Enjoying the Moment

My mind wandered from my devotionals and the Bible in my lap. My eyes drifted to the lake. Why not enjoy the blissful scene?  In only a few months, I will see a different lake, smaller with fewer trees and wildlife, during my morning devotions. 

A trio of white ducks floated for a while, climbed the bank, and returned to the water. A lone mallard formed a wake as he skimmed the lake. 

Normally boisterous blue jays quietly picked at the grass and hopped from tree to tree. Squirrels leaped from limb to limb like acrobats. 

Blackbirds cawed. Bird melodies soothed me. Repetitious chirps beckoned. 

 Spring finery in multiple shades of green clothed the trees and bushes. Their impressionist forms painted a picture on the quivering lake.

Pink azaleas repeated a spring blooming after a surprise display during the warm winter season. 

Noticing and savoring details of my present sanctuary calmed and prepared me for the tasks and possible trials of the day. A reminder to look for blessings, large or small, each day. 

Though I will miss my beautiful retreat, I will continue to appreciate it while I am here. Instead of lamenting what I am losing, I will enjoy the blessings of today and look forward to those in the future.

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Dear Lord, help me to live in the moment and not worry about the future. Amen

My dad is progressing well with his therapy--physical, speech and occupational. Mother continues to be in pain much of the time and gets discouraged. Hospice is helping to make her more comfortable. Thank you for all of the prayers. We need to decide what to do after dad finishes rehab and where they will live etc. 

A Symbol of Hope and Strength

Though wrapped in a warm blanket, I shivered. Bright sunlight enticed me outside for my morning devotions, and the crisp air rejuvenated me. 

The mirrored lake produced a perfect image of the surrounding trees. A concert of bird musicians enriched the tranquil scene. 

In stereo, melodies rang out from around the lake. An amplified solo overtook the other singers for a few minutes. Intermittent tweets and chirps made me smile. Even the bellowing of a retreating blue heron, added to the chorus.

Ducks floated lazily across the glassy lake. At the top of my bald cypress a silhouetted hawk waited patiently for a glimpse of his breakfast. A pair of blue herons, with skinny necks extended, swept across the clear sky. A snakebird rose from the water like a cobra weaving to a flute. Swallows built a nest at the top of a porch column. All were content with their missions. 

A white egret followed a dark bird zooming down the lake. When the leader landed in a high pine, I realized it was a bald eagle. He scanned the lake, rose and swooped gracefully to the lake. With a minute movement, he clutched a fish in his powerful talons and soared away. 

Through the years, I had seen eagles at a distance but never so near my garden. The strength, beauty, and magnificence of the majestic bird captivated me. What a blessing to see God’s creation up close. 

I had almost stayed inside but felt a nudge to brave the cool morning. The spectacular creature refreshed me after months of concern and worry about family members. 

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, thank you for nudges you give to me. Help me to follow them and receive the blessings. Amen

Be Thankful?? Rejoice too??

Rejoice is all circumstances? How can that happen with all that has been going on in my family for months? 

“We’re praying for you.”

“Let us know if there is anything we can do.”

“We are lifting you and your family up in prayer.”

Messages from family and friends around the world have comforted us. Hundreds of prayers have lifted us up. In the midst of continuing trials, we have leaned on God.

Some days I wonder how I will make it, but I am given what I need. As I read the passage from 1 Thessalonians, I was reminded to be thankful. When I focused on the blessings, the list grew and grew.

At Alan’s doctor’s office, tears came when the staff learned about my parents’ illnesses. One nurse took my hand and told me she would be praying. The receptionist left her computer, went around the counter, and gave me a hug. What a wonderful Christian witness.

At mother’s rehab facility, one therapist asked how dad was doing. Her eyes told us she really cared. Down the hallway, another worker asked how it was going. When I said that it was hard, tears started again. Instead of hurrying to her job, she stopped and took my hand. Our brief encounter, showed her concern and bolstered my spirit.

A respiratory nurse, who helped revive my dad after his heart attack, made sure she found us to tell us she was praying. Two chaplains from the hospital prayed with my family when the situation with my dad was grave. One was a friend of my brother’s, and the other one had played softball with my dad. 

As I waited for the elevator, two volunteers exited with a cart of coffee, tea, and cookies. They made sure to give me the treats and wished me a good day. Their positive attitudes and smiles were contagious.

Holding a cheery, yellow flower, a friend peeked around the corner of our house as I sat on the patio. Her hug and visit helped revive me.

As I searched for blessings, I noticed more and more of them. Mother’s strength is increasing, her appetite improving, and confusion is gone. Dad has been moved to progressive care after a heart attack and two surgical procedures at the latest hospital. 

Though still not feeling wonderful, Alan’s cough has lessened, and the sonogram showed no aorta aneurysm.

At home, ducks skimmed the lake. Birds chirped merrily, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves. 

Even with numerous trials the past few months, I can rejoice.

Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) Don’t suppress the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-19 (The Voice)

Heavenly Father, thank you for your blessings and for the trials that make us strong. Amen

Surprising Sunrise

The twinkling city spread out before me as I looked out from our fourteenth floor window. Planes silently ran parallel routes on each side of our Los Angeles hotel.

A magnificent deep pink sunrise, streaked with swatches of blue, stretched far across the sky. The glorious masterpiece captivated me.

Like a gigantic eraser, the colors soon vanished with a sweep of dull, blue-gray clouds. Through the smog, shadowy mountains surrounding the city appeared. Patches of snow sprinkled the peaks.

Below our window, dismal parking lots and garages exposed themselves. Scattered trees tried to cover the dreariness.

Then through the smoggy clouds, a bit of sun unraveled a sash of peach colored sky. The lovely colors reminded me of the brief, but beautiful sunrise. 

My gaze could have focused on the drab ugliness or on the beauty of the sun struggling to shine, in spite of the circumstances.

Without the smog, the sunrise would have been less spectacular. Life can also produce lovely, unexpected beauty, in spite of, the trials. 

And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Creator, allow us to see how you can work good for us even when we think life if falling apart. Amen

The Faithful Horse

He stands alone. Waiting. Slyly staring at me. For thirty-nine years numerous riders laughed, bounced, and galloped on his sturdy body. 

  When his ear was pulled, he never whinnied or bit. There was no bucking when his tail was yanked. An ear was reattached, and his tail became frayed. 

Adult hands lifted wee ones onto his back and gently rocked his body. More courageous ones leaped high and skidded across the room. Dare devils stood and balanced on his bare back. Make believe became reality.

Strong, capable hands lovingly cut, sanded, assembled, and painted the special rocking horse for a great grandson’s Christmas gift. Over time, those hands slowed and finally stopped. But memories and the horse remain.

The initial rider and his sister left home for new adventures. Cousins and friends took turns, but they also disappeared. But through divorce, remarriage, and several moves, the little horse stayed with me.

For several years, he was relegated to the garage or attic. But with the next generation, his dusty body was cleaned and shined. For eighteen years, five granddaughters have taken turns on his solid, well built body. The years have changed the riders. Only one remains small enough to really enjoy the journey.  Before long, she will also move on to bigger things.

As my grandfather built the little horse in his home shop, I am sure he never imagined the delightful memories that would be made. Only the first few riders even knew him, but his legacy continues. 

What legacies will we leave behind?

Where is the Sunrise?

Blackness concealed the lake. I settled into my wicker rocker on the patio for my morning devotions. Calmness engulfed me. 

Bits of light peaked between the trees. Beautiful bird melodies woke the wildlife. The tiny soloist led a chorus of lovely refrains from around the lake. 

Light gradually revealed my garden and surrounding woods along the water. Ducks flew in formation across the pale, cloudless sky. I awaited another spectacular sunrise, but no pink painted the sky or lake.  

My disappointment brought insight. Without clouds, there would be no majestic display. 

Clouds have filled my life the last few months. Devastating, disturbing, and unwelcome intrusions caused trials and problems. However, those situations brought unexpected blessings. Scripture and prayers brought comfort and uplifted me. An outpouring of love and compassion gave comfort and encouragement. Strength and peace kept me from sinking. Laughter joined sorrow. Music and books created a retreat. 

Without clouds, sunrises aren’t as glorious. Without pain and problems, blessings aren’t as plentiful. 

When you face stormy seas, I will be there with you with endurance and calm: you will not be engulfed in raging rivers. If it seems like you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs, keep going; you won’t be burned. Because I, the Eternal One, am your God. I am the way of Israel, and I will save you. Isaiah 43:2-3 (The Voice)

Heavenly Father, thank you for walking with me through the trials. Amen

Remembering Uncle Jim

Who would allow a sixteen year old with a brand new license to drive his new Thunderbird? Uncle Jim. I was shocked when he asked if I would like to drive it. What a thrill to cruise around our small town hoping someone saw me in the sporty car.

As my youngest uncle, he did things my other uncles didn’t. Driving a convertible when others had family cars. Keeping a rattlesnake and baby in the same trailer. Raising a boa constrictor and mice to go with it. Letting his young children handle the large boa.

As an adventuresome guy, he loved hunting, fishing, boating, and traveling. A visit to their lake home included boat rides, skiing, fishing, birdwatching, and magnificent fireworks on the Fourth of July. He and Aunt Betty always made guests feel welcome. 

They traveled the world, and I enjoyed hearing about their various trips. We shared stories of similar destinations. During family cruises the last few years, I was able to spend more time with him.

At times, we talked about our mission trips and church experiences. He didn’t like “social clubs” where people didn’t even take their Bibles. 

He cared deeply about his family who were an important part of his life. His sisters will miss their little brother, who was probably a pain at times. His children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will miss his smile and engaging manner.

As his body refused to let him live as he had for years, it was hard to see the unwelcome transformation. Even though he is gone from those here who love him, he is home with Jesus. His waiting is over.

But we are citizens of heaven, exiles on earth waiting for a Liberator, our Lord Jesus the Annointed, to come and transform these humble, earthly bodies into the form of His glorious body by the same power that brings all things under His control. Philippians 3:20-21 (The Voice)

                                                                Aunt Helen, Marjorie (my mom) and Uncle Jim