Day 31 - H.O.P.E

My younger son is an artist in the truest sense of the word. He is musically gifted and as a writer his creative ability is beyond genius. I love to talk to him, because he actually listens, and that's an art in itself. Listening...what a concept in today's world where everyone is screaming to be heard.

He's the one who encourages me to live my dreams, and I do no less for him than he does for me. You see, my son has a destiny, but he doesn't realize it. I think that's true of many sons and daughters. Perhaps they need encouragement to pursue their dreams, or, maybe just a listening ear and a sympathetic heart.

I don't think it's ever too late to realize your true potential. At least I hope that is the case, as I am still trying to find my way. It's hard letting go sometimes. We feel obligated or responsible for others, yet we cannot help another person unless, especially when they don't want help or change. There's a time and a season for letting go. For continuing on.

I've been listening to music by a band called Imagine Dragons.  My son listens over and over to one of their songs, "Demons." Perhaps you're familiar with the lyrics. Some think it's a slant on Christianity, but I don't think so. I think there's a deeper meaning they're trying to express. But then, I generally view things differently than most. I'm like my son, or perhaps he's like me, in that way of thinking. But I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt.

So you decide:

IMAGINE DRAGONS

Demons Lyrics

When the days are cold
And the cards all fold
And the saints we see
Are all made of gold

When your dreams all fail
And the ones we hail
Are the worst of all
And the blood's run stale

I wanna hide the truth
I wanna shelter you
But with the beast inside
There's nowhere we can hide

No matter what we breed
We still are made of greed
This is my kingdom come
This is my kingdom come

When you feel my heat
Look into my eyes
It's where my demons hide
It's where my demons hide
Don't get too close
It's dark inside
It's where my demons hide
It's where my demons hide

At the curtain's call
It's the last of all
When the lights fade out
All the sinners crawl

So they dug your grave
And the masquerade
Will come calling out
At the mess you made

Don't wanna let you down
But I am hell bound
Though this is all for you
Don't wanna hide the truth

No matter what we breed
We still are made of greed
This is my kingdom come
This is my kingdom come

When you feel my heat
Look into my eyes
It's where my demons hide
It's where my demons hide
Don't get too close
It's dark inside
It's where my demons hide
It's where my demons hide

They say it's what you make
I say it's up to fate
It's woven in my soul
I need to let you go

Your eyes, they shine so bright
I wanna save that light
I can't escape this now
Unless you show me how

When you feel my heat
Look into my eyes
It's where my demons hide
It's where my demons hide
Don't get too close
It's dark inside
It's where my demons hide
It's where my demons hide

Today I am grateful that God's understands our expressions of the truths we feel. And He meets us where we are ... every ... step ... of ... the ... way! 

Day 30 - Write Your Name

Live for something....

Write your name in kindness,

love, and mercy on the

hearts of thousands you

come in contact with....

You will never be forgotten.

Thomas Chalmers

Friday morning I awakened to fresh snow falling, and I was so filled with childlike wonder.  I had prayed we'd get a nice blanket of snow, without the hazards posed on roadways, and God had answered my prayer. I still haven't gotten outside to take a brisk walk or build my snowman, but I watched with imagination as flakes continue to fall the greater part of the day.

I had an extremely busy day in my home office playing catch up as I generally do on office days. It seems as if office days are written on the wind as these are the times, especially on late Friday afternoon,s when the phone rings off the hook. I have more than one phone, so it can get pretty loud when they are all ringing at the same time along with call waiting bleeping in your ear.  And so it was yesterday.  So it seems to be every day as of late.

I worked well into the night, so when I finally decided to call it quits it was a little past 9 pm.  Pretty long work day for me, and I was exhausted. I could no longer keep my eyes open, hence the delay in posting Day 30.

Throughout the day many thoughts go through my head about quiet times and things I've read and been ruminating.  I listen to Christian music playing softly in the background while I work, so the words are always in the air reminding me, keeping my thoughts focused on the Lord.  I am after all in His service, daily called to do His will.

I speak with many people on a day to day basis, and it staggers my imagination when I even begin to think of how many wonderful souls God has brought into my path over these sixty-four years of my existence. These years are but a breath to God, yet when I recall the opportunities I've had to be His hands and feet in action I feel so remorseful that I may have shown someone anything less than kindness and love.  I am here to represent Him, not myself, as I fail miserably as all humans.

So many dear ones I've known and have come to love have gone on to eternity, and I miss them so. As I am driving down any road, any direction in this vast region of Northern New Mexico I recall the faces, voices and mannerisms of those who have gone before me. Those whose lives I have touched, hopefully for good.  I remember the last time I spoke with them, the laughter, the tears and longings, and even the joy of sharing His love and purpose for their lives.  I have received calls from family members asking me to come to be by their sides when their loved one, my beloved ones, are fading away. I've received calls from more than one person as they are breathing their last breaths, only to learn later when I try to return the call that I am too late. I may never know why they were calling me, but I pray it was to say "see you later."

The quotation above causes me to pause and reflect about my life and the people I encounter, friends, and family.  Regardless of how I am treated, whether well or badly, I pray that I have responded in love, kindness, and caring. I don't want to be remembered by anyone for anything other than that I really cared about their welfare and that my face shined with the love of Jesus. My whole purpose, as is your purpose, is to shine the light of Christ's love each day, bringing hope into the seemingly hopelessness of life's situations, extending a hand of friendship to one who needs someone to walk with them, taking the time to smile at a stranger or say "good morning." It's not so hard to do, and it is so rewarding. 

My heart breaks when I am accused of not caring about a person, especially a family member who hatefully shouts obscenities or hurls insults into my face repeatedly when life isn't going as they planned. It's easy to take our feelings, hurts, regrets out on those we love the most, but it is a terrible waste of our good time on this earth. And although words can never be taken back, I am finding that they cause me less hurt now. Thankfully God has given me so much love and compassion for people, that although it stings, I forgive easily. As it should be, and as I want it to be.

Mark Twain wrote these words, "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."

My prayer for my life and my encounter with others along life's pathway is simply reflected in the words of Paul in Colossians 3:12-15:

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness,

and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances

you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in

perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members

of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

 

 

Day 29 - Irregular People

It is interesting how one slip of the finger on a key board, especially if one is so fortunate as I to have Windows 8, can send you off into cyberspace opening up a whole new world of adventure. For me I seem to be drawn to pages that actually confirmed my subject for tonight's blog.

I'm watching a movie I recently purchased after seeing it at the theater, God's Not Dead. A young woman is sitting at the dinner table in a restaurant with a rich, arrogant older man she's seeing, and she says, "I have cancer" to which he responds, "This couldn't wait...."  She says "You understand I might die?" and he responds, "And I'm sorry about that."  Then he leaves, because she somehow violated the agreement of their relationship.  Interesting, eh?  But then, that's life.  Sad to say, but true.

It got me to thinking about a book I read many moons ago, and have it on my "Wish List" on Amazon, called "Irregular People" by Joyce Landorf.  Joyce teaches us how to live with the difficult and intensely interesting people who are part of our families or those we meet along the way who become entangled in our lives.  I think I may need to read it again.

Regardless of how irregular people are, none compare to this brute beast in this movie, as he gets worse each time he's introduced in a scene.  This is a must see for all movie goers, especially scientists.  Speaking as one, it is GREAT!  Anyway, back to my thought about people....!

People...whether friends, family or others all come in unique packages and personalities.  We often share funny moments on Facebook, so I want to expand on that and introduce a few of the "irregulars" in my life. The photos or pics I'm sharing may not be real or actual friends, but representatives. All names have been changed to protect the innocent.  So away we go............................!

This photo is Brad Pitt in the movie 12 Monkeys, and his character looks surprisingly like my younger son who loves to freak people out!  If you saw the movie when it came out several years ago you can appreciate the depth of Brad Pitt's talent in being able to portray this less than normal person.  My son, Daniel, is not accepted in certain Christian circles, because his style of clothing and haircut, as that above, is not the accepted norm in certain circles.  Sad, because he has a voice, like others who are frowned upon by those who cannot see or accept, but, like Brad in his role, he isn't too concerned about what others think about him.  One thing special about my son is that in spite of how other perceive him or how he feels about himself, he has a compassionate heart.

 

In my travels I meet irregular misfits, ragamuffins as I call them as well as myself, who are actually charming once you get to know them.  Perhaps a bit rowdy at times, even obnoxious, nevertheless, endearing.

 

We all recognize these guys from childhood...The Little Rascals....Spanky and the gang.  I grew up with my own little rascals, and I've added a few to my list of friends too.  Remember the hijinks of childhood and well into our teenage years?  How well I remember many crazy times as kids and teenagers doing some pretty wild things. When I heard my mama say "Linda Susan!" I knew I was in trouble.

And here we have the face of a true to life "little rascal" who has somehow stumbled into my life and  who is to the fullest extent an IRREGULAR person, but a rascal who has grown up into a strong man of God.  So appearances can be deceiving, right?!  Thanks for being my friend, ole man! But don't get any ideas!

Irregulars come in all shapes, sizes, and dispositions, and they can be two-legged or four-legged rascals.  Everyone loves puppy dogs and sassy cats.  Put them together, and often there are fireworks.  We all know "cats rule and dogs drool," but here's some reminds just in case you've forgotten.

Here's a wise cat trying to let the dumb dog know exactly whose in charge, in a diplomatic voice.

Again, whose in charge?

Ask me a questions, and I will give you no lies!



The cat would say "there are no words!"

 So enough of this, I'm bored, and it's time for my nap!

 Sometimes one picture is worth a thousands words!  We know who is in control, don't we?!

There are also fluffy, furry friends, with attitude who may not be real but imaginary irregular people! Some of you have been privileged to meet my two traveling companions, Charles, aka Charlie Horse, and Schlep, my trust ole bear friend.  Charles has the attitude, and Schlep has the heart. And then there's me! I'm the one with the shaggy hair, the less manicured of the trio. You decide...sometimes life wouldn't be the same without people like you and me!

 

Day 28 - Day is Done

Got home about 7:15 pm tonight after a long day on the road.  I love going to Chama, but it is an all day adventure, and I am spent for the evening.  Hope sleep comes as easily for me as it does for good ole Charlie Brown!

When I am traveling I have lots of "think time," so I relax a bit as I dream, or I can get myself all wound up thinking about things I cannot change.  As I was getting ready for work this morning I was thinking about situations that are never laid to rest. Things people beat themselves up about or cannot seem to get past.  Consequently, when they are in social gatherings the conversation invariably goes back to the same ole thing.  I have grown in the area of compassion, but there are times when even I want to explode.  So I was talking to God about it, and I just felt that the words I need to express are this:  "Don't think about the things you cannot do or circumstances you cannot change, rather think about what you can do."  In fact I used my own words today with someone, and I think I was heard...or at least I hope so.

I realize I've had more than my own share of beating myself over stuff, but I tend to do it in seclusion more often than not. But I have improved, and it is a sigh of relief.  I know that writing my blog daily is actually keeping me focused on being grateful, and I am grateful for that!  Generally I am a very happy person, but this past year has been a HUGE challenge of my patience.  Thankfully, my patience has been developing over the years as well.

So as I ready myself for a good night's snooze, I will listen to Charlie Brown's ending statement, that "Tomorrow comes with a whole new light."  Light being the operative word.

Hope you have a wonderful, peaceful sleep, and I will catch ya tomorrow!

Day 27 - Christmas!

Another day...whew!!  Actually, it turned out to be a very nice day albeit with unexpected turns, but I am still smiling, still happy, and still praising God for His wonderful provision, keeping power, and his incredible love.

I was going through my e-mails, deleting a bunch of "stuff" when I made my way to YouTube, and that is where I focused my attention for an hour or so. I was drawn there by an e-mail link to "Beauty and the Beast - Vincent's Letters to Catherine." My all time favorite tv series was Beauty and the Beast, and I have watched, re-watched, and re-re-watched these movies over and over again. I never tire of the stories. I love the tunnels and chambers with all the hand - dipped candles lighting the way - the chambers ablaze with glorious light. Oh what I'd give to live in such a quiet, nostalgic place, listening to sonnets being read to me. Below in the tunnel thoroughfares listening to Mozart or Beethoven playing above in the park. Whereas I do enjoy the music of these two great composers my all time favorites are Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, but to have this choice seating below the stage, unseen by spectators would be so precious. A bit of heaven on earth!

When the kids were still home I used to turn off the lights at night, then I'd read by candlelight, write in my journal or read Keats, Dickinson or Sonnets of the Portuguese.  I love good literature, so I could spend hours with my nose in books reading, breathing in the beauty of the prose or poetry while all were sleeping in the house save I. It was the world I escaped to, and I still have these times when I escape into this place of contemplation and peace. It's my world of possibilities and dreams that come true.

 

It reminds me of Christmas...and I never want it to end.  Maybe that's why I keep up my little Christmas tree all year and listen to Christmas music, watch Christmas movies, and sip hot cocoa when I'm in my melancholy moods. Perhaps melancholy is not the correct word to describe how I feel when I am drawn by the magic of the moment. Into the safety of my hiding place, my chamber beneath the city where no one can touch me or disturb my peace.  A time of introspection, reflection and a place to dream.

Valentine's Day will soon be here, and no one will be thinking about Christmas, but I do always.  Each day is Christmas, and we should celebrate it every day of the year. I'm not one for following what everyone else does, so no matter what time of year you may visit my home, you'll find a whimsical display of memories near and dear to my heart.  I wish everyone would keep up white Christmas lights all year round.  There's a place in Chimayo close by where I used to live, and each year several of the neighbors who live adjacent to each other in this quaint area have wonderful, magical Christmas lights and scenes, all tastefully displayed on either side of the road. Reminds me of the Christmas luminarias lining Canyon Road in Santa Fe.  Simply beautiful.  You may think it sounds commercial, but it isn't. It takes your breath away, so I make it a tradition to have visits way into the night so I can put my happy on after a hard day on the road captivated by the light guiding me along my way. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face and a lift to my spirit.

And so tonight I light my candle, and I take my rest grateful for the day and for the memories.

Day 26 - Questions and Answers

“The place God calls you to is the place where 

your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

- Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC

 

Just ending my day...a quite long day, but a successful one, I hope.  I've been doing much better at turning off the computer at least by 6 pm each night, but there are days when duty calls more loudly than comfort. 

I always think of so many things I want to write about either in the morning, when time is very limited, or when I am driving down the road.  I tried taping it, but it seems so artificial, planned, rehearsed, as if I was some wannabe orator!  So I am just going by my mood.  I had a good laugh with one of my vagabonds, over silly things really, at ourselves.  It's always great to "take 5" and laugh. Life is way too serious!

 

Each night as I am relaxing in a hot bath I open up the pages to Living in Gratitude by Angeles Arrien and read over the January daily thanks activities. So I thought I'd asked you some of the questions posed in this chapter:

1. Who or what has inspired you?

2. Who are what is challenging you?

3. Who or what is surprising you?

4. Who or what is touching or moving you?

These are "external questions."  I must say I have been pondering these questions over and over. I have so many people crowded into my life on any given day that it is often hard to consider inspiration.  But then, watching the way a person responds to life-threatening health issues, or challenges way beyond a person's endurance.  Humbling.  I am inspired daily by the independent spirit I see rising up in some of the more challenged individuals. These is where I gain my courage and inspiration, seeing others overcome.

My challenges come in places where I have fears I am not ready to handle at the moment.  Work is always a challenge, but it is a sweet reward in so many ways.  Relationships are the hardest, but then not too much trouble, I suppose. Depends on the day and the person.

Daily surprises come in small packages.  The Bible study I am hosting has produced some interesting surprises, and I hope changed lives.  I can hardly wait to see where it will go.

As to who is "touching" or "moving" me, well I am thinking about that one. Don't want to speak or write too hastily.  Always the Lord.  He is a constant, but then I have other encounters I am ruminating on.

Further questions to tweak your mind are:

1. What is strengthening within your nature?  For me it is trust.

2. What is softening within my natures? Judgment

3. What is opening within my nature? Love

4. What is deepening within my nature? Compassion

I find I am not as concerned about what I cannot control in my work life and also in my personal life. It doesn't mean I am not troubled by things, but I do deal with them in a manner that proves healthier for my emotional well-being.  I know the importance of distance. I know how to breathe more easily. All good things.

Can hardly wait to turn the page and begin February to see what's next!  Hope I don't have to think as much or as hard.

So, we're 26 days into the New Year.  How's your month been going? Remember to laugh!

 

Day 25 - Blessings bring Responsibility

"God gives us the ingredients for our daily bread,

but He expects us to do the baking."

Sunday morning as all the world sleeps something keeps popping into my mind from my reading in The Daily Walk Bible yesterday, "blessings bring responsibility."  I am reading Exodus on my daily walk through the Bible, and the children of Israel are on the move aiming for the promised land. But, in spite of the many miracles they have witnessed thus far, they are still griping and complaining wanting to go back to Egypt, back to slavery. This time they are complaining about starving, when in reality they have provisions all around them. But then it's easier to become accustomed to a daily meal being provided even if they are slaves being prodded by a whip. Go figure!

So, once more, God in His desire for His people divinely intervenes and provides sustenance for these griping, complaining people, first in the form of manna from heaven and then quail that falls from the sky.  So he "blessed" them when He could have blitzed them. At this point Moses may have wanted to raise the staff and go poof them out of existence but not God. He's more loving and merciful to degenerates. This is where the quotation comes in, "blessings bring responsibility."  Although God provided for their needs, they had to pick it up, prepare it, and eat it.

And so it is with us today...we balk, because we have to go to work each day, prepare meals for our families, or mow the lawn once a month.  These are "blessings," but we fail to see them as such. We are so used to having things done for us.  We can eat out at fine restaurants or go through the drive through at McDonald's; have all the modern appliances or hire someone to do our housework or outdoors work.  We can even pay someone to do the work we are supposed to be doing, which is less than honest in some respects.  The point is that we complain so much that do not even perceive the gifts we have been given. We are too caught up in our own selfishness and self-absorption that we turn a blind eye, because we think we deserve more and better than being grateful for all we do have, even if it is little.

In our society today there is so much crime, hopelessness, and utter contempt for those in authority. I thank God every day for my upbringing, for discipline, for being taught the value of a man's word and for having respite for others regardless of the manner in which I am treated. In this age children bear children without knowing the first thing about parenting. Or parents become so busy trying to earn a living or develop a career that they lose sight of the blessings they have before them.  We want the best for our families when the best is our attention, our gentle correction, our training them to become people who are honest, compassionate, respectful and grateful.

In our jobs we want more...a higher salary, a more prestigious title, we want...we want! So our response often times is doing only enough to get a pat on the shoulder, to achieve recognition, and to brown nose our way to the top. Sorry if that expression seems less than appropriate, but it simply means "to curry favor; to flatter and pamper in order to gain approval and advantage; behave obsequiously (characterized by or showing servile complaisance)." Never cognizant of the fact that we could be standing on the corner of Guadalupe and Alameda Streets in Santa Fe or elsewhere hoping someone would hire us for the day, or renting rather than owning or homeless on the street. Thank God we have a job so we can rent! Thank God we have legs or a mind that allows us to work. We eat steak with sour cream, and we crave caviar.

This is a sad commentary, but an honest evaluation of human kind for each of us.  So I purpose to keep my focus clear by daily blogging as I journey gratefully realizing how many blessings I do have. Simple things reminding me of people, places, things I've been privileged to do or hope to do. We wake up every morning, able to see, but even if we cannot see nonetheless we wake up feeling, knowing, sensing a new day to choose to do better, to start anew, to experience "being."

I want my life hidden in Christ, and I want my human desires to be the desires He has for my life. Believe me I know what happens being outside of His will, so please trust me on this... His way is the best and only way to achieve happiness and contentment. And gratitude speaks loudly in this calloused, empty, void of feeling world we are part of today.

It is my desire that today we will seek to live the life of privilege as God's own chosen ones in letting our "lifesong sing" regardless of what happens today.

Day 24 - It's the Little Things that Count

Generally on Saturdays I'm busy buying groceries, stocking up on supplies, or playing catch up on things that have gone by the wayside since I work such long hours during the week. Occasionally I even work on Saturday afternoons, but today I decided to break that habit. Instead I vacuumed the house.  I haven't gotten around to dusting yet, except in my bedroom, but at least I did something. That makes me happy!

The down side to all this is that I am feeling the wear of it all.  I think I zigged when I should have zagged, because my back and hips are screaming!  A hot bath and a good stretch is the order for the day, so I best get at it soon.

Today I thank God for rest, the feeling of accomplishment, and peace. I praise Him for He is worthy of praise.  So as I close out my day I'm going to put on a good movie and hopefully drift off to a nice, warm rest.  See ya tomorrow.

 

Day 23 - Love in Action

"Beyond the Blackboard" is a story of teacher, Stacey Bess, living in Utah teaching in a school called The School With No Name for homeless children.  It is an inspiring true story of a young woman who was assigned to a special project to teach in an impossible situation. The movie was based on her book Nobody Don't Love Nobody, which is about her first teaching job at a homeless shelter. It wasn't just her first job, it was the only opportunity she had, so off she goes to teach K - 6th grade and instead ended up teaching all K - 12th in a run down building without desks, books, or anything!  As a young, idealistic mother she felt the hopelessness of the situation, but she overcame valiantly to help not only the children but the parents as well.  It is a must see that will touch your heart and, hopefully, inspire you to greater humanitarian deeds.

 

If you're really wanting to challenge your life other movies you find encouraging are "The Reading Room," "Freedom Writers," "To Sir with Love", and "Music of the Heart."

"To Sir With Love," deals with social and racial issues in the inner city of London.  

"The Reading Room"  is a sentimental story about a man's promise to his dying wife to open a reading room, a place for people to learn to read.

"Freedom Writers" is based on the book The Freedom Writers Diary about another new, excited young teacher placed in a school that was formerly a high achieving school, but she was placed in a class of at risk kids, the "unteachables," in the system's eyes.  The story is remarkable, but the success comes with a great cost in the personal life of this young teacher.

"Music of the Heart" takes us to Harlem where a school teacher has the desire to teach inner city children to play the violin.

If you know me at all you know I have a huge heart, and if I could I would open my arms to anyone, especially these dear ones who need to know they are loved, worth, gifted, and have purpose and meaning in their lives. I would love them, feed them, teach them, enable them, and send them out to pay it forward.  Such is the basis for my "Island of Misfits Toys," with me as the most misfit of all giving hope to the other ragamuffins and rabble in this world.  I hold on to my dream with a fierce tenacity, and it will happen!

As I end this day with the deepest of gratitude, this is my prayer:

"Thank you, Father, that there are people willing to give their time, service, and dedication for others. It is a true act of unconditional love poured from a heart of compassion.  One who sees into the depth of loneliness, mistrust, and violence so harsh that it leaves behind a scarred and wounded soul.  Please let us see through Your eyes, feel with Your heart, and give all of Your love to the ones imprisoned by the relentless battle of unworthiness and isolation. There are no hopeless causes! Only people like me, with feelings like others.  Let me see through your eyes of wisdom to  know how to answer the needs You always bring my way.  Thank You for trusting me with these precious ones and for showing me others battles needing to be faced.You know I love a good fight, and I know You are always by my side."

Day 22 - Stopping by....

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost 

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

 

 

Robert Frost is one of my all time favorite American poets who made reading poetry an adventure or simply a walk in the woods on a snowy evening.  His style was simple, yet meaningful.  Words aptly spoken like apples of gold in settings of silver, or something like that. As a child my mind was always prone to wandering, and I find I still do quite a bit of mind travel as I devour a new book or read a classic verse.

This bridge reminds me of my treks through the woods...the road less traveled! To think something as simple and as beautiful as snow falling can make my heart sing!  I do thank God for the winter season, for the freshness of the crisp, morning air...the first breath of day...a snowy day! I guess it's too much to pray for one more day to enjoy this beauty, but I will take what I can get and rejoice in the moment.

 

Day 21 - Snow at Last!

I absolutely love snow!  Today I was able to work from my home office while a blanket of snow covered the ground. Several inches of fresh powder have rested on my lawn, and I am so excited, anxious hoping tomorrow more will fall. I am so hoping to make a snowman.  I know it sounds a bit childish, but it's so fun!  Perhaps I'd have a friend or two join me.

When I was a young child I loved it when school was out because of snow, and I'd ride the bus to grammy's and papa's house.  My uncles and aunts, who were teenagers at the time, would be busy preparing for night sleigh rides.  I wanted to join in the fun, but, alas, I was too young to go sledding down hills in the night.  Besides who wants a kid around, right?  But I do remember an old sleigh my uncle Larry had, and he'd let me use it to play during the day.  Such great fun riding down the bank, then pulling it back up to do it all over again.  I don't think we ever are too old to sleigh ride, do you?

Do you remember doing this?

I loved to hike in the woods when the snow was so deep it'd come up to my knees.  I had friends who loved to romp and play as much as I did like this snow bunny... 

                                                                             

and these snow buddies!

                                                                      

 

Imagine returning home after a long, hard day at the office to this home! Quite picturesque in it's white coat!  And the trees are perfect for climbing.  Isn't it a welcoming sight?!

Although this is a beautiful sight, my dream home I have imagined for my retirement looks somewhat more idyllic...more rustic! My dreams are not grand by any stretch of the imagine. Just simple and adequate, surrounded by nature's grandeur.

I'd be tucked away, all warm and toasty by my wood stove enjoying a pleasant cup of hot cocoa, relaxing after a quiet day of contemplating life in all its goodness and freedom!  At last I will find rest for my weary soul!

I believe nothing is impossible, and dreams do come true!  When my dream becomes reality, you are all welcome to drop by and spend some time doing nothing in particular, but I promise an adventure!
But for now I am thankful to God for giving me dreams and wonderful snowfall even if just for this day!

Day 20 - A Bit of Nonsense

The Bible says that laughter is good medicine, and I agree.  I am so exhausted from a long day of traveling, but after a gluten free pizza I feel revived!  If you're ever in Santa Fe be sure to visit Harry's Roadhouse as it is divine!  Santa Fe has a bit of everything, and it one of my favorite places.

Today I spent the majority of my day with my fellow laborers enjoying a meal and a laugh or two. I enjoy seeing my friends, and it is relaxing to play silly games which sometimes reveal things we didn't know about each other. So that's how I spent my day. I even discovered that I had some friends who enjoy Pinterest as much as I do.

So I want to say thank you, Lord, for giving us laughter and attitude. Enjoy the pics!

Day 19 - Thank You for Quiet Thoughts

The part of us that wants to become is fearless.

Joseph Campbell

I sit in quiet introspection and I reflect

on things that have been, things that may be,

things that will surely some to pass.

Linda Esquibel

 

My life is a contradiction...on the one hand I am the one who is fearless...the other....contemplative.  As I entered the new year I had the hope of slowing down, taking a little more time to just "be," but I also wanted to accomplish some things I had not completed in 2014.  I have been setting goals, which is a good thing to do in order to maintain focus, but in my case I seem to over set and over do.  I guess I don't know how to just let it go!

 

I am finding that I am more focused on being less concerned about the things I cannot control. It a fine art and one worth the effort.  I am given a great deal of freedom, and that is reassuring.  Still there's so much that needs to be done, so much that is left undone, and being the perfectionist, this is a difficult concept for me to grasp. Nevertheless, I am consciously making an effort to say, "that is enough!"

As I purpose daily to express my gratitude I am overwhelmed with the love of God.  Can you say that about your life?  Even Job in his suffering said, "If we take happiness from God's hand, should we not take sorrow too?" (Job 2:10) Brennan Manning says it this way, "The grace to let go and let God be God flows from trust in his boundless love." (Ragamuffin Gospel, "Grazie, Signore").

As I "begin anew" this year my reading has introduced me to the wisdom of Hopi Elder Thomas Banyacya in Angeles Arrien's book "Living in Gratitude."  He believes that as we envision possibilities that it is important to stop, consider, change, and correct. In so doing we have the opportunity to revisit our imaginings and adjust the vision to better meet our goals.  It's an interesting thought. The author invites us to consider his four steps as it relates to work, relationships, health and finances. Further, she asks, "What childlike curiosity and wonder are you currently bringing to your work, relationships, finances, health, and personal growth?"

Another practice for each day is this: "At the end of each day, notice what or who made you happy. Silently give gratitude for each person or circumstance that brought joy into your life on this day." Sometimes my days go by so quickly that I do not take the time to truly focus on the "moments" as much as I would like.  Regardless, I always find a bright spot in each day, especially when I am in the field encouraging my people. They bring me joy, they give my life meaning, and I am so grateful to be of service to them.

"Each week, choose to experience something new; do something that you have not done before. New experiences offer new possibilities and opportunities for growth."

Tonight I find that my imagination has grown too weary to think about this practice. At the moment  my brain is too overloaded with my day-to-day work which consumes far too much of my life. But I think the exercises posed are beneficial in achieving peace by letting go, finding balance, and expressing gratitude.

For tonight I close this writing with this:

Day 18 - The Show Must Go On!

It's almost 10 pm, and I am just waking up from my Sunday afternoon nap, something I seldom do! I almost missed getting my daily blog posted for the day. Tomorrow's a busy day, so perhaps I will need the extra stamina to endure, but I am grateful for the rest. 

This morning I was asked to fill in for Children's Moment at church, so I was anxious about my "gig." When my children were young I headed the children's ministry at our church, so I am used to "putting on a show" so to speak. I trained my children to be my puppeteers, and together we would teach lessons to the children. The adults always seemed to enjoy the antics of Benji and Browser and other favorites as much as the youngsters did. So this became our way of life until they left the nest.

Since that time I've had to "wing it" on my own, and it's not quite the same, but I manage on occasion to muster the courage to go it alone, with the help of someone to interact from the other side of the stage.  These days my "stage" is behind the piano which seems to work quite well, for the moment at least.

Growing up my mama taught the children Bible stories at the back roads, country Central Baptist Church, so naturally my talent came from my roots. I have such fond memories of Central. In those those we didn't have the financial resources to purchase props, and puppetry was not as prevalent. Those were the days of Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop, the sock puppet who made children all over the world smile.  It was before Kermit the frog when Jim Henson made his television debut into the hearts of millions on Sesame Street in the 1970's. Sadly, his death ended in 1990, but his legacy has lived on. And my mama's legacy since her death in 2009 continues to live on in me and her grandchildren.

My mama taught me that we didn't have to have a lot of money. Using our imaginations we could always improvise, and things would work out. So that's what I do. She was well loved and renowned, at least to me and the children who loved her stories, for using object lessons. So for this morning's children's moment I used the ordinary things from the treasures she left behind.  The story was based on one of the readings, Psalms 139 and the uniqueness of each person created by God. Using the crocheted snowflakes crafted by my mother's hands and a simple gospel tract I read the story of The Little Snowflake named Glitter. Of course I have a uniqueness to my teaching style, so we ended with Prissy the puppet leading a song, "Amen Praise the Lord."  Mama loved to sing as well, and although her moves were not as energetic as mine, she made singing, and dancing, an art!

Back in the day dancing was frowned upon in the Baptist Church, but no one chastised the simple swing and sway as we frolicked to beloved children's songs like "Climb, Climb Up Sunshine Mountain" or "This Little Light of Mine." Ever since my "performance" for Pastor's Appreciate Day, I promised myself I'd never "perform" in front of an audience again, but just like my mama, and as I taught my children, in the words of the Josephine Demot Robinson, a famed circus performer, "the show must go on!"  So before retiring behind the piano to introduce Prissy, my puppet, who led the song, I instructed the children...and my adult helpers, the "the moves."  Needless to say we were a hit, and the message of the uniqueness of each person created by God was successfully delivered.  

Today I am grateful for my mama's gifts and dedication in service to our Lord.  She was never embarrassed to be who she was, and I guess that's where I inherited my art of "being myself" and bringing joy to others in the ordinariness of life.  My mama would be proud!