Harvest Time/Oil on canvas-1944/Lois Ireland

Lois part 2 (risky business)

I love what C.S. Lewis has to say about LOVE-it's dead on, and I not only agree, I've experienced it as most of you most certainly have if you live and breathe in this world.
C.S. Lewis (to give you a little background)-never wanted to open up to the idea of love. It was too dangerous to him. He couldn't accept the fact that it caused pain. That when you enter into a loving relationship with someone-you will eventually end up in a hurting state. There will be emotional pain involved. C.S. Lewis would rather live without love. He'd rather live without the risks involved of loving someone. It was just too risky to put his heart out there and on the line for another human being. He-out of that fear, lived without love for quite sometime.

The more he studied Christianity, the more and more he became open to love though-and finally risked it all for a woman named Joy, later in his life. He took such a big risk with her that he married her. She gave him the most joyous days of his life-and vise versa. It was like he bottled up all that love that he hadn't shared and saved it all for her. It was a risk for him though, because eventually, not too long after they were married-Joy died of cancer. But without that pain that he experienced in her death, he never would have experienced the happiness they shared. The joy they had together! He had to have that pain to have such love!

Well, I am feeling a bit like the earlier C.S. Lewis these days. Anyone who knows me knows that I would give a stranger my heart practically. I love people-and have a huge heart and compassion for people. More so now with Christ in my life- I really try to focus in on who I can love and serve besides myself! That is the ultimate goal, isn't it? That was Jesus'.

I am a pretty vulnerable person, and I wear my heart on my sleeve. I am open, emotional, compassionate, and always willing and wanting and ready to help. Especially the down and out, the poor, the widow etc...as you read in my previous blog "Lois", I had befriended her and taken time out of my life to serve her and reach out to her. I mentioned she was quite the spit fire, and a bit negative. Sort of a cynic. Even more reason she needed LOVE.
But I could handle it. So I thought.

Almost 2 weeks ago, I picked her up for a Caribou Coffee. I told her I only had a little over an hour and that I needed to be home for my daughter (plus with my health being so awful right now, I don't last too long out of the home). Anyway, we were enjoying our Ho Ho Mocha's and out of the blue, she looked at me with a mean look on her face and said "Well you're a inquisitive young girl aren't you?" I was so taken aback, I didn't even know how to respond. I didn't even know what specifically she was talking about! I do tend to ask questions-it's how I communicate and get to know people-it's how I keep things going etc...I must have been on a role, and she snapped! I felt so awful!
She got up right away and went to the bathroom-
Then about 15 minutes before we left, a friend that I knew from when I worked at Caribou came up to us and started chatting. Lois and I were on the sofa and she sat down on the coffee table. Lauren and I started talking about how Lauren was a dancer, and I told her how my daughter was too etc... so we were connecting on that. Each thing we talked about though, I made sure that I wasn't blocking Lois with my head, and that she was in the conversation too.

During the whole time Lauren and I were talking, I could hear Lois make this sound (she makes this groaning sound when she is frustrated or irritated), I was like "oh no".... Lois then reminded me snottily that it was 2:00, and "don't you have to get going?".

So we all headed out the door, as I was catering to Lois as usual "Can I through your cup away for you? Can I help you with your coat?" She was like dissing me the whole way out the door. She was very upset, like steaming!

Then we got outside, and I said goodbye to Lauren, and I asked Lois if she wanted a ride to Cub (she knew I couldn't help her with her groceries that day, and that she had to call the DARTS bus for a ride home)-and she ignored me! I was like "Lois, don't you want a ride down to Cub?"
She just said rudely"It's nice out (which it wasn't, it was like 40mph winds that day)-I'll walk!"

I was like "Bye", and she just ignored me!

Lauren was in her car and I was getting into mine, and we just looked at each other like, "What the heck?"

I was so determined, because I was so confused-so I drove it down the side of the sidewalk and I saw her just about getting to Cub, and I stopped my car and rolled down my window, and I yelled out "Bye Lois (still no response, she saw me and ignored me), bye Lois, Lois?"

FINALLY she took her left hand (which looked like she was going to flip me off)-lifted it quickly and shooed me!!!

I was so hurt that day and am honestly still confused. I called my husband right away in shock! I asked him what I did wrong!

I wanted to give up right then and there. My attitude quickly was not good. There was so much I was feeling and I was so frustrated, and my thoughts were NOT godly! I mean, what is the use!? Here I am barely getting by on my own, I have my own family, my own friends, my own church, my own house-and I'm spending time with you woman!

I felt like C.S. Lewis. It's not worth loving, and investing in others, because all that occurs is pain. I just get hurt. I just am unsatisfied. It's not fair. No one loves me the way I love them. I am tired of trying. It's not fulfilling to me. I can protect myself if I don't give of myself. No one is good to me back and on and on and on.

But I have got to know that even if I get hurt in the process, and Lois treated me the way she did (I have left her a message or two and have not heard back from her yet, so I will keep you posted)-I need to persevere! No matter what the cost, I must love! I must serve! No, not let people walk all over me, and I'll have to see how it goes with Lois, because if that kept up that would not be healthy.

But I must and you must take the risk, the time, the pain, the joy, the tears, the laughter, the calling, and the most important thing, the higher purpose and LOVE. If not for yourself, or for the other person, for GOD. I know that if Lois doesn't see who I am and doesn't give me the stamp of approval, or appreciate me-it's ok-because GOD does. What He thinks is all that matters. He sees what I am doing here on earth for Him. It may hurt, it may be unfair, it may be ugly, it may not be how I want it, and it may not be fun-but it's God's work.

No matter who we choose to love, whether it's people we know or people we don't know-we must take risks-there will always be pain involved, whether it's through conflict, or someone being unfair to us. But that can not stop us from reaching out and doing the Lord's will.

He was a servant-we are to be servants. He was love-we are to love-He had grace-we are to give grace-He forgave-we are to forgive-He didn't gossip-we are to not gossip-He was selfless-we are to be selfless. No matter how risky the business might be-risk it ALL if it's in the name of Jesus! Endure what may lie ahead and fix your eyes on Jesus-get your strength from Him-refocus on Him if you get hurt-go back to your center, and that has to be Christ-then you will have the will to love on.

The painting above is by Lois Ireland (Zwettler)
Morning Glory//Oil on canvas//1948
University of Wisconsin- Madison

10 Disease-fighting foods

1. Whole Grains-and don't think "wheat bread", or "wheat flour" counts! Look for the word "whole" on the label. Whole wheat or whole grain.

2. Fish-rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which protect against heart disease by helping you have "good" cholesterol. Omega-3's also help lower blood pressure. If you aren't a fish eater like me, you can get a high quality organic liquid or a liquid pill of Omega 3's. There are some that add peppermint oil so you won't be burping up fish all day!

3. Walnuts and Almonds-they are high in calories and fat, but when they are so nutritionally dense, it's ok. Walnuts are loaded with calcium, iron, and natural Vitamin E, oh, and riboflavin.
Walnuts are loaded with phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron potassium and Vitamin E (and walnuts are low in saturated fat). Both are cholesterol free too. Only eat about 22 Almonds, and about 14 walnuts though, you want to eat them in moderation.

4. Legumes-a variety of dried beans, peas, and lentils, all high in protein. They have no cholesterol and very little fat. They are a good meat substitute. They also help reduce cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.

5. Soy-which can help fight heart disease, and provide fiber and protein. Eat soy in moderation because some research has shown that soy can interact with the imbalance of estrogen for women, therefore causing breast cancer. You could do a Boca Burger, Soy milk, or Soy nuts.

6. Fat free dairy products-calcium can contribute to preventing high blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer and obesity. Milk also provides protein, minerals and B Vitamins.

7. Berries-rich in antioxidants, especially blueberries, but blackberries, raspberries and strawberries aren't far behind.

8. Broccoli and Cauliflower-both high in Vitamin C, and broccoli contains a high amount of Vitamin A. They are low in fat, contain fiber and have no cholesterol.

9. Tomatoes!-my favorite! They contain a number of nutrients, including Vitamins C and B complex, as well as iron and potassium. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene-which heart healthy. And possibly helps reduce certain types of cancers.

10. Green Tea (wish I liked it)!- It is a major source of phytochemicals, known as flavonoids, which help lower the risk of some diseases. It may inhibit the enzyme activity necessary for some forms of cancer growth too.

This isn't Gina's list, but it's in a new book I'm reading. I guess if I had to add to it, I would add:

-Keifer(like a shake, found near the milk, usually in the healthy area)! It's delicious, and comes in lots of flavors, like blueberry, pomegrante, strawberry
-Cherrios
-Spinach
-Apples
-Sweet Potatoes
-Women's Bread (found in the freezer area with frozen bread, usually in the healthy area)

Trattoria Da vinci

TRATTORIA: ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Little Italian Restaurant

It was my husband and I's 6 year Anniversary yesterday! Last nite we went to a restaurant that has been on my "restaurant list" for years! It's a place I originally heard about from being a lover of twin cities restaurants- especially Italian. But my best friend, Amy had been there several times and always raved about it!

If you know me at all, you know I am a huge skeptic when it comes to good food, and restaurants, especially when it comes to my favorite-Italian. It's hard to find delicious Italian food in the cities.

I did some researching on the restaurant website the day before we went. It looked wonderful and the decor looked just as appealing. I also love art, but for some reason I wasn't putting two and two together when it came to LEONARDO DA VINCI, and my best friend didn't mention that either! Which I still don't get!

Well I walked through these beautiful Black Iron Gate doors, with vines wrapped through them-and entered into what somewhat reflected my own living room! It was beautiful! All of Leonardo's work was hanging up, including the famous Mona Lisa (the one hanging was very close to the original size in The Louvre in Paris)-they even had his drawings hanging! There were columns in the open style dining room, and marble, and hardwood floors. There was Italian wine bottles that lined up along some wrap around shelving around the room.

We arrived about 40 minutes early, (they weren't technically open yet)-but it didn't matter-they told us to go sit at the bar and enjoy an Anniversary drink! I had a Cosmo and Kevin had a Bloody Mary! Both were memorably delicious! I had only drank about one fourth of mine and I was light headed!
We had a nice time chatting with the owner, manager and bartender and then we enjoyed our Caprese' salad- (Fresh Buffalo Mozzarelli with tamatas, and basil, sprinkled with kosher salt and pepper). The last time I treated myself to that dish was when we were in Paris over 6 years ago on Valentine's Day.

After that we went to our table-the service was excellent. She was just as great as everyone else we had met so far. I was so dizzy though during the ordering process, that when I had got back from the bathroom, I told Kevin I had forgotten what I ordered! He thought I was a piece of work!

I ordered the Penne' Aurora- it was a delicious reddish cream sauce with chicken, broccoli, walnuts and tamatas. Kevin had homemade, hand rolled Gnocchi with white Gorgonzola sauce. They were both very good. I give the food about a 7 and the service and atmosphere a 10!

We had a very memorable nite, and we also took home some Tiramisu (which I still need to eat today)! Maybe one day I will be writing about our actual experience IN Italy! My dream!

Happy Anniversary Kevin and Gina! To 6 long, challenging, trying, grace-filled, mercy-filled, laughter- filled years. I praise God for everything He's done in and through us with our marriage. I am still trying to figure out what He's doing with us, but I am slowly but surely trying to trust Him.

ANSWER TO LAST POST:

Both the same.

Jesus loves Osama. . .

and all of our other so called enemies. It's like that very important question I asked my daughter a couple months back-"Who does Jesus love more, the murdered, or the murderer?"
Do you know?

Lois

She's a lady that I met when she was 78. She'll be 80 in January. I befriended her when I use to work at Caribou-she came in nearly everyday. She caught my eye because she carried a Marilyn Monroe purse, and a bag of sketches. She was a stitch from the minute I met her. Her somewhat pessimistic attitude, and humor were all together lovely. She always made me smile and laugh.

Whenever I meet people, I always look for the Kingdom value in it. Every person I see isn't just "a person", they are a creation of the Almighty, and He love and adores them, and so should I!

Lois and I would chat in between my rushes at work, and we connected because of our love for Art. She was actually an Artist. She'd been in Hastings for 12 years-moving to independent old folks home after becoming a widow. She's originally from Wisconsin, she grew up on a farm. She was famous back her teens for her paintings. She tells me to this day that Georgia O'Keeffe took her fame from her, that her family was wealthy, so they were able to make Georgia famous. Lois' work is splendid. I love it! She had her first Art Exhibit this past summer in West Bend, WI. She was so proud of that, and couldn't come to terms with the fact that it ended.

She has spent time in my home, and we've gone out for lunch and dinners often. I also pick her up sometimes on the weekends (when the buses aren't running), for a Caribou.

Like most creative people, she is very complex. Very emotional, and full of passion. I think she struggles with harmful thoughts and depression.
She use to paint at the art studio here in downtown Hastings, but it closed a couple of months ago because they couldn't afford to keep it open. That hit Lois hard. She is also getting antsy in her tiny apartment, with not much stimuli. They don't have much going on there, so she is wanting to move to Stillwater-they have a art studio there too where she could pick up the brush again.

She has 2 sons who spend some time with her, but she is very lonely. I think her attitude could be better-but how would I know what it's like to be 80, a widow, an artist not able to paint, and live with depression? About a month ago, she had a mental breakdown.
She was in the hospital for 2 weeks, and now they have her on so many medications, she is almost unrecognizable.

Last week when I called to check on her, I asked her if I could bring her anything, or if she needed anything. She actually said she could use some Banana's and some Milk.
When I got to her building, she was sitting outside waiting for me- she didn't look too good, so I offered to bring them up for her.

While we were there, I asked her if there was anything she'd like to talk about. She started opening up about the past and her feelings about her Mother. She said her Mother condemned her when she (Lois), got pregnant out of wedlock. (Lois and I also have that in common).
Her Mother shamed Lois and pretty much drove her out of her life. Her Mother died years ago, and Lois just can't let of how her Mother treated her or felt about her. She wishes she had that time back so she could speak up, and there could be a time of forgiveness. It's so sad that society and "Religion" has gotten people to the point of shaming others for mistakes/sins we all make. Jesus wasn't like that at all.

I listened, and told Lois that Jesus would have taken her hand, and loved her through that difficult time-that He accepts her no matter what she's done. And it is never too late, He will always forgive her. That God would always welcome her into His arms.
I tried to tell her that regardless of what her Mother approved or didn't approve of, it didn't matter. What mattered is that God loved her and defined her.

She was very attentive and really wanted to believe that. I continued to tell her the Gospel story, and tell her about what Jesus was like. That He wasn't like most of the denominations we have in this world-that He a servant. He was love. I told her she didn't need to "do" anything, that she could just ask Him to be in her life. I told her she didn't need to be perfect before she could have a relationship with Him. I told her she didn't have to be clean or proper first. She could just be with Him how she was at that time, and He would accept her.

She wondered how that could happen and I just told her to pray, and to read the bible. She said that she'd tried to read before, but it made her feel bad. She said she read the middle of the Psalms in the King James Version! I said for one, you are reading it probably out of context and for two, that version is really difficult to understand, and not for today's time!

I prayed over her, and she was brought to tears by the end of our time together. She said she had never had anyone pray with her like that (and I'm sure it was a little freaky for her, I know before I understood, I thought it was too)!

She was so sweet in listening to me, and I even changed the radio station for her, to a Christian dial, and she loved it!

It made me so sad that she is almost 80, and didn't know that Jesus was her friend. That to me is unacceptable! There has to be a sense of urgency to share the Gospel, (in love). The best way is to invest in people. Invest in taking time-building relationships. If you aren't, it isn't going to happen! People need to trust first. I knew Lois was at a place in her life-it was a risk for me to share what I did-she could have kicked me out! But I didn't care-she had lost all hope in everything else-and even though it took 80 years-it wasn't too late.