8/4/2025
"The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof,
the world, and they that dwell within."
Psalm 24:1
Many people don't like Monday mornings, as they are tired from "resting" on Sunday, but they're not ready to return to the grind, unless the work is satisfying and enjoyable. Truly, in America, people do many things on Sunday after church or instead of going to church, so it is a day of activity whether it be fun-filled family time or doing tasks around the house, because they work during the week. Some kind of "rest," huh?! On Sundays, when I was growing up, there were Blue Laws prohibiting work on Sunday. Business were closed, except for a few essential ones. I loved those times. I observe Shabbat, Sabbath rest, beginning at 6 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Saturday. Then I observe Sunday, so when I worked, I had to limit what I did and how long I worked. Thankfully, when I lived in New Mexico, the latter years I rented, so I didn't have to keep up outside work, unless I wanted to. I was then able to focus my attention on house work, and I must say, it is not my favorite thing. When we lived in New Mexico, we had a wood stove, so we often went for wood on our mountain property. I loved being out of doors, better still in the woods and mountains. We'd make a day of cutting trees for wood and hauling it home. Sometimes when it snowed, I'd drive up into the mountains, climb the hill, and sit on the bank looking out over the valley. I could sit there for hours, observing nature, talking to God. I loved the smell of pine trees and pinon, although I'd rather eat pistachios than pinon nuts. When I was ready I'd go back down, and I'd head home. Sometimes I'd escape to Sipapu Resort, a little corner of the mountains in the village of Vadito, snuggled between Taos and Mora. Later, when I was alone after my divorce, I visited regularly. I'd rent one of their little cabins, priced sensibly then, and I'd read, pray, study, and write. I'd take my mountain bike sometimes, or I'd hike or walk along the river stream. Just breathing the air made me feel whole, and renewed. They had a little store, with a restaurant, or I usually brought my own food to cook, as the cabin was fully stocked with pots, pans, dishes, utensils and the like. I loved the quiet times I had there alone, peaceful, and at rest. How I long to be there again.
Today one of my "to dos" was to burn the branches, vines, and pieces of wood from the "big maple" that got "freed" during the storms. I had three huge areas of my work ready to go, so my son and I set out to do it, before the next rainfall was scheduled to come. We always try to make sure that the wind is favorable, blowing away from our crepe myrtle trees, that I diligently worked hard to remove the nasty vines wrapping around the trunks of the trees, growing up into the branches stunting the growth and blooms from budding. Even though I had to injure myself in the process, the trees are so beautiful, and I have my red retro lawn chair nestled within the branches, shielding me from sun and birds...hopefully. Although, they do little to ward off the attacks by those voracious mosquitoes or gnats. I guess it's just my magnetic personality that makes me irresistible to them! Although Bronner's Peppermint Soap does help! Mosquitoes hate peppermint oil and lavender oil, but bees love lavender, and I am deathly allergic to hone bees!
Later, when I returned inside the house, standing at the kitchen window washing dishes, admiring the beautiful work we'd done, talking to God about my feelings, laughing and enjoying His company, I sensed a slight scent of grape, although very faintly, and I wondered if this was His sweet fragrance. In scripture found in 2 Corinthians 2:15, Paul says: "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." This is not the first time I have smelled sweetness in the air, and one days some friends and I were talking about this very thing. They, too, had similar experiences. What a wonderful way to close my day. Tomorrow is another day, and I will tackle cutting the thick, lush grass God has gifted to me to care for, although perhaps He meant or Daniel to do a bit more, but that's a topic for another day! It reminds me of Psalm 24 that I quoted from above. Sometimes we get the notion that everything belongs to us, but the scriptures prove this is not true. It all belongs to God, and we are caretakers. Even our children are His, made in His image, and we are responsible of training them up in the way they should live, so they become productive, law-abiding citizens who, in turn, do the same for their families. The cycle of life!
"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him.
For He laid the earth's foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.
Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand on His holy place?
Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.
They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior.
Such people may seek You and worship in Your presence, O God of Jacob.
Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is this King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle.
Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.
Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven's Armies - He is the King of glory."
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