. Whenever I get a little whiny and start to complain she says in a very nasal tone... “I want to be a dentist.” It took me a few days to respond but I think what I came up with was very fitting. Check out the label on the elf’s sack in the picture below.


I promise to come up with better fodder next week. This was just what my mind could come up with for now and as I look over my first rant for Kevin’s Korner, I realize I have just given the blogging world reason to join my wife and kids in mocking me.

Keep Kicking It!

7) And there you go, the week in review at the Boesiger house. Alas, our down time is quickly dwindling and our older kids will be leaving us this weekend, but I'm very thankful for the time we had. I've heard myself say a lot lately that I didn't realize how MUCH I loved my kids until they left the house. Never doubt how important you are to me, my wonderful kids! Tonight is date night with my ever charming and entertaining hubby. I am a blessed woman.

Hope you're feeling blessed as well. If you want to extend the fun, visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes.

Seeking the Elusive--An Antidote to Worry

I spent far too much time worrying in 2012.

Worry robs us. It takes our sleep, our energy, our joy. It lies and distracts and saps and defeats and I'm pretty sure it aged me. Pictures don't lie.

Aren't people who follow God supposed to be characterized by peace and joy?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . .

I failed. Miserably.

It isn't right, all this worry. How does one find peace and joy? What must I do to cultivate it? How can I replace, or rather fight, the awful worry? Surely God's Word has the key to finding peace, right?

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you."

God told Moses and Aaron to bless others with this message, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

David tells us, "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."

Lord, you establish peace for us . . .

There's nothing I can do to get peace? It can only come from Him? It must be given?

But as I continue in His Word, I find another hint.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

. . . in quietness and trust is your strength . . .

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. . .

Trust Me.

It's always the right answer.

HOW? How does one trust God? It sounds pretty, but what does it mean?

I trust my husband because we have history, because he's shown himself trustworthy, because time has proven it to me. It's knowledge of each other and a track record. And the same is true of God. My history with Him has shown me He has carried me, led me, gently taught and guided. So trusting Him means remembering His faithfulness. It means spending time with Him, believing Him at His Word, being IN His Word. It means setting myself in His presence as often as possible and being confident of His love and plan.

Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air!

Psalm 89:15-17 (MSG)

Sounds like peace and joy, doesn't it?

In past years I've chosen a word to focus on rather than making resolutions. But this year I plan to seek the elusive, to go hard after peace and joy. My plan? Three easy steps.

Step #1 Pray for peace. If only God gives it, I should be asking for it.

Step #2 Put myself in God's Presence and Word as much as possible, more than ever, out of necessity and with consistency and urgency.

Step #3 Praise Him, sing to Him, in all circumstances and when I don't know what else to do.

Prayer. Presence. Praise.

It's my antidote to worry. Not an easy fix. I know it will take time and practice. I won't kick the worry habit quickly, but it will come. Eventually. As long as I stick with it. His Word promises it.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast . . .

Isaiah 26:3

What are your goals for 2013?



Scripture References: Colossians 3:15, John 14:27, Numbers 6:24-26, Psalm 29:11, Isaiah 26:12, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 30:15, Psalm 56:3-4

Photo Credit: ruffin_ready