Sunday, November 30, 2014

Thankfulness Around the Lake



1 Timothy 1:2 ...May the grace, mercy, and peace that come only from God the Father and our Lord Jesus the Anointed mark your life. The Voice


Cool air hit me when I opened the door but not enough to keep me inside again.

Too many cold days kept me from my favorite morning spot. With a cup to tea and long robe, I braved the chill and snuggled into a wicker chair.

During my absence, my lake view changed dramatically. Green cypress trees turned golden. Their fall hues brightened the shoreline and contrasted with dark, green pines.

A flurry of wildlife greeted me. Nine squeaky turkeys waddled around my yard. A bellowing blue heron swooped across the lake and landed on the opposite side. 

Bright white fowl congregated at my shore. A pair of black and white wood storks fished beside two great white egrets. Stork heads plunged into the cool water to search for food. The egrets speared unlucky fish. 

A series of splashes broke the silence. Four anhingas landed and quickly submerged. Snakelike heads maneuvered around the mirrored lake. Songs drifted from tall trees. Not since last spring had I seen such an influx of birds.

Thankfulness filled me and extended my Thanksgiving celebration. 

Grief squeezed me for a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. Crying returned. Memories of good times wrestled with anticipation of the future. Possible scenarios brought more pain and loneliness.

Sadness on Thursday morning, brought more and more tears. However, the wonderful celebration with family closed the chapter of grief for the day. Hours eating, talking, and laughing brought new memories and comfort. 

My grief, though strong and personal, wasn’t the only grief in the house that day. Others faced losses too. Together we supported each other and thanked God for His blessings. 

Letting go of my tight grip on grief allowed me to open my hands to receive the joy of the holiday.


Loving Father, thank you for your continued presence and comfort in pain and suffering. Amen

Monday, November 24, 2014

A Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving



Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV

Cranberry sauce and celery were placed on a long table surrounded with smiling diners of all ages. Grandma lifted the browned turkey onto the table. Grandpa stood behind her and prepared to carve the huge bird. Gleaming china waited to be filled. Everything about the Rockwell picture seemed perfect. 

That kind of jubilant celebration didn’t exist long.The nostalgic picture dimmed with time. Life happened.

The artist’s brush covered over individuals absent because of death, divorce and distance.  Tears trickled down faces. Forced smiles replaced real ones. Tiny lines etched elderly faces. Lonely eyes stared. 

But the artist continued. Chubby, smiling children and new in-laws filled empty spots.  Laughter returned. Hands reached out. The ever changing canvas conveyed a true sense of thankfulness.

Instead of the iconic painting, real life Thanksgivings became a series of yearly pictures. Emotions flowed with happiness, sadness, and uncertainties. No matter the number of people at the table or their conditions, there was always a reason to be thankful.

A luscious turkey. A restored relationship. A sailor on leave. Pumpkin pie. A cozy home. Chemo working. Freedom to gather. A hug. Seeing a sunrise clearly. Restored health. End to suffering. Holding a child. Grasping a frail hand. Memories of past holidays.

During every Thanksgiving season, we can take time to appreciate the many blessings that have come to us. Big ones are noticed easily. Others are often overlooked. Each one is significant.

Enjoy your Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving celebration--whichever kind you may experience this year. The artist is constantly reworking his masterpiece. 


Heavenly Father, help us to be thankful even in our pain.  Amen

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Pumpkin Pie



This is my command, be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go. Joshua 1: 9 The Voice

“I made pumpkin cheesecake for the Thanksgiving potluck dinner,” I said to my granddaughters. 

“I like pumpkin pie,” Ashlyn announced.

“I love pumpkin pie. It’s my favorite,” four year old Molly proclaimed with a grin.

“Its my favorite too,” I said.

She added, “I’ve never tried it.”

We all laughed at her remark, but it made me think. Because people she loved enjoyed pumpkin pie, she was confident she would too. There was no hesitation or reluctance to try something new. She was ready to experiment and grab the opportunity. 

Instead of Molly’s positive view, prejudging often takes a negative outlook. Fears prevent engagement. Loneliness stifles. Pain cripples. Depression isolates. 

Molly’s attitude fosters hope, confidence, and encouragement. I can write the book and get it published. I will go to the concert alone and enjoy it. New holiday routines will make the season bearable. Helping others will soothe the pain. Exciting opportunities await me.

As I remember my old life, I will be guided into my new one. God’s care, love, and presence won’t stop but I have hope for the future. 

Each time I face something new and difficult, I will remember Molly’s words with a smile.  “I love pumpkin pie. I’ve never tried it.” 


Father, show me your way as I venture into a new life. Help me to be hopeful as I face each situation--whether easy or hard. Amen

Monday, November 10, 2014

A New Kind of Birthday



“in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4: 6 NIV

Last year, Alan and I celebrated my birthday together. This year he was gone.

Because of his declining health last year, he had to rest all day so he could take me to a special restaurant. I told him we didn’t have to go, but he was determined to do it. We both knew it would probably be the last one.

Since driving had become too exhausting for him, I had been the driver for a while. With no handicapped spaces available near the restaurant, I dropped him off. 

Tears threatened as I circled the area searching for a parking spot. I walked in the dark alone after getting out of the car. For years my protector took care of me and then the roles reversed. Neither of us liked the changes. 

The nagging question kept coming back. “Will this be the last birthday with Alan?”

He carried his O2 tank into the darkened room. At our table for two, glittery birthday confetti brightened the black tablecloth. A small card proclaimed our name. The special touches made me smile. I pushed the intruding question away.

Our attentive waiter explained the menu and answered questions. We talked and waited for the meal. Only a few diners sat nearby in the small, elegant dining room. No one else knew this would be our only visit to the award winning restaurant. 

The chef decorated each dish with precision. We savored every delectable bite. Normally, we didn’t order dessert, but Alan urged me to choose one. He declined but took a bite of my luscious creme brulee. Every bite of our meals was perfect. A blessing  we both enjoyed them.

Throughout the evening, his O2 remained on the floor unused. That was another blessing. 

For that evening, we pushed aside the thoughts of his upcoming death. We enjoyed the time we had together. How thankful I am that I can review my memories of the fifteen birthdays with him. 

I can live on memories of the past or embrace new ones. What blessings I received this year from family and friends to begin my new kind of birthday. 


Dear Lord, thank you for the times with Alan and the new opportunities ahead. Amen

Monday, November 3, 2014

Braving the Cold



God of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, Father of Glory: I call out to You on behalf of Your people. Give them minds ready to receive wisdom and revelation so they will truly know You. Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches you are preparing for their inheritance. Let them see the full extent of Your power that is at work in those of us who believe, and may it be done according to Your might and power. Ephesians 1: 17-19 The Voice

While I was wrapped in a fuzzy robe, crocheted afghan, and furry slippers, an extravaganza played before me. Whispy clouds swirled, leaped, and danced above the lake. Miniature cyclones rose in a choreographed routine. Shimmering ripples reflected off bright cypress leaves.

White sunlight stretched across the crystal, blue sky. A blue heron huddled like an elderly man. An unseen creature croaked. Dew covered grass glittered. 

On the opposite shore a great white egret glowed in the shadows. With a lift of his wings, he sailed across the water and landed a few feet from my patio. He dipped his orange beak in the frigid lake and spewed droplets into the air. 

Wind rustled through the leaves. A quartet of sand hill cranes foraged beneath the cypress. A trio of turkeys waddled across my lawn. All endured the cold with no apparent discomfort. 

Though I shivered, each breath of crisp air revived me. The gorgeous scene around the lake enthralled me. 

Did my neighbors miss the show? Perhaps the cold prevented them from stepping outside. 

I came close to staying inside but am thankful I braved the cold. How many opportunities have I missed because I didn’t want to venture out or be uncomfortable? 

Enduring a cold nose, freezing hands, and shivering body allowed me to be blessed by the magnificent display. 

Dear Lord, sometimes I need a nudge to step out into areas that are new or uncomfortable. Help me to face the challenges so that I can receive your blessings. Amen

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Time in the Chapel




May you all continue the journey with your spirits strengthened by the grace of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One. Philippians 4: 23 The Voice

Captivating art lined walls, ceilings, floors and stood around the rooms and halls of the Vatican Museum. Intricate mosaics and arresting paintings made me want to stop and meditate on each one. Towering statues dwarfed me. I felt small in the grandeur and magnitude of the rooms and halls of the opulent museum.

Our guide’s voice related endless facts and prodded our group to move on. We walked through room after room and down immense halls. The passageway for the Pope seemed like one in a castle. After a too short tour, we arrived at the Sistine Chapel.

Because of long lines on our previous visit to the Vatican, Alan and I were disappointed that we could not get into the Sistine Chapel. I looked forward to seeing the famous ceiling where Michelangelo finished his work on November 1, 1512. 

Before we entered, instructions came. No talking. No pictures. Meet the group outside at the specified time. 

Down the steps, I went into the dim room. Crowds huddled in the center. Heads pointed upward. Though mostly quiet, the mass of people distracted me. Simple wooden benches lined the sides. 

Silently, I slipped into an empty spot. From there I could gaze at the magnificent ceiling paintings which overwhelmed me. What genius from a young sculptor who said he wasn’t a painter. He never wanted to do it but was finally persuaded. What a gift he gave to the world, in spite of, his reluctance. 

As I tried to meditate among the throngs, memories of Alan filled me. Tears flowed. I cried for him not seeing the Sistine Chapel and for my visit without him. I longed for him to be with me on the trip. Alan never saw the chapel from my perspective but perhaps his view is even more glorious. 


Though surrounded by people, no one seemed to notice my tears. Would my entire trip be filled with tears? Would I feel so alone at every stop? 

Sunlight dried my tears when I stepped outside. Our group entered St. Peter’s Basilica. Roped off areas ushered the masses like cattle into specific sections. Because of pickpockets, we had been warned to protect our belongings. I held tightly to my small backpack which seemed strange to do in a church. 

When Alan and I visited a few years ago, we moved freely in the magnificent cathedral. We had time to fully experience its beauty and reverence and spend time in front of Michelangelo,s Pieta. This time I couldn’t even get close to the famous sculpture. Nor were we allowed close to the beautiful altar.  

No tears came in the noisy, congested building. I was ready to leave the confusion. 

Outside the humongous doors, sunshine blazed. Colorfully dressed Swiss guards posed for endless photos. Hundreds of chairs waited to be filled for weekly sessions with the Pope. 

My momentary sadness disappeared. Happy memories of Alan, mom, and dad joined me. Each one had been to many places on my trip. I knew there would be difficult times but was confident there would be no lingering despair. My trip would be one of learning, growing, remembering, and healing. Like Michelangelo, I will probably be asked to do things that I really don’t want to do but will try to follow God’s guidance. 


Almighty Father, thank you for the amazing creativity you have given your people. Help us to use our gifts. Thank you for the memories of loved ones. Amen