Why do we have a special time to review a year? I've never been one to celebrate New Years, not because I refuse, just because I don't get it. Why so much emphasis on renewal and re- commitment at only one special time of the year? Obviously my resolutions were non-existent. Not that that is a brag. Probably should be ashamed of myself. But lately....
Could it be that God Himself gives us a date because He knows us so well. We humans who live by clocks and calendars, now phones and laptops that tell us what day it is and remind of us of all things that require our attention. Set on paths of frantic accomplishment. Carry us to places we are obliged to attend or participate. Guess I'm still living in cave-time. If the sun comes up, it's time to get up. If the sun goes down, it's time to start crawling into the cave. If I'm hungry, it's time to eat (all the time if necessary). If I'm sleepy, I want a nap. If I'm in a celebratory mood, I celebrate, no date or time required.
But really...what if this calendar that is certainly only date reliable because we deem it so, is becoming more and more to me God's allowance of human computation to bring us to a place we need to be?
Thanksgiving....Gratitude and family....,
Christmas...concentration on God's Gift to the World, Jesus, (or just a message of love, as some would desire it to be..not me)where we give gifts and sing beautiful music, songs laden with admiration , joy , peace, worship....
If it were not for the calendar..would we take time to do these fine and fitting things.
New Year, would we know to toast your newness? Would we review your bright hope for a beginning -again?
I've thought about my rejoicings..New grandson, Xavier. After concerns for a new grandson waiting to arrive and our two moms in the hospital...family well, job status for the Italian changes for the better, new big red dog is someones new best friend, weddings with joy, book writing now finished now for the rewrite and edit, a son-in-law's movie made, lives changed "God's power throughout the universe displayed", all I have in my heart and cannot even share. What a sweet year...what an
AMAZING GOD.
Still amazing is walking the valleys, and the knowing that He is there. Still "grace for today and bright hope for tomorrow, great is Thy faithfulness, Oh, Lord, unto me." Today I renew my determination "to trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." Now that's my plan, even though I'm not able to see how many things are going to ever work out,
people are ever going to change,
how I'm ever going to change,
how the nation and our world will change,
how we can all be hopeful in this new calendar.
But I still know, beyond a doubt,
the World( me, people, things) Changer,
and He is totally able.
Look at the stars, my greatest visual comfort,
they are still in place.
The world is still turning.
The breezes are still blowing.
The sun comes up in the morning.
The moon keeps it's schedule.
All without knowing what the date or time is....
because God's universe is where the calendar came from....human calculations from
God's creation.
I still get up with the sun...I'm ever so thankful for my life, I still have things that try to put fear in my heart and tears on my cheeks, my wondering has to be kept in check, my faith needs daily nutrition, My Savior is still on the throne.
"Oh, how marvelous,
Oh, how wonderful,
and my song shall ever be,
How marvelous,
How wonderful
is my Savior's love for me."
Praying right now for great hope for your new year and all that means to you, my friend.
(all quoted hymns are written by others)
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
the Prince of Peace
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government
will be upon His shoulder
And His name will be called
Wonderful
Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
PRINCE of PEACE."
Isaiah 9:6
It's 3:32 am, the glow of a full moon has created a backdrop for pure peace. The Sistine Chapel
could not convey a more beautiful sky scape. The evening shines softly accentuating a collection of amazing clouds that break only to reveal a constelation or a lone star. Was it a night like this that brought such good news to a band of working shepherds? Was it this cold and stunning and quiet? Was it?
What was it like just before a Savior was announced? For at that point nothing in this sphere would ever be the same. The shepherds were just the first to have their lives rocked by the mere knowledge that He had arrived. That promised Prince of Peace.
This is Christmas. This is the celebration hour. After going from window to window, looking for a star, gazing at the beauty, wishing there were socks on my feet, knowing that this silence and gentleness will not last. Busyness and baking and wrapping and ..preparing will begin upon sunrise and normal will begin again.
Normal was all those sheep herders had probably ever known. But that night, that night of nights, there was a new normal. Their lives would forever reflect the holy announcement they had been chosen to receive. Now the townspeople would have to say, "Shepherds came into town last night and told everyone all about a baby being born. They said an angel told them where He was staying and that He was a Savior, and a whole mass of other angels came singing about Him. Can you believe it? " It had begun. The dawning of a new opportunity to know God
His love, His plan of salvation for a world who didn't even deserve it.
Thank goodness!
Now for the PRINCE OF PEACE to do His Father's will, but would we recognize it? The Jews obviously did not. The Roman government would never give it a thought. So what is this new
Peace accord that did not need to be signed? It was the Peace of heart that only the Prince could convey. Were they looking for peace? Did they know they needed it? Do we?
I know I need it...minute by minute. I need it to overwhelm me and settle me. I desperately need peace to make me who I am purposed to be. I need an outpouring of peace to keep me stable in an unstable world. I need the company of a Prince of Peace. I need JESUS.
So.....to You, Prince of Peace, I raise my hands in worship, as I gaze at the stars You created.
Thanking You for all the true peace You alone can and do willingly give to me. You are generous to the people of Your kingdom with Your gifts..Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self Control and we are blessed that upon Your first earthly arrival we were all given this:
"Now there was in the same country shepherds staying in the field, keeping watch over their flocks at night. And behold an angel of the Lord stood in front of them and the glory of the Lord shown all around them and they were so afraid. And the angel said, "Do not be afraid.
I come to give you good news of great joy which shall be for all people. For you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you, you will find a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavely hosts praising God and sayin,
'Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace
goodwill to men."
We can never thank you enough for Your good will and Your Peace, Oh Prince of our hearts.
Blessed Christmas, Jesus. We are so grateful You came, You lived among us, You died for us,
You arose victorious and You are our Soverign Lord of Lords sitting right next to our Father!
As our celebrations begin...Happy Birthday and Amen.
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government
will be upon His shoulder
And His name will be called
Wonderful
Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
PRINCE of PEACE."
Isaiah 9:6
It's 3:32 am, the glow of a full moon has created a backdrop for pure peace. The Sistine Chapel
could not convey a more beautiful sky scape. The evening shines softly accentuating a collection of amazing clouds that break only to reveal a constelation or a lone star. Was it a night like this that brought such good news to a band of working shepherds? Was it this cold and stunning and quiet? Was it?
What was it like just before a Savior was announced? For at that point nothing in this sphere would ever be the same. The shepherds were just the first to have their lives rocked by the mere knowledge that He had arrived. That promised Prince of Peace.
This is Christmas. This is the celebration hour. After going from window to window, looking for a star, gazing at the beauty, wishing there were socks on my feet, knowing that this silence and gentleness will not last. Busyness and baking and wrapping and ..preparing will begin upon sunrise and normal will begin again.
Normal was all those sheep herders had probably ever known. But that night, that night of nights, there was a new normal. Their lives would forever reflect the holy announcement they had been chosen to receive. Now the townspeople would have to say, "Shepherds came into town last night and told everyone all about a baby being born. They said an angel told them where He was staying and that He was a Savior, and a whole mass of other angels came singing about Him. Can you believe it? " It had begun. The dawning of a new opportunity to know God
His love, His plan of salvation for a world who didn't even deserve it.
Thank goodness!
Now for the PRINCE OF PEACE to do His Father's will, but would we recognize it? The Jews obviously did not. The Roman government would never give it a thought. So what is this new
Peace accord that did not need to be signed? It was the Peace of heart that only the Prince could convey. Were they looking for peace? Did they know they needed it? Do we?
I know I need it...minute by minute. I need it to overwhelm me and settle me. I desperately need peace to make me who I am purposed to be. I need an outpouring of peace to keep me stable in an unstable world. I need the company of a Prince of Peace. I need JESUS.
So.....to You, Prince of Peace, I raise my hands in worship, as I gaze at the stars You created.
Thanking You for all the true peace You alone can and do willingly give to me. You are generous to the people of Your kingdom with Your gifts..Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self Control and we are blessed that upon Your first earthly arrival we were all given this:
"Now there was in the same country shepherds staying in the field, keeping watch over their flocks at night. And behold an angel of the Lord stood in front of them and the glory of the Lord shown all around them and they were so afraid. And the angel said, "Do not be afraid.
I come to give you good news of great joy which shall be for all people. For you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you, you will find a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavely hosts praising God and sayin,
'Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace
goodwill to men."
We can never thank you enough for Your good will and Your Peace, Oh Prince of our hearts.
Blessed Christmas, Jesus. We are so grateful You came, You lived among us, You died for us,
You arose victorious and You are our Soverign Lord of Lords sitting right next to our Father!
As our celebrations begin...Happy Birthday and Amen.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Father Forever
"For unto us a Child is born
For unto us a Son is given;
And the government shall be upon His shoulder
And He shall be called
Wonderful
Counselor
Mighty God..
the EVERLASTING FATHER..." Isaiah 9:6
A Father that never quits being your father. I love that. I have an extraordinary father. He is everything a father should be and more. He is also my friend and a wonderful counselor himself but he remains primarily my father.
Knowing there is a gaping hole in hearts that have never known this kind of love, it is almost hard to write those words. But the truth is my dad is who he is because he knows my heavenly Father and they work quite well together , my dad raising me and Father God leading him. The raising doesn't stop at any time and it will go on until one of us is in heaven. I love knowing that.
An Everlasting Father is the One who placed us in our mother's wombs and will be standing at heaven's gates to welcome us home. That is amazing. From inception to death..."standing between two eternities" ....brings us intimately close to the Mighty God, Counselor, who is Wonderful.
With so many familiar folks having stood over the graves of their loved ones recently this fact, the touching of heaven, is overshadowed by a Father that is waiting for us in eternity.
He is there along with our others who would shout out if we could hear, "Everlasting Father is good and loves you more than you can fathom. He is looking upon you now and with a heart of love. He wants you to make sure and be here with us. Don't give up. Don't look back. Don't put off accepting His love gift to us all...Jesus. You'll be so thankful you did. It's more than you could ever imagine and is a place prepared just for you."
Aren't you glad that everlasting means forever. Life here is so finite. Everything in our lives is subject to change, but He isn't. One of my favorite verses reads like this,
"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
Who rides the heavens to help you,
And in His excellency on the clouds.
The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms; " Deuteronomy 33:26 & 27a
Anytime we need a strong arm to depend on, a refuge, a help, He remains the same...
He is the
Everlasting Father.
For unto us a Son is given;
And the government shall be upon His shoulder
And He shall be called
Wonderful
Counselor
Mighty God..
the EVERLASTING FATHER..." Isaiah 9:6
A Father that never quits being your father. I love that. I have an extraordinary father. He is everything a father should be and more. He is also my friend and a wonderful counselor himself but he remains primarily my father.
Knowing there is a gaping hole in hearts that have never known this kind of love, it is almost hard to write those words. But the truth is my dad is who he is because he knows my heavenly Father and they work quite well together , my dad raising me and Father God leading him. The raising doesn't stop at any time and it will go on until one of us is in heaven. I love knowing that.
An Everlasting Father is the One who placed us in our mother's wombs and will be standing at heaven's gates to welcome us home. That is amazing. From inception to death..."standing between two eternities" ....brings us intimately close to the Mighty God, Counselor, who is Wonderful.
With so many familiar folks having stood over the graves of their loved ones recently this fact, the touching of heaven, is overshadowed by a Father that is waiting for us in eternity.
He is there along with our others who would shout out if we could hear, "Everlasting Father is good and loves you more than you can fathom. He is looking upon you now and with a heart of love. He wants you to make sure and be here with us. Don't give up. Don't look back. Don't put off accepting His love gift to us all...Jesus. You'll be so thankful you did. It's more than you could ever imagine and is a place prepared just for you."
Aren't you glad that everlasting means forever. Life here is so finite. Everything in our lives is subject to change, but He isn't. One of my favorite verses reads like this,
"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
Who rides the heavens to help you,
And in His excellency on the clouds.
The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms; " Deuteronomy 33:26 & 27a
Anytime we need a strong arm to depend on, a refuge, a help, He remains the same...
He is the
Everlasting Father.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
About the Mighty
"For unto us a Child is born
Unto us a Son is given
And the government shall be upon his shoulders
And His name shall be called
Wonderful
Counselor
MIGHTY GOD....." Isaiah 9:6a
Oh, Mighty God,
You are more than I can fathom. Your power and Your majesty is beyond my mind's ability to comprehend. I confess I started this blog series thinking I had something to say....but I am overwhelmed in the expansiveness of Your Being. You are the Power that keeps this earth in motion and You are the power that changes lives...I am humbled by who You are.
My scant wisdom has come to show me how much I truly have yet to experience. The mere sight of a field covered with the full moon's glow and the silver covering of frost brings me to tears and You, Mighty God, made that tender moment. And it was silent and hushed, private and personal. Only a Mighty God could create such a time for each soul on this planet...at the same moment.
My mind tells me there is so much to share but my heart only knows this....
over all of time You have been here....will be here...
Your power never diminishes....never pauses...never fails
You love us without conditions...You save us from ourselves
From the creation of the universe we have read Your Word to know of the power of Your Majesty...
the strength of Your arm, Your hands, Your move to save us...
"For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son
that whoever believes on Him
should not perish
but have everlasting life.
God did not send His Son
into the world
to condemn the world
but that the world
through Him
might be saved." John 3:16-17
With all the knowledge of You ...this fact alone..I know with all my heart and life.
You, Jesus, alone have saved me...
and only a Mighty God could do that.
For this...and so much more, I love You. I thank You.
In Your most mighty name,
Amen
Unto us a Son is given
And the government shall be upon his shoulders
And His name shall be called
Wonderful
Counselor
MIGHTY GOD....." Isaiah 9:6a
Oh, Mighty God,
You are more than I can fathom. Your power and Your majesty is beyond my mind's ability to comprehend. I confess I started this blog series thinking I had something to say....but I am overwhelmed in the expansiveness of Your Being. You are the Power that keeps this earth in motion and You are the power that changes lives...I am humbled by who You are.
My scant wisdom has come to show me how much I truly have yet to experience. The mere sight of a field covered with the full moon's glow and the silver covering of frost brings me to tears and You, Mighty God, made that tender moment. And it was silent and hushed, private and personal. Only a Mighty God could create such a time for each soul on this planet...at the same moment.
My mind tells me there is so much to share but my heart only knows this....
over all of time You have been here....will be here...
Your power never diminishes....never pauses...never fails
You love us without conditions...You save us from ourselves
From the creation of the universe we have read Your Word to know of the power of Your Majesty...
the strength of Your arm, Your hands, Your move to save us...
"For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son
that whoever believes on Him
should not perish
but have everlasting life.
God did not send His Son
into the world
to condemn the world
but that the world
through Him
might be saved." John 3:16-17
With all the knowledge of You ...this fact alone..I know with all my heart and life.
You, Jesus, alone have saved me...
and only a Mighty God could do that.
For this...and so much more, I love You. I thank You.
In Your most mighty name,
Amen
Monday, December 13, 2010
COUNSELOR on Duty
For to us a Child is born
to us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulders.
His name shall be called
Wonderful
COUNSELOR.....
Isaiah 9:6a
Being given your own private counselor is a gift without measure. Don't know about you, but I've needed one on more occasions than I want to admit. What was needed was someone I could trust. An honest, merciful listener. The wisdom of Solomon. Who didn't mind if I cried all the way through the conversation. Not judgemental, but fair. Patient. Kind. Able to break through my scattered thoughts and get to the heart of it all. Most of all...I needed to talk to someone who loved me and would tell me the truth. Lately, I've needed that once again.
I must quickly admit that I have a Personal Counselor, the one referred to in the scripture. He has no initials before or after His name. He needs none.
I can trust Him without a doubt. He is always listening. He is wisdom. He let's me cry and He is
tenderly patient. He already knows everything I am telling Him and He loves me despite my fear, frustrations and failures. He doesn't roll His eyes or check His watch. I'm the focus of His attention and He is always available. He always has my best interest in mind. By Him I am completely loved.
There truly is a Counselor like this. He is the Savior of the universe. He is wonderful.
Talking with Him brings peace and direction and all the followups I need. He is available right now.....do you need Him?
to us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulders.
His name shall be called
Wonderful
COUNSELOR.....
Isaiah 9:6a
Being given your own private counselor is a gift without measure. Don't know about you, but I've needed one on more occasions than I want to admit. What was needed was someone I could trust. An honest, merciful listener. The wisdom of Solomon. Who didn't mind if I cried all the way through the conversation. Not judgemental, but fair. Patient. Kind. Able to break through my scattered thoughts and get to the heart of it all. Most of all...I needed to talk to someone who loved me and would tell me the truth. Lately, I've needed that once again.
I must quickly admit that I have a Personal Counselor, the one referred to in the scripture. He has no initials before or after His name. He needs none.
I can trust Him without a doubt. He is always listening. He is wisdom. He let's me cry and He is
tenderly patient. He already knows everything I am telling Him and He loves me despite my fear, frustrations and failures. He doesn't roll His eyes or check His watch. I'm the focus of His attention and He is always available. He always has my best interest in mind. By Him I am completely loved.
There truly is a Counselor like this. He is the Savior of the universe. He is wonderful.
Talking with Him brings peace and direction and all the followups I need. He is available right now.....do you need Him?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
WONDERFUL
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given:
And the government shall be upon His shoulder,
And His name shall be called
Wonderful..."
My heart's fullness is unable to describe Him without tears of devotion caused by His work of endearment in my life. Meerly contemplating Him and who He is to me is nothing less than overwhelming, in a most precious way. So in my wonderings I write of Him...the Wonderful One.
****************
Bending over a baby's bed, reaching down to bring him into a new day, face still puffy from a night's rest, baby smiles when he sees me....Jesus is near...He is Wonderful!
****************
Pulling back the curtains in our berth on a ship and unexpectedly I'm greeted by a window filled to overflowing with a massive, snow-capped mountain range, with a tiny peninsula holding a seemingly
miniature house and lighthouse, beaming....Jesus created it and knows I'm overjoyed...He is Wonderful!
***************
Traveling many miles, a funeral of a sweet friend, arriving too late for the service, I watch as the friends, family leave the little country chapel to stand next to a gaping hole that will hold the casket , now she is with Jesus and He helps me say good-bye from my car, in the rain as I think of her and see my friends walking together through the aged trees ......Jesus was there ..with me..with them...with her...He is Wonderful!
***************
Watching as someone, who had their doubts, walked a rebellious road, now profess their renewed love for Christ ...their life changed, redeemed, prayers answered.....Jesus saves...He is Wonderful!
***************
Knowing I'm helpless to change things that are heart- wrenching... but He is not...so I pray.... He is Wonderful!
**************
Today....today as we go through the motions of life...He is always here and there and He is called Wonderful.
May we not miss the miracle of His presence. His beauty. His love.
Immanuel,... God with us,....You are Wonderful!
Unto us a Son is given:
And the government shall be upon His shoulder,
And His name shall be called
Wonderful..."
My heart's fullness is unable to describe Him without tears of devotion caused by His work of endearment in my life. Meerly contemplating Him and who He is to me is nothing less than overwhelming, in a most precious way. So in my wonderings I write of Him...the Wonderful One.
****************
Bending over a baby's bed, reaching down to bring him into a new day, face still puffy from a night's rest, baby smiles when he sees me....Jesus is near...He is Wonderful!
****************
Pulling back the curtains in our berth on a ship and unexpectedly I'm greeted by a window filled to overflowing with a massive, snow-capped mountain range, with a tiny peninsula holding a seemingly
miniature house and lighthouse, beaming....Jesus created it and knows I'm overjoyed...He is Wonderful!
***************
Traveling many miles, a funeral of a sweet friend, arriving too late for the service, I watch as the friends, family leave the little country chapel to stand next to a gaping hole that will hold the casket , now she is with Jesus and He helps me say good-bye from my car, in the rain as I think of her and see my friends walking together through the aged trees ......Jesus was there ..with me..with them...with her...He is Wonderful!
***************
Watching as someone, who had their doubts, walked a rebellious road, now profess their renewed love for Christ ...their life changed, redeemed, prayers answered.....Jesus saves...He is Wonderful!
***************
Knowing I'm helpless to change things that are heart- wrenching... but He is not...so I pray.... He is Wonderful!
**************
Today....today as we go through the motions of life...He is always here and there and He is called Wonderful.
May we not miss the miracle of His presence. His beauty. His love.
Immanuel,... God with us,....You are Wonderful!
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Shoulders Where Government Rests
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulders." Isaiah 9:6a
Starting with such a wonderful promise, I wanted to brightly bring a word of hope and beauty about the Most Beautiful. Came to the government portion of the prophecy and hesitated, what do I really know about this? My only point of reference is our present disappointing governmental mystery of a financial and physical mishmash. Never would I want to place any reflection of blame on the Most Beautiful, the one I love. Then He is not taking blame for us. He is using our problems to remold us and expects us to take the initiative to become better at praying and bringing to bare the responsibility to voice our opinions through the freedom to vote. He is all wise and all loving. He sees much more than the talking heads and backroom shenanigans that we are used to. He is completely able to fix it all but.....He doesn't..... because He knows it all and is still in control.
When this prophecy was written, the country in which it was written was controlled by people who were supposed to be the children of God, His chosen ones. This was a time of deep rebellion against God and His ways. God spoke so many things through Isaiah, and even the next chapter is all about the Lord's anger against Israel.
He knew, He knows, He sees, He cares, He loves, He promises, He is not finished...yet.
So the government, as far as I believe is certainly upon His shoulders. The people make their own decisions, but God is at work in any and all situations. I love my country. I love my God most.
"One nation, under God ...." "and the government shall be upon His shoulders.." this is good news indeed.
and the government shall be upon His shoulders." Isaiah 9:6a
Starting with such a wonderful promise, I wanted to brightly bring a word of hope and beauty about the Most Beautiful. Came to the government portion of the prophecy and hesitated, what do I really know about this? My only point of reference is our present disappointing governmental mystery of a financial and physical mishmash. Never would I want to place any reflection of blame on the Most Beautiful, the one I love. Then He is not taking blame for us. He is using our problems to remold us and expects us to take the initiative to become better at praying and bringing to bare the responsibility to voice our opinions through the freedom to vote. He is all wise and all loving. He sees much more than the talking heads and backroom shenanigans that we are used to. He is completely able to fix it all but.....He doesn't..... because He knows it all and is still in control.
When this prophecy was written, the country in which it was written was controlled by people who were supposed to be the children of God, His chosen ones. This was a time of deep rebellion against God and His ways. God spoke so many things through Isaiah, and even the next chapter is all about the Lord's anger against Israel.
He knew, He knows, He sees, He cares, He loves, He promises, He is not finished...yet.
So the government, as far as I believe is certainly upon His shoulders. The people make their own decisions, but God is at work in any and all situations. I love my country. I love my God most.
"One nation, under God ...." "and the government shall be upon His shoulders.." this is good news indeed.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The First Gift
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given...." Isaiah said this in the ninth chapter of his book of prophecy. On this day, and many others in the times of my life, I have marveled at the beauty of that most personal and sacrificial gift. The first Christmas gift.
I love the words..."unto us.....unto us...". To me, to you, to all the gift of life,
life forever,
life with promise,
life with light to guide our way,
life with purpose,
life with joy in our journey toward our destiny,
life to offer others hope,
life to carry us when our bodies will not live,
life to resurrect our bodies in the failure of them,
life to remain when others are no more to be seen,
life from decay,
life from demoralization,
life from disappointment,
life from disaster,
life from dead dreams,
life ... and the joy in living it.
So let us stick together for this season of the Unto Us and".. wonder as we wander out under the sky"... a path that has already given us the First Gift..
."How Jesus , our Savior, did come forth to die
for all the dear children, like you and like I,
I wonder as I wander, out under the sky."
"I Wonder As I Wander"..collected from Appalachian folk songs by John Jacob Niles
I love the words..."unto us.....unto us...". To me, to you, to all the gift of life,
life forever,
life with promise,
life with light to guide our way,
life with purpose,
life with joy in our journey toward our destiny,
life to offer others hope,
life to carry us when our bodies will not live,
life to resurrect our bodies in the failure of them,
life to remain when others are no more to be seen,
life from decay,
life from demoralization,
life from disappointment,
life from disaster,
life from dead dreams,
life ... and the joy in living it.
So let us stick together for this season of the Unto Us and".. wonder as we wander out under the sky"... a path that has already given us the First Gift..
."How Jesus , our Savior, did come forth to die
for all the dear children, like you and like I,
I wonder as I wander, out under the sky."
"I Wonder As I Wander"..collected from Appalachian folk songs by John Jacob Niles
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
the cold has come
Seems the cold has come to stay. At least it looks like it outside. Very cloudy. Becoming colder and colder. It almost as if it is creeping into our house and hanging outside the windows. This morning a wren popped up on our deck railing and shouted her shrill chirp. It came as a surprise. She was puffed up and turning herself in all directions as she sounded , what seemed to be, her alarm. I thought I heard her say, "I'm telling you all to get ready! It's getting cold out here!" and then she was off to who -knows-where.
Wrens are kind of like that to me. They are they ones who make the most inconvenient nests, in the most remarkable places. Yet they are also the ones who like to be nosey. You can see them scratching through a flower bed or may be peeking out from under the deck. Who knows what they were doing in there. They take any old leftover fuzz they can find and place it in whatever spot they take a notion to nest in. Who hasn't opened their front door to find they have filled the wreath with a mass of twigs and down. I just love them. Guess I'm a lot like them. Not particularly neat. Always setting up shop on a whim, not always appropriately. I won't admit to being nosey, but I love a good scratching around in a flower bed. I am not however likely to try and make my home in a not-so-safe location. Old hats and shoes won 't do for me. But one thing I know, when a wren shouts out around here it's surely time to listen. I just hope I don't misunderstand her message. It's for certain, it is getting a lot colder.
Wrens are kind of like that to me. They are they ones who make the most inconvenient nests, in the most remarkable places. Yet they are also the ones who like to be nosey. You can see them scratching through a flower bed or may be peeking out from under the deck. Who knows what they were doing in there. They take any old leftover fuzz they can find and place it in whatever spot they take a notion to nest in. Who hasn't opened their front door to find they have filled the wreath with a mass of twigs and down. I just love them. Guess I'm a lot like them. Not particularly neat. Always setting up shop on a whim, not always appropriately. I won't admit to being nosey, but I love a good scratching around in a flower bed. I am not however likely to try and make my home in a not-so-safe location. Old hats and shoes won 't do for me. But one thing I know, when a wren shouts out around here it's surely time to listen. I just hope I don't misunderstand her message. It's for certain, it is getting a lot colder.
Friday, November 26, 2010
The Day After
What is the meaning of this "black Friday" thing? For some reason this severly irritates me. Anybody else?
Yesterday was the US holiday that we call "Thanksgiving". I'm pretty sure everyone has someone and something to be thankful for and many know WHO to thank for it. So after sweet times with family and friends, more food than we could have imagined, children playing at our feet and babies crawling through the table legs, fragrant herbs holding their sensual ground, laughter, beautiful tables set to perfection, a tear filled Psalm read, a time of thanks for my Mom's release from the hospital just moments before, a prayer for us all and a spoken blessing by our hostess on us all for the coming year and the moment, .....how could I even begin to think of the day after that as Black Friday?
Today I sit trying to recover from so much joy. The warmed bowl of leftover dressing and smoked turkey at my right remind me of the blessing of food. The world is full of folks with less than one meal a day. The day beginning with a chat with my Mom recently having a heart scare. One of my friends losing her mother just a day before Thanksgiving...there are no guarantees of next moments life. The beauty of fellowship, family and friends filled with talk of hope and expectation. So many live fractured lives... torn apart by dissension and bitterness. Peace of life, for so many there is never peace where they live...war or no war. Coming back home to Christmas decorations lighting my way, so much illumination, yet so many with no light in their hearts. No sleep last night until 4:45, giving me lots of time to reflect on the blessings of the week. Seeing my nephew and his new bride, our new niece, sitting at our table now adorned with a wedding band on her finger. So many have not yet had this new beginning they so long for. Falling into a safe and comfortable bed to veg out watching "Miracle on 34th
Street" for the 34th time. So many know little of belief in anything...God or, well, anything other than themselves. I just cannot, for the sake of multitudinous value packed opportunities to further my giving experience, call this day Black Friday.
so happy "Day After You Count Your Blessings", and enjoy the shopping and may you too have a warm bowl of leftovers!
Yesterday was the US holiday that we call "Thanksgiving". I'm pretty sure everyone has someone and something to be thankful for and many know WHO to thank for it. So after sweet times with family and friends, more food than we could have imagined, children playing at our feet and babies crawling through the table legs, fragrant herbs holding their sensual ground, laughter, beautiful tables set to perfection, a tear filled Psalm read, a time of thanks for my Mom's release from the hospital just moments before, a prayer for us all and a spoken blessing by our hostess on us all for the coming year and the moment, .....how could I even begin to think of the day after that as Black Friday?
Today I sit trying to recover from so much joy. The warmed bowl of leftover dressing and smoked turkey at my right remind me of the blessing of food. The world is full of folks with less than one meal a day. The day beginning with a chat with my Mom recently having a heart scare. One of my friends losing her mother just a day before Thanksgiving...there are no guarantees of next moments life. The beauty of fellowship, family and friends filled with talk of hope and expectation. So many live fractured lives... torn apart by dissension and bitterness. Peace of life, for so many there is never peace where they live...war or no war. Coming back home to Christmas decorations lighting my way, so much illumination, yet so many with no light in their hearts. No sleep last night until 4:45, giving me lots of time to reflect on the blessings of the week. Seeing my nephew and his new bride, our new niece, sitting at our table now adorned with a wedding band on her finger. So many have not yet had this new beginning they so long for. Falling into a safe and comfortable bed to veg out watching "Miracle on 34th
Street" for the 34th time. So many know little of belief in anything...God or, well, anything other than themselves. I just cannot, for the sake of multitudinous value packed opportunities to further my giving experience, call this day Black Friday.
so happy "Day After You Count Your Blessings", and enjoy the shopping and may you too have a warm bowl of leftovers!
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Giving of Thanks
Gratitude is a strengthener. When all is not well, go for the remembrance of what is well. Many years ago, in a difficult time, I stood frozen by confusion and despair. In my heart I heard,
"Strengthen what remains." Actually I didn't understand at first but then it became clear.
When nothing else seems to be working, when no one else seems to be listening, when all that you know is that you don't know, then you remember what is unshakable in your life.
So as I consider Thanksgiving Day, I am forever thankful for God's preservation of this country. For the many lost causes that would seem to destroy us but by His hand we, as a country, have endured. for the lives given....for the lives set free... for the beauty and majesty of the natural land that is ours to call our own...for freedom and opportunity....for hands of compassion that reach out beyond our borders... for the ability to speak our mind, our beliefs...for a protective system of laws enforced by people who have sworn to protect and do so placing their own lives in harms way....for music and art and creativity encouraged...for free education and clean water....
I can go on and on.
This is a land blessed from it's beginning and we have been given an opportunity to understand that. Because I understand that, I am truly full of THANKSGIVING.
"Strengthen what remains." Actually I didn't understand at first but then it became clear.
When nothing else seems to be working, when no one else seems to be listening, when all that you know is that you don't know, then you remember what is unshakable in your life.
So as I consider Thanksgiving Day, I am forever thankful for God's preservation of this country. For the many lost causes that would seem to destroy us but by His hand we, as a country, have endured. for the lives given....for the lives set free... for the beauty and majesty of the natural land that is ours to call our own...for freedom and opportunity....for hands of compassion that reach out beyond our borders... for the ability to speak our mind, our beliefs...for a protective system of laws enforced by people who have sworn to protect and do so placing their own lives in harms way....for music and art and creativity encouraged...for free education and clean water....
I can go on and on.
This is a land blessed from it's beginning and we have been given an opportunity to understand that. Because I understand that, I am truly full of THANKSGIVING.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Of War and Freedom
The sounds came early and thundering. There is an ordinance against fireworks in the city of Franklin, Tennessee. Surely no one would be so brazen as to shoot off that many rounds and repeat it in semi-regular intervals. Then I heard the heavier blasts. I stood outside on Battle Ave. It was a fine fall day for playing in the finally fallen leaves of several ancient trees. The ancients that sit on property that has been part of the city for over 125 years. There as we played chase, hide and seek, wagons rides and swinging from the ancient trees, the sounds went on. Ashamedly I forgot that it was the reenactment of the battle of Franklin, as in the Civil War. The sounds went on periodically all day.
That evening as I walked outside at 9:00 the sounds came once again. Could it be that a battle could go on all day and into the night? It never occurred to me that it was possible. But then, what would I know of war? Living in Vicksburg, Mississippi and playing in the battlefields there did not have any effect on my thinking evidently. I had walked the National Military Park, stood at the foot of impressive monuments, read lists of the war dead in certain locations, but never felt the war. The blasts from artillery finally pushed me over to reality.
But beyond that, I had a dream in the early hours of the morning. I was standing in a home we had once owned. It was in the most historical part of our city. It had windows that faced a horse farm across the road that had been part of a settlement from the 1800's. I loved living there.
But in this dream, upon opening the double front doors, I found myself standing behind a family assembled in order to have a picture made. Seeing only their backs, I heard the photographer speaking to them but it seemed a somber occasion. I heard the puffing sound and saw the smoke as he held his lantern up and took their picture. I immediately shut the doors so as not to be in their way, but realized I was not actually part of this scene. Looking out of the window I saw them, dressed in dark colors and embracing several men in their midst. The men were wearing uniforms, civil war uniforms, and the women were indeed dressed in the same period, their time in history.
Then, across the lawn I watched as the men left to follow other men marching down the road. The Irish stacked stone fences stood there as they would have in the real time. Soon coming behind them was another group of soldiers carrying flags that were war torn and shabby just as the soldiers uniforms.
Soon a line of soldiers carrying fresh flags appeared but behind them rolled wagons filled with wooden caskets covered with American and Confederate flags. Finally, the last line followed, uniforms tattered, some wounded, all weary and at the end was only an American flag. The drums tapped softly all along the way.
I felt the weight of it for the first time. The battles were real and the war was painful, brutal, and changed the face of this nation and it's families. The human toll unimaginable. Later that evening I tuned in to public television and there it was. The last installment of Ken Burns', "The Civil War". I had to watch it and had to write this.
I don't know about you, but I've lived a pretty protected life. I don't have physical battle scars. I've never spent a night holding a weapon to defend myself or to go after anyone else. Some of you have. It is happening all over this world every hour of every day.
I don't want to take war as a matter of fact. I also don't really want to experience it..in any form.
But knowing that someone paid a price for me and you and for freedom and for life, I am responsible for how I treat it. Those dream people represented families changed forever by a war. A war that could have destroyed our nation forever, but it didn't.
I am so aware that so many free nations do not get to keep their freedom when their war is over.
I am so thankful that we did. We are the United States of America, one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Lord, don't ever let me take this for granted again.
That evening as I walked outside at 9:00 the sounds came once again. Could it be that a battle could go on all day and into the night? It never occurred to me that it was possible. But then, what would I know of war? Living in Vicksburg, Mississippi and playing in the battlefields there did not have any effect on my thinking evidently. I had walked the National Military Park, stood at the foot of impressive monuments, read lists of the war dead in certain locations, but never felt the war. The blasts from artillery finally pushed me over to reality.
But beyond that, I had a dream in the early hours of the morning. I was standing in a home we had once owned. It was in the most historical part of our city. It had windows that faced a horse farm across the road that had been part of a settlement from the 1800's. I loved living there.
But in this dream, upon opening the double front doors, I found myself standing behind a family assembled in order to have a picture made. Seeing only their backs, I heard the photographer speaking to them but it seemed a somber occasion. I heard the puffing sound and saw the smoke as he held his lantern up and took their picture. I immediately shut the doors so as not to be in their way, but realized I was not actually part of this scene. Looking out of the window I saw them, dressed in dark colors and embracing several men in their midst. The men were wearing uniforms, civil war uniforms, and the women were indeed dressed in the same period, their time in history.
Then, across the lawn I watched as the men left to follow other men marching down the road. The Irish stacked stone fences stood there as they would have in the real time. Soon coming behind them was another group of soldiers carrying flags that were war torn and shabby just as the soldiers uniforms.
Soon a line of soldiers carrying fresh flags appeared but behind them rolled wagons filled with wooden caskets covered with American and Confederate flags. Finally, the last line followed, uniforms tattered, some wounded, all weary and at the end was only an American flag. The drums tapped softly all along the way.
I felt the weight of it for the first time. The battles were real and the war was painful, brutal, and changed the face of this nation and it's families. The human toll unimaginable. Later that evening I tuned in to public television and there it was. The last installment of Ken Burns', "The Civil War". I had to watch it and had to write this.
I don't know about you, but I've lived a pretty protected life. I don't have physical battle scars. I've never spent a night holding a weapon to defend myself or to go after anyone else. Some of you have. It is happening all over this world every hour of every day.
I don't want to take war as a matter of fact. I also don't really want to experience it..in any form.
But knowing that someone paid a price for me and you and for freedom and for life, I am responsible for how I treat it. Those dream people represented families changed forever by a war. A war that could have destroyed our nation forever, but it didn't.
I am so aware that so many free nations do not get to keep their freedom when their war is over.
I am so thankful that we did. We are the United States of America, one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Lord, don't ever let me take this for granted again.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Morning Breaks Golden
As the sun rises over the tree- lined field, a magnificent display takes place. For just a few precious moments a priceless treasure is on display... the sunshine on the cedars. There before my eyes shines a glow of golden light across the trunks of these old trees, pruned with all their green on top. Bringing me an opportunity to worship the One who created splendid moments like this. The Light of the world. The Beauty of His holiness. What a magnificent treasure and gone in a matter or minutes. Every morning I awake and look at the windows before rising, just to see if indeed I have not missed it. Sometimes I do.
You see, last year I heard in my heart, "If a miracle was right in front of you, you would miss it."
This as I drove across our county on a highway with tall walls of stone left marked by the blasting it takes to cut a highway out of high hills made of pure rock. At that moment, the hearing moment, I turned my head to the left and coming from far above the wall came a strong splashing waterfall. Windows rolled up, left ear deaf, I would never have even known it was gushing and causing all around it to glisten in the morning sun. Ice had thawed from deep inside and now it had it's release. What a terminal natural treasure.
A couple of days later, riding down one of my usual country roads, I look to my right and in that instant a Holstein cow was standing at the edge of the rambling stream on a familiar pasture.
Just as we passed I saw her fall over sideways into the stream. Later, returning home we saw her back up on all fours, chewing her way around the field.
This may seem like meaningless babble, but the truth is life is made up of many moments that are fleeting at best. We have missed so much. Today, as I walked with my 3 year old granddaughter, hand in hand, she looked straight ahead and said, "Marmee, you are very special to me." Without a thought I replied, "Audrey, you are very special to me, too. Do you know why we are special?"
"No."
"Because Jesus made us that way."
She nodded her little head and said, "Yes, He does."
That little, soft voice cannot always be heard by my weakened ears, but today I was listening. Given the ability to hear her say something I needed to hear. Maybe she needed to hear my reply.
What path do you tread everyday? Could it be that there are miracles all around and you've, I've, missed an opportunity to see them, hear them, experience them. Take a new look at what's around you. See with new eyes, hear with new ears, be open to laughter, delight, joy and hand holding. Don't miss the miracles.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts....you will go out with joy and be lead forth in peace ; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands." Isaiah 55: 9 & 12
You see, last year I heard in my heart, "If a miracle was right in front of you, you would miss it."
This as I drove across our county on a highway with tall walls of stone left marked by the blasting it takes to cut a highway out of high hills made of pure rock. At that moment, the hearing moment, I turned my head to the left and coming from far above the wall came a strong splashing waterfall. Windows rolled up, left ear deaf, I would never have even known it was gushing and causing all around it to glisten in the morning sun. Ice had thawed from deep inside and now it had it's release. What a terminal natural treasure.
A couple of days later, riding down one of my usual country roads, I look to my right and in that instant a Holstein cow was standing at the edge of the rambling stream on a familiar pasture.
Just as we passed I saw her fall over sideways into the stream. Later, returning home we saw her back up on all fours, chewing her way around the field.
This may seem like meaningless babble, but the truth is life is made up of many moments that are fleeting at best. We have missed so much. Today, as I walked with my 3 year old granddaughter, hand in hand, she looked straight ahead and said, "Marmee, you are very special to me." Without a thought I replied, "Audrey, you are very special to me, too. Do you know why we are special?"
"No."
"Because Jesus made us that way."
She nodded her little head and said, "Yes, He does."
That little, soft voice cannot always be heard by my weakened ears, but today I was listening. Given the ability to hear her say something I needed to hear. Maybe she needed to hear my reply.
What path do you tread everyday? Could it be that there are miracles all around and you've, I've, missed an opportunity to see them, hear them, experience them. Take a new look at what's around you. See with new eyes, hear with new ears, be open to laughter, delight, joy and hand holding. Don't miss the miracles.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts....you will go out with joy and be lead forth in peace ; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands." Isaiah 55: 9 & 12
Morning Call
Each morning as I lay sleeping I am awakened by our Golden's long bark across the field to an unseen friend that is calling, barking from streets unknown. This is my wake-up call. You see, I don't sleep well and usually I get back in bed around 5:00 to start all over again. Trying to sleep. Wide awake at 3:10 many, many dark mornings. My precious husband, many many times, comes into the living room, finding me curled up, asleep in a big chair, afghan wrapped around like a corn dog. He wakes me up and leans over to find my glasses that have made their way to the floor. Standing me to my feet, he says, "Why don't you go get back in the bed and get a little more sleep? I'm going to make myself a little coffee." Every resleeping morning.
Resleeping is my new normal. It only takes a few minutes and I'm right back at it. He has a very hard time making himself wake me though. That's where the Golden comes in handy. He lets her out for a real romp at about 7:30, knowing that she will sound her greetings loud enough for the streets-over dog and I will awake with out any effort on any one's part, but the dog.
I've always known my husband, the Italiano, was smart, but he is also merciful. All it took was one birthday day gift of a dog to get a customized alarm clock. How great is that? A benefit I never even imagined.
Resleeping is my new normal. It only takes a few minutes and I'm right back at it. He has a very hard time making himself wake me though. That's where the Golden comes in handy. He lets her out for a real romp at about 7:30, knowing that she will sound her greetings loud enough for the streets-over dog and I will awake with out any effort on any one's part, but the dog.
I've always known my husband, the Italiano, was smart, but he is also merciful. All it took was one birthday day gift of a dog to get a customized alarm clock. How great is that? A benefit I never even imagined.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Polka Dot Paper
Opening my refrigerator, a small round piece of paper floated to the floor. Picking it up I wondered why it has been posted on the door in the first place. Before tossing into the trash can I took a closer look. There in better light was a tiny, unable to be identified, drawing. I have it now at my side as I post this.
Some sweet grandchild had handed it to me and I had made a point of keeping it. They do this alot and no one enjoys it more than me. One of my grandsons, Whitaker, has learned a new thing. He says, "Momma, watch!...Dada, watch!" to his parents as he shows them something he can do. I love this time of their lives when they think anything they do is a special gift to everyone around them. They know we really love their art work, singing songs and doing little dances. They don't hesitate to come, with books in hand, and sit down with me for a read.
Such innocence.
We were all that way once. We thought that the world was a kind place to live and everyone rejoiced with you in all your achievements. Our eyes were on the beautiful and the beautiful was determined by our eyes.... not the eyes of someone else.
I don't really know about you, but I despise that our minds have been ripped apart from that. Oh, I know that growing up is living in reality, but why does it have to be so....rough. Why can't we hold onto some profound joy in just being alive? Just wondering....
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Italics mine..Mark 10:14-15) This pure statement alone should help us all to walk as if only someone who cares is watching. As for me, I'm thinking that even this blog God would put up on His refrigerator. He loves me that much....just like He loves you.
Some sweet grandchild had handed it to me and I had made a point of keeping it. They do this alot and no one enjoys it more than me. One of my grandsons, Whitaker, has learned a new thing. He says, "Momma, watch!...Dada, watch!" to his parents as he shows them something he can do. I love this time of their lives when they think anything they do is a special gift to everyone around them. They know we really love their art work, singing songs and doing little dances. They don't hesitate to come, with books in hand, and sit down with me for a read.
Such innocence.
We were all that way once. We thought that the world was a kind place to live and everyone rejoiced with you in all your achievements. Our eyes were on the beautiful and the beautiful was determined by our eyes.... not the eyes of someone else.
I don't really know about you, but I despise that our minds have been ripped apart from that. Oh, I know that growing up is living in reality, but why does it have to be so....rough. Why can't we hold onto some profound joy in just being alive? Just wondering....
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Italics mine..Mark 10:14-15) This pure statement alone should help us all to walk as if only someone who cares is watching. As for me, I'm thinking that even this blog God would put up on His refrigerator. He loves me that much....just like He loves you.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Ornaments
Checking with resale shops for an item and found a display counter full of some one's old Christmas ornaments, clustered together in zip lock bags. Each bag was completely different. The first had more child-like orbs with a roll of ribbon. Another had several Hallmark ones of cartoon characters. One bag had a definite appeal to people of one particular nationality. Some bags had been dropped and the most delicate of all had turned into thin shards of beautiful metallic chaos. Just looking through them gave me a sense that I could almost get the gist of their all around interest and tastes. I didn't mean to, but I knew if they had been trying for a theme or just for practicality, like those most likely not to break. Now I bet you've already begun to think of what you might see in them, too.
Now, what do my Christmas ornaments say about me? I'm guessing that first they would tell a story of a pack rat who cannot release her hold on anything that might have a shred of a good memory attached to it. That's pretty true. Then they'd show the price tags of some that were great bargins but never even unpacked or hung. Next they'd make sure the number of storage tubs alone would shame a normal person, but after opening them you'd see why. Some are pretty special but one box alone has the most important dangles in it.
It's a red striped, soft-sided box that sits alone on the shelf. In case of emergency it would be the go-to object to leave the garage. Inside of this treasure chest are the ones embedded with memories that pull me straight back to my "little girls" lives. There is one made from construction paper cut out like a tree that stands on a re purposed plastic stick. All ten finger prints are on it , all in blue, red and yellow. There is the school picture on an egg covered in paraffin that keeps disappearing from the tree after it's subject comes over to visit. There's the small tin frozen juice lid that has a star punched into it with a hammer. Then there's the collectible angels, small nativity, first Christmas wooden soldier, and the old Christmas cards pasted together with a yarn loop inside. So many more, but now you know. I've got a lot of decorations, but when it all comes down to it, there are some I can't do without.
but then, that's the deal. I love my sweet memories more than I love my stuff. I'm trying to capture them in a single box. Do I really need a box to hold them? Of course not. But it's fun to try and to allow my mind to be reminded of a few I've forgotten. Now I bet those folks who discarded all the little Christmas trinkets are just like me, those were the ones they didn't miss. Hopefully somebody else will make a memory with them someday. You really don't need a box to collect some priceless treasures.
Now, what do my Christmas ornaments say about me? I'm guessing that first they would tell a story of a pack rat who cannot release her hold on anything that might have a shred of a good memory attached to it. That's pretty true. Then they'd show the price tags of some that were great bargins but never even unpacked or hung. Next they'd make sure the number of storage tubs alone would shame a normal person, but after opening them you'd see why. Some are pretty special but one box alone has the most important dangles in it.
It's a red striped, soft-sided box that sits alone on the shelf. In case of emergency it would be the go-to object to leave the garage. Inside of this treasure chest are the ones embedded with memories that pull me straight back to my "little girls" lives. There is one made from construction paper cut out like a tree that stands on a re purposed plastic stick. All ten finger prints are on it , all in blue, red and yellow. There is the school picture on an egg covered in paraffin that keeps disappearing from the tree after it's subject comes over to visit. There's the small tin frozen juice lid that has a star punched into it with a hammer. Then there's the collectible angels, small nativity, first Christmas wooden soldier, and the old Christmas cards pasted together with a yarn loop inside. So many more, but now you know. I've got a lot of decorations, but when it all comes down to it, there are some I can't do without.
but then, that's the deal. I love my sweet memories more than I love my stuff. I'm trying to capture them in a single box. Do I really need a box to hold them? Of course not. But it's fun to try and to allow my mind to be reminded of a few I've forgotten. Now I bet those folks who discarded all the little Christmas trinkets are just like me, those were the ones they didn't miss. Hopefully somebody else will make a memory with them someday. You really don't need a box to collect some priceless treasures.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Out of the Quiet
Out of the quiet I was wondering....where does one go when there is no place to hide? I truly needed a place to hide for a couple of days. There was not any place that I had at my disposal to run and find a hole to crawl into. Have you ever had a time like that when disappointments hang like wet denim on your head? Where there is not a thing that can put your mind at ease because there is no real purpose in sight; purpose for hiding...purpose from what you are hiding from. Just trying to make it all better was not easy. So much to wonder about, how I missed up so bad, how another friend could be so close to death, how it could be that I've flunked another test of life, how to stay in a holding pattern and learn to learn as I'm doing it, how could I have another injured body part? Big sigh. Eeyore had nothing on me.
but... in the midst...there was some joy! Babies being born in the family, pansies that restarted after days without being planted, watered, and protected. There was a phone call from a friend and a card from another, a note of encouragement from another. There was Thanksgiving recipes and decorations to unpack. There was the love of grandchildren and daughters....none knowing I needed ...well, love. Guess there was something to help me cope with life without a hole to climb into.
but...more than all that....I'd had more than a few conversations with the One who could DO something about all this hiding preoccupation. I'd been totally honest about my part pity , part loss, part fear party. I'd walked beside some still waters, sat down in some green pastures, and slowly allowed Him to restore my soul. Today I can see a little clearer, and walk and talk at the same time, carry no burdens that remain, grieve with hope and plan on making things happen where I can. He is like that. That "restores my soul" clause is as real as the nose on my face. It takes a minute to see it sometimes, especially when I'm looking so hard at myself. It might get lost in the shuffle of trying to "busy up and get over it". It sometimes is a little hard to accept if I've gotten comfortable with what is frustrating me. But He who is faithful is also patient and He'll still be here when I get over it, just longing for me to have done it sooner.
So, here's to the quiet when it's for listening to His voice and not bringing any of my own baggage with it.
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths for His righteousness sake.
And even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
For You are with me .
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and
I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever."
(from the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, Psalm 23)
but... in the midst...there was some joy! Babies being born in the family, pansies that restarted after days without being planted, watered, and protected. There was a phone call from a friend and a card from another, a note of encouragement from another. There was Thanksgiving recipes and decorations to unpack. There was the love of grandchildren and daughters....none knowing I needed ...well, love. Guess there was something to help me cope with life without a hole to climb into.
but...more than all that....I'd had more than a few conversations with the One who could DO something about all this hiding preoccupation. I'd been totally honest about my part pity , part loss, part fear party. I'd walked beside some still waters, sat down in some green pastures, and slowly allowed Him to restore my soul. Today I can see a little clearer, and walk and talk at the same time, carry no burdens that remain, grieve with hope and plan on making things happen where I can. He is like that. That "restores my soul" clause is as real as the nose on my face. It takes a minute to see it sometimes, especially when I'm looking so hard at myself. It might get lost in the shuffle of trying to "busy up and get over it". It sometimes is a little hard to accept if I've gotten comfortable with what is frustrating me. But He who is faithful is also patient and He'll still be here when I get over it, just longing for me to have done it sooner.
So, here's to the quiet when it's for listening to His voice and not bringing any of my own baggage with it.
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths for His righteousness sake.
And even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
For You are with me .
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and
I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever."
(from the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, Psalm 23)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Autumn Dust
To the pumpkins we went....Gentry's Farm to be exact. The day was beautiful, the children excellent, the dust plentiful. It is very dry here and has some side effects. It seem corn mazes are larger since no one's corn made it this year. That's not good. Better mazes make not corn on the cob plentiful. When kids run dust follows like little clouds around their feet. That makes for diapers full of dirt. When children cry they wipe their faces and create a muddy smudge like little urchins. When parents come for photo opportunities you have to dodge every interesting location because you may be in a stranger's memory book someday. All our little ones went home smudgy and weary from all the fun. A wonderful way to spend a glorious fall day even if you have to pay.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Is it Love?
Random thought came to mind...not even contemplating it... Do I prefer approval or or do I prefer love? They are not the same. It got me wondering, which is it? Taken me a while to hash this out but it occurs to me that I seem to seek approval a lot. Very aware that I'm not on some folks top ten list of "people to be around". It's how it effects me that is troubling. What does that knowledge do to me? How does it effect my own thought processes? How much do I ponder the disappointment? How long do I work on bettering my standings? How much mind-time has it taken, for goodness sake?!
I decided to take a long look at this in person by person encounters. When I talk or interact with anyone, and I'm in a "noticing" kind state of mind, I ask myself, " Did I make any adjustment in who I was to meet their criteria? You already know the answer, "Yes, I did."
What that made me realize is that I am a definite "people-pleaser". That is very crippling.
So where does this take me? It helps me to quit denying that I am a people- pleaser and face my own music. Now this will be an on-going restructuring of my thought patterns, but at least I'm on my way to authentic renewal.
I Corinthians 13 is always my way of making sure I am practicing love in it's most perfect nuances. But how about me, maybe it's time I reviewed the relationships that confound me.
I'm honestly taking those that I am concerned about and go over those same "Love Chapter" statements and test the , well, test the love there. This is not for the faint hearted. It's very revealing. Take that challenge with me, ask those hard questions of a relationship that is perplexing, maybe even destructive. Now I'm not saying judge them, just give the reality of what you know to be true, like a real live tuneup, and opportunity to open your eyes a little. Beware. You will find out a lot more about your self than you will about them.
You see, we are not perfect lovers. We want to be, in our own selfish way, but the only true lover is God Himself through Christ Himself. Huge standard but worthy of at least trying to emulate.
So, now back to me. I realize that it's mostly about approval with me. I'm sorry about that. I've confessed it and asked for forgiveness which, by the way, is a large component of LOVE. Now I'm praying that I seek sincere love from others and forget the approval rating. If they are unable or unwilling to reciprocate, that's their deal. But as for me, I want to give love and not even consider what someone's predisposition is toward me. I'm ready to be free from the check list that has nothing eternally significant on it. I want to fly in the face of a civilization that has become completely taken over by , what I call, the "hip factor". I'm not hip because at this point age is the first thing to remove you from the "hip list".
Now here's to covering everyone with the love that sometimes eludes me. No exceptions. You know of course that this kind of love is named "unconditional". It has been practiced through the ages by One who is totally trustworthy and loves us all...who specifically sent His only Son to this earth to die for us...no approval necessary... no exceptions.
This is the deal, I'm trying right now not to even consider what you will think of this blog. It's a fight but it's worth it, because whoever you are... I love you...no exceptions...approval or not...but if I have to make a choice...I'll choose love.
I decided to take a long look at this in person by person encounters. When I talk or interact with anyone, and I'm in a "noticing" kind state of mind, I ask myself, " Did I make any adjustment in who I was to meet their criteria? You already know the answer, "Yes, I did."
What that made me realize is that I am a definite "people-pleaser". That is very crippling.
So where does this take me? It helps me to quit denying that I am a people- pleaser and face my own music. Now this will be an on-going restructuring of my thought patterns, but at least I'm on my way to authentic renewal.
I Corinthians 13 is always my way of making sure I am practicing love in it's most perfect nuances. But how about me, maybe it's time I reviewed the relationships that confound me.
I'm honestly taking those that I am concerned about and go over those same "Love Chapter" statements and test the , well, test the love there. This is not for the faint hearted. It's very revealing. Take that challenge with me, ask those hard questions of a relationship that is perplexing, maybe even destructive. Now I'm not saying judge them, just give the reality of what you know to be true, like a real live tuneup, and opportunity to open your eyes a little. Beware. You will find out a lot more about your self than you will about them.
You see, we are not perfect lovers. We want to be, in our own selfish way, but the only true lover is God Himself through Christ Himself. Huge standard but worthy of at least trying to emulate.
So, now back to me. I realize that it's mostly about approval with me. I'm sorry about that. I've confessed it and asked for forgiveness which, by the way, is a large component of LOVE. Now I'm praying that I seek sincere love from others and forget the approval rating. If they are unable or unwilling to reciprocate, that's their deal. But as for me, I want to give love and not even consider what someone's predisposition is toward me. I'm ready to be free from the check list that has nothing eternally significant on it. I want to fly in the face of a civilization that has become completely taken over by , what I call, the "hip factor". I'm not hip because at this point age is the first thing to remove you from the "hip list".
Now here's to covering everyone with the love that sometimes eludes me. No exceptions. You know of course that this kind of love is named "unconditional". It has been practiced through the ages by One who is totally trustworthy and loves us all...who specifically sent His only Son to this earth to die for us...no approval necessary... no exceptions.
This is the deal, I'm trying right now not to even consider what you will think of this blog. It's a fight but it's worth it, because whoever you are... I love you...no exceptions...approval or not...but if I have to make a choice...I'll choose love.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
pumpkins on parade
It has already started...the pumpkin and scarecrow show. I'm not late, I couldn't possibly be. It is the second of October, for goodness sake! Just riding through the countryside this morning you could already see the minivans piling up in the driveways of the pumpkin farms. I'm acting like I'm bewildered but , in all honesty, I'm not...I'm thrilled.
There is absolutely nothing like a fall morning and freshly stacked pumpkins waiting in patient piles for families to come and buy. The children come dressed in varied degrees of country attire. Some in their overalls, but most in their jeans. Babies grab the little pumpkins while moms run to catch them before they are thrown like a ball. Bigger kids get to run the hay bale maze. All have a chance to put their faces in the circle cut out of a giant wooden pumpkin made for parents to take their pictures.
Being a certified country girl, I have always felt sorry for anyone who hadn't been chased by a rooster, or planted a garden or gathered fresh eggs still scarred from a hen's behind.. That was an intrical part of life as a child. Now it has been so long ago, that country life, that I find myself seeking out the replicas just like everyone else. Maybe that's the point in pumpkin patches complete with hayrides, we as a people are actually trying to catch a glimpse and a scent of life on a farm.
Just last month one of my magazines had a story about overnighting at a farm and helping out as part of the deal. You can gather eggs, harvest vegetables, feed livestock or sit by the pool and veg out. What a deal. My grandmother would have had a hard time believing that was meant to be a "Secret Farm Hideaway" meant to "tap into rural life." I'm not criticizing our civilization just making a mental note that if one would again like to reunite with the country life my best advice is to bring your checkbook, but oh the fun you would have...
There is absolutely nothing like a fall morning and freshly stacked pumpkins waiting in patient piles for families to come and buy. The children come dressed in varied degrees of country attire. Some in their overalls, but most in their jeans. Babies grab the little pumpkins while moms run to catch them before they are thrown like a ball. Bigger kids get to run the hay bale maze. All have a chance to put their faces in the circle cut out of a giant wooden pumpkin made for parents to take their pictures.
Being a certified country girl, I have always felt sorry for anyone who hadn't been chased by a rooster, or planted a garden or gathered fresh eggs still scarred from a hen's behind.. That was an intrical part of life as a child. Now it has been so long ago, that country life, that I find myself seeking out the replicas just like everyone else. Maybe that's the point in pumpkin patches complete with hayrides, we as a people are actually trying to catch a glimpse and a scent of life on a farm.
Just last month one of my magazines had a story about overnighting at a farm and helping out as part of the deal. You can gather eggs, harvest vegetables, feed livestock or sit by the pool and veg out. What a deal. My grandmother would have had a hard time believing that was meant to be a "Secret Farm Hideaway" meant to "tap into rural life." I'm not criticizing our civilization just making a mental note that if one would again like to reunite with the country life my best advice is to bring your checkbook, but oh the fun you would have...
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
this day
What can one say that could possibly describe a day such as this one? The beauty of the sky alone was indescribable. The air was filled with the expectation of a gorgeous fall. What really took my breath away was the beauty of life itself. The highest highs and the reminders of our fragile state. The birthday of my dear friend was spent walking through a splendid garden of Chihuly glass that was resplendent in the truest of colors and shapes. The reflections in the waters that surrounded them was alone worth the walk through, but the artistry was in itself magnificent. Whimsical forms shooting in all directions stood before us as we gazed more than a little awestruck. Sharing it with someone who has eyes to see beauty in all it's dimensions was a generous gift in itself. Happy Birthday, my dear friend.
This same precious morning came the news of an acquaintance that had been killed in a horrific accident in his own yard. A father of four, a dear man who had overcome many obstacles but had walked kindly in the midst of folks, always wanting to lend a hand. His precious wife and children are in deep sorrow this night as they stand in this present world of beauty, lessened by his departing.
Five years ago this day, we stood at the bedside of one of our dearest friends. His battle with the craziest of cancers finally closed his earthly eyes and caused ours to fill with tears. We all still miss him and his infectious smile, his fun loving hijinks's and his deep love for others. Heaven holds both of these fine men this day.
Returning my thoughts to the wondrous sky, I feel a sudden oneness with the shimmering beauty of the reflections tenuously before me this morning. Life is but a vapor. Here for unknown moments of time. Fragile as a breeze that blows and moves across the waters, taking the picture we gaze upon with it.
Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10b
That would be for days like this through eternity.
This same precious morning came the news of an acquaintance that had been killed in a horrific accident in his own yard. A father of four, a dear man who had overcome many obstacles but had walked kindly in the midst of folks, always wanting to lend a hand. His precious wife and children are in deep sorrow this night as they stand in this present world of beauty, lessened by his departing.
Five years ago this day, we stood at the bedside of one of our dearest friends. His battle with the craziest of cancers finally closed his earthly eyes and caused ours to fill with tears. We all still miss him and his infectious smile, his fun loving hijinks's and his deep love for others. Heaven holds both of these fine men this day.
Returning my thoughts to the wondrous sky, I feel a sudden oneness with the shimmering beauty of the reflections tenuously before me this morning. Life is but a vapor. Here for unknown moments of time. Fragile as a breeze that blows and moves across the waters, taking the picture we gaze upon with it.
Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10b
That would be for days like this through eternity.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
There's a mockingbird singing his full list of top ten hits out side my front door! I love mockingbirds, have prayed one would come to live in our shrubs or trees, whatever he liked.
But for these few moments he's decided to sing here and I am so happy about it. You see this is a very, very quiet little cul de sac. I am usually one of only two folks at home during the day. But lately all I get to hear is the construction, or my version is destruction, across the field that I have come to love. The bulldozer started at exactly 7:00 a.m. CST, just as early as the law allows. But that is my back yard. The mockingbird sings heartily from my front yard cedar trees.
I wonder what I can do to get him to stay? Maybe he would work for food, but I'm not sure what food he really likes. Maybe he's in search of a mate, but doesn't know about e-harmony.
Maybe he's happy the neighbor's cat is in for the day. Maybe.... Just wish he'd stay. Oh, well, he's already moved on to my neighbor's across the street. Guess he just wanted to share the love.
Thank you, my friend, you and your songs are always welcomed here.
But for these few moments he's decided to sing here and I am so happy about it. You see this is a very, very quiet little cul de sac. I am usually one of only two folks at home during the day. But lately all I get to hear is the construction, or my version is destruction, across the field that I have come to love. The bulldozer started at exactly 7:00 a.m. CST, just as early as the law allows. But that is my back yard. The mockingbird sings heartily from my front yard cedar trees.
I wonder what I can do to get him to stay? Maybe he would work for food, but I'm not sure what food he really likes. Maybe he's in search of a mate, but doesn't know about e-harmony.
Maybe he's happy the neighbor's cat is in for the day. Maybe.... Just wish he'd stay. Oh, well, he's already moved on to my neighbor's across the street. Guess he just wanted to share the love.
Thank you, my friend, you and your songs are always welcomed here.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Hesitation or no guts?
Morning broke with our retriever barking and our neighbor's dog stomping on my flower bed.
Neighbor Mr. Third Grader, stood at a distance saying "Come. Let's go home now. I have food for you." All the while my flowers were meeting their Maker beneath the paws of a full grown yellow lab. My frustration was only coupled by my regret that this young man-in-the-making was not brave enough or concerned enough to get his dog by the collar and pull him away.
My dog now having been drug into the house is more frustrated than I.
Sometimes I do the same thing as my young friend. I stand at a distance, knowing that I have
a responsibility to do something about something. I'm afraid of getting too involved, too serious, too...well sweaty. There are things in life worth the lather. I'm realizing more and more that it takes someone who is deteremined to let the "dog" get them slobbered up to get into the fray. The eternal importance of the issue to considered, am I the one that will walk up, take the "dog" by the collar and say, "You are out of here!"? I already know the answer.
Neighbor Mr. Third Grader, stood at a distance saying "Come. Let's go home now. I have food for you." All the while my flowers were meeting their Maker beneath the paws of a full grown yellow lab. My frustration was only coupled by my regret that this young man-in-the-making was not brave enough or concerned enough to get his dog by the collar and pull him away.
My dog now having been drug into the house is more frustrated than I.
Sometimes I do the same thing as my young friend. I stand at a distance, knowing that I have
a responsibility to do something about something. I'm afraid of getting too involved, too serious, too...well sweaty. There are things in life worth the lather. I'm realizing more and more that it takes someone who is deteremined to let the "dog" get them slobbered up to get into the fray. The eternal importance of the issue to considered, am I the one that will walk up, take the "dog" by the collar and say, "You are out of here!"? I already know the answer.
Monday, September 13, 2010
beautiful day
Those fall shadows are draping themselves across the yard. You know the ones that look just a little softer and more elegant than those in summer. The sun's glow is gentler on the eyes and, seemingly, on the plant life. Babyblue sky is the backdrop for clouds like white smoke that enhances it all. Oh, why do we love fall so ? It is the backdrop for so much that is just getting started. New school years, football season, the beginning of holidays, the starts of the Christmas lists, gathering the last of the vegetables or maybe the roses, watching the store's bedding plants being replaced with pumpkins and corn stalks, carrying lozenges in your pocket, the smell of cinnamon and clove baking.... Where did summer slip off to?
For myself, it ended with a 40th year class reunion and visit back to the town of my birth. So much to absorb in just 18 hours. Old friends to reach out to for only a moment, lives to connect with, to remember what life been like for them for the last 40 years. So much to absorb in just 4 hours. Pictures never tell the whole tale, just help us see people we missed connecting with and hugging good. Some I never recognized until the captions on the pictures told the tale. I always want to go back and start over..start over seeing them again. Then there was the shock of my hometown. So very changed. Staring into windows with businesses I never heard of, unable to locate any I recognized. Streets used to be my passage ways to the library or to the counter for takeout, now completely absorbed by other cultures and some demolished for progress sake. I found myself at a loss to belong. I knew Wolfe was right, "You can't go home again." Brought back sadness to my present home and even now have a hard time packing it away. Yet, there was good to remember...the river still runs turbulent and strong. The battlefield is still a reminder to never forget. The cotton fields were white with cotton and the bridge still takes you across the river. My old friends still have the same smiles and voices are as strong as ever with laughter and joy. Even now I can hear their voices and see them sitting and talking like they'd never been apart.
I'm better now. I've let the past be what it is... the past. I have "Bright hope for tomorrow" for old friends, old hometowns and myself.
For myself, it ended with a 40th year class reunion and visit back to the town of my birth. So much to absorb in just 18 hours. Old friends to reach out to for only a moment, lives to connect with, to remember what life been like for them for the last 40 years. So much to absorb in just 4 hours. Pictures never tell the whole tale, just help us see people we missed connecting with and hugging good. Some I never recognized until the captions on the pictures told the tale. I always want to go back and start over..start over seeing them again. Then there was the shock of my hometown. So very changed. Staring into windows with businesses I never heard of, unable to locate any I recognized. Streets used to be my passage ways to the library or to the counter for takeout, now completely absorbed by other cultures and some demolished for progress sake. I found myself at a loss to belong. I knew Wolfe was right, "You can't go home again." Brought back sadness to my present home and even now have a hard time packing it away. Yet, there was good to remember...the river still runs turbulent and strong. The battlefield is still a reminder to never forget. The cotton fields were white with cotton and the bridge still takes you across the river. My old friends still have the same smiles and voices are as strong as ever with laughter and joy. Even now I can hear their voices and see them sitting and talking like they'd never been apart.
I'm better now. I've let the past be what it is... the past. I have "Bright hope for tomorrow" for old friends, old hometowns and myself.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Okay, so I'm really sorry about my tomatoes. They remained alive despite a digging dog, a painful heat spell, a flood, weeds a mile high, only to be eaten alive by some bug that looked like it had on a shield. I gloried in the tenacity of those golden, then orange, then ripened orbes. I waited til the color was just right and then I decended my deck staircase to capture them in a bowl. Before the mayonaise was room temperature, I discovered the holes decorating each and every one. After all we had been through together, I thought we had a chance at success, but ..no.
You see, I had watched the objects of my sandwich-making affections from my deck. I only watered them at deep dusk. I actually never came out to check on them at all. They looked like they were fine to me. Alas, my lack of up close and personal attention was their downfall. Now
I'm having a hard time chopping them down as they stand there resplendent in red and green.
It's kindof like any good relationship. A true friend who is close enough to see when you are
threatened or having a tough time is not just gazing at you from afar. They're close enough to
help you kill your bugs.
You see, I had watched the objects of my sandwich-making affections from my deck. I only watered them at deep dusk. I actually never came out to check on them at all. They looked like they were fine to me. Alas, my lack of up close and personal attention was their downfall. Now
I'm having a hard time chopping them down as they stand there resplendent in red and green.
It's kindof like any good relationship. A true friend who is close enough to see when you are
threatened or having a tough time is not just gazing at you from afar. They're close enough to
help you kill your bugs.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Just left Goodwill. Found a great deal but it was large. Got the ticket to go up and pay but turned around to go ahead and drag it to the check-out. As I approached my find, a lady was intently looking at it and she looked as if she really wanted it more than I did, so I offered her the
ticket. She immediately accepted it and said, "Oh, thank you. Are you sure you don't want it?"
I told her she could have it. The second I turned around a thought came into my mind, "Sucker. She played you like a drum." I felt completely hacked off. But then...the voice I heard sounded familiar. That same voice tried to tell me I was an idiot to try and write a book, "Who do you think will actually read a book YOU wrote?" Then I make plans and hear, "NObody will even know if you don't come, they never liked you anyway."
I'm on to this voice. It always comes when I'm tired, not feeling well or not keeping the truth volume turned up on high. So, even if the lady played me like a drum, that's not my problem.
At the time, I believed she looked like she wanted it more than I needed it and that's enough for me. I'm only accountable for my own actions, not hers.
And what, o man, does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
ticket. She immediately accepted it and said, "Oh, thank you. Are you sure you don't want it?"
I told her she could have it. The second I turned around a thought came into my mind, "Sucker. She played you like a drum." I felt completely hacked off. But then...the voice I heard sounded familiar. That same voice tried to tell me I was an idiot to try and write a book, "Who do you think will actually read a book YOU wrote?" Then I make plans and hear, "NObody will even know if you don't come, they never liked you anyway."
I'm on to this voice. It always comes when I'm tired, not feeling well or not keeping the truth volume turned up on high. So, even if the lady played me like a drum, that's not my problem.
At the time, I believed she looked like she wanted it more than I needed it and that's enough for me. I'm only accountable for my own actions, not hers.
And what, o man, does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Creating a story can become an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you are intensely carrying your people (characters) thru turbulent times. Soon you are laughing out loud at their antics. Then your heart fills to the brim with awe at the tender scene that has just sprung forth from the keyboard. Right now, I'm in the rewriting/ editing stage and I find myself missing my people.
They have become my best friends and I am concerned about their future. Having said that, I am also realizing how screen writers and novelist, poets and lyrisists form such a personal bond to their work. Having just finished, Inkheart, I sensed the imagery came from a love of her characters. I would love for each of my people to come off my pages and stay with me for awhile.
I would treat them like old friends and cook for them and laugh and cry at what they would say.
Since I am their creator, I would want them close to me. I'd set the camera on a ledge and we'd all stand together and have our picture made. I'd miss them terribly if they had to go back into the pages.
If I, being a word creator, love my people this much, how much more passionately does my
Creator love me. His passion for my company and welfare is more that I can imagine. So I now turn to Him and ask, "Can I sit with You for a while and I wish we could have our picture made together."
They have become my best friends and I am concerned about their future. Having said that, I am also realizing how screen writers and novelist, poets and lyrisists form such a personal bond to their work. Having just finished, Inkheart, I sensed the imagery came from a love of her characters. I would love for each of my people to come off my pages and stay with me for awhile.
I would treat them like old friends and cook for them and laugh and cry at what they would say.
Since I am their creator, I would want them close to me. I'd set the camera on a ledge and we'd all stand together and have our picture made. I'd miss them terribly if they had to go back into the pages.
If I, being a word creator, love my people this much, how much more passionately does my
Creator love me. His passion for my company and welfare is more that I can imagine. So I now turn to Him and ask, "Can I sit with You for a while and I wish we could have our picture made together."
Monday, August 23, 2010
So I've been dealing with impatience. Bet I've dealt with it all my life, but now it seems to be a
real problem. I've been asking the ONLY ONE who can help me ...to well, help me. Now. Like right now. I'm insensitive, judgemental and altogether a big thorn in the flesh to somebody. So today, I'm starting over. Focusing on it, practicing it, praying it. Think I'll make it?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,....patience.....gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self control: againest such there is no law."
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25
There is my mandate.
real problem. I've been asking the ONLY ONE who can help me ...to well, help me. Now. Like right now. I'm insensitive, judgemental and altogether a big thorn in the flesh to somebody. So today, I'm starting over. Focusing on it, practicing it, praying it. Think I'll make it?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,....patience.....gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self control: againest such there is no law."
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25
There is my mandate.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
On September 6, 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England for the New World. Men, women and children, 102 of them, were determined to start a colony and wound up unintentionally starting a country. Right about now, 390 years ago, those brave ones were making the preparations to leave all they had ever known for the unknown. They had much to do. Many they loved they'd leave behind. Much courage and faith to sustain them. What if they had changed their minds, canceled their plans, had serious second thoughts? If just one of those precious passengers had stayed behind...well, how would it have effected our lives?
In any plan, the foundations are what keeps it or wrecks it. We sit here today because these determined individuals made a trip that changed the face of the world. Where would we be today if that particular boat, with those particular passengers had not landed at Cape Cod, November 11, 1620?
In any plan, the foundations are what keeps it or wrecks it. We sit here today because these determined individuals made a trip that changed the face of the world. Where would we be today if that particular boat, with those particular passengers had not landed at Cape Cod, November 11, 1620?
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Days of sweetness...
Today is a day of thanksgiving. Yesterday was a day for concern. Every day brings new opportunities to believe God and take Him at His Word. My heart was at peace, though my mind was telling me of all that could be, but I kept reminding myself who has the final say.
For Jesus to come and for me to ignore His presence would have made for an anxiety- ridden 18 hours. I had a choice to listen to Who I am sure of, Who's words are true, completely reliable. "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me...Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world giveth, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid." John 14:1, 27
Not every time I'm anxious do I turn so quickly in His direction. What restrains me?
Heaven knows I'm not in control, but my head is not so quick to understand. Thankfully, every
day is another opportunity to trust Him. What am I saying?!! Every second is another opportunity to trust Him. He, who has promised, is able. It's the truth.
Today is a day of thanksgiving. Yesterday was a day for concern. Every day brings new opportunities to believe God and take Him at His Word. My heart was at peace, though my mind was telling me of all that could be, but I kept reminding myself who has the final say.
For Jesus to come and for me to ignore His presence would have made for an anxiety- ridden 18 hours. I had a choice to listen to Who I am sure of, Who's words are true, completely reliable. "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me...Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world giveth, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid." John 14:1, 27
Not every time I'm anxious do I turn so quickly in His direction. What restrains me?
Heaven knows I'm not in control, but my head is not so quick to understand. Thankfully, every
day is another opportunity to trust Him. What am I saying?!! Every second is another opportunity to trust Him. He, who has promised, is able. It's the truth.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Firsts
Hello, my friend, This is a first day. First for editing and rewriting, first for blogging. I love firsts, but want to treat everything I do just as special. So tomorrow we'll see how I fare.
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