It's time to
CELEBRATE !
Winter is past.
Summer is near.
Blooms are beginning to burst from buds.
Storms up north.
Hot down south.
It's a great transition month filled with surprises.
May 1,2017
Happy May Day!
We just returned from a couples retreat.
What a great way to transition into May.Another couple shepherded us to this great weekend.
The drive seemed long but what a beautiful place to breathe deep, enjoy other couples, and drink in marriage affirmations.
The men and women seemed to be strong leaders in their churches and were devoted to their families.
They all seemed to be a great influence in drawing the next generation into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Hubby and I walked and talked and lingered in the midst of incredible beauty.We spent three whole days together, focused on listening and sharing and simply being with each other.
Nice.
We were extra blessed by enjoying the retreat with the couple who brought us as well as enjoying many other couples.
We heard amazing stories that would challenge the best marriages.
Reviewing the moments of the weekend have been a delightful beginning to May.
5-2:: Our Patriarch is Gone
Dad was 102.
But, just like dad, with antibiotics he was back to his old self in three days . . . yes, resurrected life.
We were hoping he would do the same this time after he aspirated on some food yesterday.
Early last night, while under sedation to relax him, he quietly slipped into the hands of the Lord, whom he knew and loved.
What a peaceful way to die, surrounded by his aid and having had wonderful attention from caregivers and Hospice while being blanketed in prayers from so many.
He was just 'dad' to us but he was so much more to so many.
He was Colonel Robbins as he remained in the Army Reserves until mandatory retirement.
He founded and built up a very stable Security Life Insurance company that thrives to this day.
Dad was a major donor to Hamline University which enabled the Science Building to be created and named after him.
As an Eagle scout, he created a college fund available to any Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, and Girl Scout who received her Gold pin, for full four-year scholarship to Hamline University.
Dad was a major contributor and board member of Methodist and Asbury Hospitals.
He was a huge donor to his church.
He was also mentor to numerous young men whom he met along his life journey.
Once we found him in the shed pounding bent nails straight so they could be used again.
He never lost that 'can do' spirit of the depression days.
He lived a fulfilling life and gave most of his money away.
He asked for little, gave so very much and kept pretty much to himself.
A man of few words, his actions told his story.
I found a simple phrase he wanted for his obituary from notes made January 1992: "SOLDIER, SAILOR, TEACHER, ENTREPRENEUR, and CHRISTIAN"
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
5-3:: Share, Create
Today I have little time to think about dad and the many gifts he has imparted to the world.
I begin early with e-notes and response to messages sent in
Off to a planning meeting embraced with prayer.
My dear friend who I've barely seen in the last six months, except at meetings, invites me to her beautiful home.
My soul takes rest in the beauty and spaciousness.
We linger over tea and biscuits as our creative juices spin delight-filled webs.
Too many options to learn and to teach.
Our short time together feeds my heart as we are so on the same page.
God is so good as we share our similar journeys into the future.
Aging is not easy and we are already feeling the strain of S L O W and "I forgot."
We join others for a Wednesday Requiem Mass for dad and a few others who died this past couple of weeks.
Nice.
We will celebrate the life of another friend's mom on Saturday but she was also there.Dad's life will be celebrated in June . . . giving us space to plan and make reservations as we are all so scattered around the U.S.
Sharing, creating, knowing what we have not said, waiting, doing, BEING . . . it's all in God's plan.
Sigh.
5-4:: National Day of Prayer
In all the craziness of phone calls and hospital visits and family plans and people connections, we take a moment to STOP . . . and pray.
Pray for the World, the Nation, our State, County, City, community, home, friends, family . . . and whatever else the Lord puts on our hearts.
I already walked the beach and prayed very early this morning.
REFRESHING !
5-4:: WORDS
My heart wants to share words, to listen, to be there for those
I make phone calls . . . we chat . . . some tears . . . loads of laughter.
Simple words . . . shared with another . . . personal conversation as in the spoken word . . . not a text . . . not an email . . . so consoling.
My brother has worked on so many details for dad's celebration of life that I know he is spinning but he is good at pulling lose ends and obituary words together into a nifty package for others to embrace.
I have my small part which seems easy.
It's just part of planning a great party . . . speaking back and forth to iron out preferences.
Sharing words and images so the other can
Hard work talking.
Hard work listening.
Hard work being cordial when an idea sits out there like a piece of lead.
Hard work loving each other right where we are.
And then it becomes easy, like pouring real maple syrup on pancakes.
We connect.
We feel better about all the 'stuff' that is out there to be dealt with as we are able.
We breathe deep, love through, encourage, and share some more.
It's all about words.
5-5:: PONDER
Today I plan with the pastor who will lead dad's service.
Will this be OK?Is that permissible?
Each minister and each denomination has certain parameters that we must work around.
Flexibility seems to be front and center here.
So nice!
Too many might wish to say a 'few' words.
My brother has that task well in hand.
Keep it brief, pre-typed, half page = three minutes.
My brother says each person can say a lot in this short time if we are mindful of what we wish to say.
I choose to step back and let others speak.
I'm blessed to have shared many words about dad so I'll let others share their sorrow at his loss and joy of the legacy dad left behind to so very many.
Most everything is complete for now.
Time to get ready for a celebration of a friend's journey into the arms of the Lord as she joins a church and becomes an active member of her new faith community.
I move from 'pondering' mode to celebration mode.
A nice end to a long day.
5-6:: A special service for a dear friend's mother.
While I ponder words for dad's service, another friend is
Her mom should have died a year ago but she lived long enough for me to meet her and enjoy a few moments of life with her.
Today the church was full as we celebrated her life and rejoiced with her daughter and family.
The scriptures filled my soul and gave me a healing warmth as I thought of dad and how he also is in the Lord's hands now.
Meaningful words, heart warming scripture and music that brought forth fond memories of her homeland, England.
What a precious lady to follow her husband over here after WWII and leave so much of her family behind in England.
My friends, her daughter and husband, have entertained a flood of relatives this week.
Once the family members return home and once the memories of her mother's life are packed away into special places, the grieving begins.
My friend and her husband spent ten years taking care of mother - hands on care.
What stories they have, what memories remain with them, what gifts they gave so "mom" could live out her last years fully embraced by a loving family.
This celebration of life is only the beginning of the close of a wonderful era.
The baton of matriarch moves to the next generation.
I reflect upon my own life as I have carried the baton of 'matriarch' for many years. Oh My!
This baton is only carried well with Jesus at my side, leading and directing my path.
5-7:: The Good Shepherd
It's Good Shepherd Sunday.
As we walk through this Eastertide from Resurrection Sunday through Jesus' Ascension to Pentecost, we view glimpses of Christ in his many roles. Sheep and shepherds have been prevalent with God's chosen people since before Abraham entered Canaan.
Sheep and shepherds are the sustainers of God's cherished population.
God was the good shepherd from the beginning.
God sent his only begotten Son (God with skin on) to be the shepherd among the flock of Jews who had gone astray.
The fact that Jesus, God in the flesh, is taking this role upon himself is no change at all.
Thus, parables, poems, wisdom and a myriad of word-pictures invite us into the presence of this awesome sheep herder.
It's satisfying to know that my Shepherd is forever watching over me and is always ready, as he has done many times, to bring me back into the safety of the fold when I wander too far astray.
5-8:: The Shepherd's Voice
Do you hear him?
Do you hear his voice calling, directing, inviting us to do God's will in all we say and do?
How can I hear the voice of one who is not visible to me?
How can I hear the shepherd's voice when there are so many voices in my head?
I know the Holy Spirit is present in me as he was called into me to lead me and guide me into the arms of God when I was baptized.
Even though I was too young to understand, the affirming words of baptism are repeated in our worship service weekly, though the Creed.
When I say the words of the Creed, I picture God:Father, Son and Holy Spirit, working in my life.
I believe.
I hear his voice through prayer, though reading scripture daily, through hymns sung at services and through simple cognitive awareness of God's 24/7/365 presence in my life.
The Shepherd's voice says . . . go this direction, don't go there, listen here, ignore that over there . . . all day long.
It's that 'intuitive sense' directed by my BELIEF and LOVE of God through His Son that enables me to hear the shepherd's voice.
I know it's the voice of the Good shepherd, not a fake who appears like the Good Shepherd . . . because I have learned and discerned the Shepherd's voice.
I believe, therefore I hear . . . and follow.
5-9:: Voices
I think of my neighbor who has been blind since she was young.
She was not always blind so she remembers the colors and
I do wonder, however, if she sees cars as they were when she last saw them at about age ten?
No matter what she remembers in her blindness, she is amazingly astute in remembering voices.
I've only known her a few years.
When I walk into the room I always say, "Hi, "T", this is Gail."
She always says back, "I knew who you were when you just said, "Hi."
To know my voice when I simply utter one syllable?
She is amazingly unusual as she talks a mile a minute and, at the same time, can discern one syllable from a person entering a room.
She has so many other gifts, like being an elementary music teacher for 35 years, raising three wonderful children, living by herself through the week as her husband commutes four hours away for his job, five days at a time.
What I've learned from "T" is, if she knows who I am when I simply spew out one syllable, and since she is a mere mortal with the same capabilities that I have, I can do the same.
If she can hear my voice while she is talking, I should be able to hear the voice of God at any time.
I've spent decades learning to discern the Good Shepherd's voice.
When someone speaks words about God, I can discern
I know the Truth . . . God's presence in words and actions.
But do I really know the Truth?
Too often I speak back when I think I've heard God's voice and say, "Are you sure?"
The direction or concept repeatedly flashes through my mind as if God were yelling at me . . . Yes, Yes, Yes.
Of course, God never yells.
That's the problem.
Slight whispers, barely discernible, always polite, always affirming, always said for my best interest, drip quietly into my soul.
I have to be still to hear God's voice.
I have to be cognizant of my Shepherd's voice speaking to me.
I repeat the scripture, "Be still and know that I am God."
I hear his voice.
I know.
YES!
5-10:: Word-Images
Images, stories, delights fill my soul as I fill empty space with word-images.
I share about the sheep who heard and knew the Shepherd's voice.
I think of the words from Isaiah, "We like sheep have gone astray, each to our own way."
Sheep have a tendency to stray far when grazing. They are so myopic that the only way they can return to the safety of the sheep-fold is by following the voice of the Shepherd.
We are sheep of God's Shepherd but how do we learn and trust the voice of our Shepherd, God's only begotten Son?
When I asked God, during my time of meditation, images flowed into my soul.
My mother, with me inside her not yet born, was in a car
She was sent to the closest hospital which was Catholic.
Being a good protestant, she was not happy with that but God used the nurses, who were nuns.
The nuns told mom that they were praying that both mother and child would remain alive.
PRAYER . . . WORDS TO GOD . . . FOR LIFE !
That means my tiny, not quite into the world self, received words . . . prayers . . . for life . . . that I would live.
That was the first time I heard the voice of the Shepherd.
WOW.
How amazing.
I was born one month early but both mom and me survived and thrived. Mom even had another child after me.
More stories came to mind as I shared word-images with others in less than eight minutes.
It's amazing how we learn to hear and know the voice of the Shepherd we believe in . . . if we listen.
Word-images . . . a great form of communication.
5-11 Love Notes
What a surprise.
We usually receive bills and junque mail.
Hubby enters our abode saying, "you've got mail . . . lots of mail."
It is so rare to receive 'snail mail' even on my birthday.
Christmas might be at the top of the list.
But today I received 'love notes' from so many dear friends . . . from North and South.
Word sure gets around.
A person in one group tells a person in another and all too soon the whole world knows that dad is now singing with the angels.
They empathize.
I feel so fortunate that our dad was with us for so long.
He fulfilled his bucket list too many times to count.
There are so many dad influenced . . . who have written words or who wish to share words at his Celebration of Life in June.
Ever expression of empathy, sympathy or just plain "thinking of you," is a Love Note.
Eucharisteo!
5-12:: My Dear Sisters
That's what we call each other.
Sisters.
Yet we are in no way related.
We've just been meeting for nearly twenty years . . . every week.
Of course, I was gone for about eight of those years and can only join them a few months each year but each time we meet after my absence I feel that it's like yesterday.
The bonds are deep.
The trust is endless.
The sister-love shows as we share words and smile or encourage one another each week.
This time she had loads of stitches but did not break anything.
She is ready to play bridge, go to the beauty parlor and whatever else is on today's agenda . . . after the nurse re-bandages her bleeding knee.
Her list of body challenges is so long that no one would believe it.
It's because she nearly always has a smile or sweet word and her social schedule is mind boggling.
Just thinking about it makes me dizzy.
That's just one sister.
Each has an incredible story to share . . . and each does . . . in snippets . . . sound bites . . . each week.
We could write a book about each other and the contents would speak volumes regarding how to keep paddling when we feel like drowning . . . until our sisters surround us with flotillas of love and understanding.
Dear Sisters . . . I love you!
5-13:: Party Hearty
We are actually attending a party on Saturday night.
I'm alway preparing for an early morning and need time for preparation.
But this party is different.
One who has served the Lord as Clergy just turned 90.
Anyone who turns ninety deserved endless celebration.
But this one has made so very many friends over the decades that everyone wants to help him celebrate!
He always was one to drop everything for a good party so this was perfect.
We enjoyed it because we saw friends we had not seen for 8-10 years.
We caught up on 'old times' as we also enjoyed meeting new people.
Celebrating 90 is the perfect excuse to "party hearty!"
5-14:: Mother's Day
What a delight to celebrate so many mothers.
Each received a carnation with a special scripture verse on each.
I think of the greatest mother of all whose life is the greatest example any of us could try to follow.
Mary, Mother of Jesus.
Mary was a hidden gem when the Angel Gabriel came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace . . . "
He did not have to call her by name.
He did not have to get her attention.
She lived for YAWH throughout each day as her parents, devoted to YAWH, raised her to be one with YAWH.
They were devoted to worship and maintained required feasts and fast.
In other words, the disciplined life devoted to YAWH was embedded into Mary's life.
When the Angel came to visit with her, she was not frightened nor was she reticent to the message.
When she questioned the message it was more like an
Mary became a mother at what might seem a very young age for us but 16-18 years was the average age for what most thought was a life span of up to 45 years old . . . if women survived child birth.
So, the more we understand the sacrificial life of Mary, the more we understand the sacrificial life of motherhood.
Life is not easy in the first place but to bear and raise children while maintaining an orderly household has always been a challenge.
If mothers ever feel as if they have 'not done it right' when raising children, just think of Mary.
She did it perfectly right and still lost her child at a young age.
Happy Mother's day . . . each and every day . . . as mothers raise their 'legacy' to be passed to the next generation.
5-15:: Transition Time
Any who have spent even a few moments reading this blog (all three of you?) may wonder why I lapse between silly news and a bit of theology.
My choice is to impart as much as I learn each day to others so that we might draw more closely into the presence of God, through his Son, Jesus Christ.
I'm unabashedly open about my JOYous journey that daily boggles my mind with blessings.
Yet, sometimes I miss writing for several days at a time.
There is a reason.
I'm literally moving from one 'life' to another.
For a few days every six months, we completely close up one abode, pack everything we will need and mosey on to the other abode.
I find myself in a place of quiet chaos as both mind and body move through the regimen of change.
I have my daily quiet time before diving into daily duties of cleaning, organizing, packing boxes, being distracted by hubby too many times to count, and then trying to remember where I left off.
It's interesting that we choose, at this late stage in life, to become 'snowbirds.'
This should be a time when we move South and live there.
However, it is much too hot and much too lazy and much too . . . too . . . complacent for us.
It's the chaos of change that keeps our minds operating and keeps us physically using muscles that might have gone dormant in the warmer climate.
Thus, periodically over the next week there may pithy prattle rather than theological thinking.
My tiny brain, already stretched beyond my expectations, needs a time-out.
Pithy prattle is all I can summon during times of transitions.
5-16 The Visit
We never entertain.
This is the second time in six months that we've had friends over for dinner.
What was I thinking!
Half packed boxes and suitcases are all over the place.
Our dining table was being used as hubby's office.
But our dear friend wanted us to meet a new friend she met.
We couldn't resist.
So, here we are in shorts and T-shirts when they arrive half an hour early.
Hubby zips out of Chinese take-out at our totally favorite place.
I excuse myself for all of five minutes, comb my hair, step over boxes and throw on a little dress and flip-flops.
We're ready for a wonderful evening.
We talked for hours, laughed ourselves silly and fell into bed after a very long day.
We'll squeeze in 24 hours of chores tomorrow.
It's always so much more fun to stop for dear friends who wish to visit.
I would not have it any other way.
I had energy to work from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm to get everything done.
The body is screaming, "Stop, Stop" by the time I fall into bed.
The "Visit" was worth it.
5-17:: Norwegian Independence Day!
And one might say, "who cares!"
I do.
Dad gave me this kit from the Rogelund region of Norway.
It had embroidery floss, yards of blue wool, a yard of red wool, all sorts of trims and, most important, pewter hooks and buttons and buckles etc.
That region of Norway is known for its pewter so that's what distinguishes this "Bunad" or costume.
The directions were in Norwegian!
She was clueless about sewing so a couple directions were missed.
All in all, I figured out the pattern, cut the fabric, and began to embroider . . . for years!
I think it took me ten years to complete.
Amazingly, I have worn it several times for Christmas activities.
Years ago I lived in the Seattle area, way before I even knew what a Bunad was.
The great celebrations for this special day were mostly in Ballard.
Food and dancing and loads of crafts invited all into this Scandinavian community.
When we moved to D.C. we joined the Scandinavian society and were introduced to those who had Bunads from a wide variety of Norwegian provinces.
Wonderful memories of past Norwegian Independence Day celebrations danced through my head as we 'celebrated' in mind only. It was our day to spend most of the time on planes so we can spend the summer months up north.
5-18:: Home Sweet Home
We've arrived!
We transitioned from our tiny southern abode to our northern manse.
Our very small home seems gargantuan after living in a tiny space for the winter.
think its because our Northern home because it's compartmentalized.
Lots of small rooms so each of us can hide when we want to study or get away from computers or just think.
I have my PORCH!
I love my porch and will be living out there most of the summer.
And it's HOT!
It's never hot in May but it's 90 degrees!
What happened!
And the garden . . . OH MY . . . it is so beautiful as
All is glorious as we unpack, seek out food to sustain us, visit our local farmer for fresh produce and linger with neighbors who stop by to chat.
I did have to get out early to weed the garden.
I just couldn't help it.
These prickly dandelion-like weeds were spreading because I was not here to catch them instantly.
Amazingly, all my gardens surrounding the house only had enough weeds to fill one yard bag.
Not bad for our first day home!
Hubby is finally at rest.
He so loves it up here that I may have trouble getting him to come south next winter.
We'll see what happens but I think we'll enjoy these moments of beauty and wonder for a few glorious months.
Home Sweet Home.
5-19:: Do You Love ME?
These words from Jesus nestle into my soul as I wrestle with what to say on Sunday.
Do you love me?
As the Apostle Peter told Jesus just before he denied knowing Christ before the crucifixion, "Of course I love you."
Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commandments."
WOW
That IF is the clincher.
How can anyone keep the greatest commandment of all?
"Love the Lord they God . . . and love your neighbor as yourself" 23 --- 7 --- 365 !
That's a tough mandate.
Love is not a feeling.
Love is an action.
If I 'act' out the truths that God gives me through the Holy Spirit planted in me, given to us who believe by Jesus after his ascension into heaven, I may, in time, prove my love for God.
But my belief in the kingdom of God now, active in my life, guiding my every step, does not mean that I need to 'work out' my salvation.
I believe therefore I choose to allow the incredible abundance of God's love into my life, my heart, my soul, my every-day living.
I choose to allow God to drench me with such inner joy and willingness to do his will that I, by choice, learn to love everything and everyone who wanders into my path of influence.
I choose to live by the actions of love and generosity and kindness and whatever else the Holy Spirit nudges me to say, do, write . . . BE.
I love you, Lord, to the best of my willingness to follow your mandate.
5-20:: How do I love Thee?
I cannot say it better than Lewis.
His words brought me into God's kingdom through Jesus Christ.
His words continue to draw me into God's presence, God's indescribable love.
An excerpt from Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis,p.132
Nobody can always have devout feelings: and even if we could, feelings are not what God principally cares about.
Christian Love, either towards God or towards man, is an affair of the will.
If we are trying to do His will we are obeying the commandment, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God.’
He will give us feelings of love if He pleases.
We cannot create them for ourselves, and we must not demand them as a right.
But the great thing to remember is that, though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.
It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference; and, therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever cost to Him."
5-21:: Come and see, believe in Me, and follow Thee
I love the rhythm of the liturgy (the work) throughout the year.
All scripture in both the Old and New Testaments are read
within three years but the readings follow specific seasons as we walk with Christ from preparation for his birth (Advent) through Jesus death, Resurrection, Ascension and into Pentecost.
This Eastertide season extends from Resurrection Sunday through Pentecost Sunday (fifty days) but there are transition points within these fifty days.
One transition point is Jesus' ascension into heaven forty days after his resurrection.
We anticipate and prepare for this special day just as Jesus anticipated and prepared his followers for the day he would rise from earth to sit at the right hand of the Father.
We anticipate and prepare for this special day just as Jesus anticipated and prepared his followers for the day he would rise from earth to sit at the right hand of the Father.
In today's scriptures, we are reminded of the mandate Jesus gave his beloved followers, especially the twelve, before he ascended into heaven.
"If you love Me you will keep My commandments . . . "
C.S. Lewis gave an excellent explanation regarding God's love and our love for God (above).
Jesus was preparing his disciples to take the mantle from him in order to spread the Gospel of God's love to others.
Jesus was preparing his disciples to take the mantle from him in order to spread the Gospel of God's love to others.
Jesus then said, "I will send a Paraclete," a messenger, one who will be with you and within all who believe, to be with you always . . . to help you discern the path God has set before each of you . . . to help you remain on that path.
Just as God sent a 'Paraclete,' Jesus, to share the message of God's unending love for us, Jesus also sent a Paraclete, the
Holy Spirit, when he left this earth.
Those whom Jesus called to "Come and see, believe in Jesus and follow the Lord, thy God" are filled with the Holy Spirit, our advocate, our Paraclete, our forever messenger.
If, indeed we listen to the Paraclete's message of God's everlasting love, if we come and see who Jesus is and believe and follow God with our whole heart, we can follow his commandment because of the Holy Spirit imbedded within us through the act of baptism.
As we prepare to celebrate the ascension of our Lord, let's come and see what our journey in Christ is for this year.
If we believe we can go deeper into our personal relationship with Christ, we can ask the Holy the Spirit to lead us on this new path.
Whatever our purpose, path, journey, we just need to keep inviting the Holy Spirit to lead us.
Come and see, believe, follow Thee.
5-22:: Rogation Days
Rogation means, "asking."
This prayer tradition began in Vienne, France in the fifth century when Bishop Mamertus introduced days of fasting and prayer to ward off a threatened disaster.
This tradition moved throughout Europe and England and then, to the U.S. as Anglicans moved across the ocean.
And so, over the many centuries, we have set aside these three days before Ascension Day to give blessing to crops and stream and industry.What a wonderful practice in preparation for the celebration of the ascension of our Lord.
5-23:: Saints
I've been introduced to a new saint each day as I read a blog
I had no idea there were so many saints that I never heard of before.
Each saint has a different story, a different journey, a different circumstance which caused their story to be more extraordinary than any of the stories I can recall about my own journey in Christ.
Some saints were real scoundrels until . . . some how . . . some way . . . their lives turned around and they gave themselves so totally to godly living that anyone who knew them before conversion would marvel in awe.
But that's what it's all about . . . learning about saints.
They are just regular people, born like any of us, living in every socio-economic strata imaginable.
It's regular people who, by God's grace, by God's choosing, by God's persistent love, drew that person so totally into his presence that each could not live any other life.
It's like, once each knew the Presence to be very present within them, they knew no other path to follow but what God laid before them.
Each knew God:Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Each had a devotion to seek and know that intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, filled with immovable trust.
And so I think to myself that it may be totally impossible for me to ever be a saint but at least I know the possibility is there for me to emulate, to wonder about, to draw from when I am in challenging circumstances.
I will never be a 'saint' but I most certainly can learn for others' saintly lives.
5-24:: The God I Know
Scripture swims through my mind as I look out the window.
I wonder, imagine and try to drink into my soul the words of Luke in the book of Acts. . . 17 . . .
Some remained to ask further questions.
Most walked away.
We do that, don't we.
We either agree with a premise and want to hear more or we disagree and are unwilling to go deeper by asking questions, by seeking a greater depth, by challenging a side of an idea
I have been trying to go deeper into my walk with God this past year by simply listening to the 'other' side or reading about certain parts of theology that seem so foreign to me.
By choosing to go deeper I may not make much headway in my daily search but, over the months, I am seeing a tiny flicker of understanding where I had none.
I'm a pretty basic person, not choosing to gain too much clutter in my brain as to overwhelm it.
Therefore, I must step gingerly into the unknown world,
Some day I pray I can express to others what is building up in my soul.
So far, the God I know is becoming even more greatly 'known' to my soul.
To 'know' in the biblical sense is to be so intimately involved that the One I seek to know becomes entwined into myself.
The 'unknown god' of the Greeks may remain so to those who say, "It's greek to me."
But the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob . . . the God who
I pray that one day I will truly 'know' Him so well that my every word and action will reflect His Presence in me.
5-25:: Ascension Day
It's a very special day today.
Amish stop work.
Old order mennonites take the day off.
All are set to celebrate with picnics . . .
. . . except it is a soggy, rainy day.
Not to worry.
Huge barns, meant for meetings, celebrations, gatherings such as this are too numerous to count.
These people take the day very seriously.
They celebrate the day that Jesus said his last words to the small contingent with him before he ascends into the clouds.
Back in Jesus day, the people had heard of this phenomenon before.
They knew the story of Elijah ascending into the clouds while a ball of fire swept through the sky.
There were more than fifty witnesses, all elders, for his ascension.
There may have been just as many for Jesus' ascension.Jesus told his disciples, "I must leave you in order for me to send a Paraclete, a messenger, to you . . . the Holy Spirit.
The only way we would have access to the Holy Spirit is if Jesus were not walking with us.
The disciples may have thought Jesus would be with them always but this arrangement is so much better!
If we come and see, believe and follow the Lord, thy God and are baptized in the name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is called upon to reside within us forever.
That means I have my own personal presence of God within me to lead, and direct, and help me to glorify God in all I say and do.
It's all because of the Ascension of Jesus Christ.
Pretty nifty!
2-26:: Let's Play Ball!
It has been years since hubby has been in the Museum of Little League Baseball so we decided to give peek.
Little did we know that about ninety first-graders would be there with us.
They were so cute and full of energy . . . and, of course, noisy.
We lagged behind as we read story after story about the beginning of baseball for the little ones.
A neighborhood here and one there . . . all over the U.S. played baseball with what they had but when actual teams were sponsored by the hardware store or other local stores, life changed.
In 1939 Carl Stotz began what would grow into the National Little League association.
Here is a guy who worked at a gas station who had a heart for these kids and wanted them to gain strong values while having fun.
They said the pledge each time they came together to play:
"I trust in God, I love my country, and will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win. But win or lose, I will always do my best."
The lumber company, a dairy and a pretzel factory enabled him to create three leagues who would play at a baseball field 2/3 the size of a regular field.
The first game was played on June 6, 1939 in Williamsport at Park Point.
These little guys got uniforms and good bats.
They even got balls that were brand new . . . for each game.
And so began the Little League which grew in popularity all over the U.S. and the World.
The family values, the sense of good sportsmanship, the sense of community behind each team and so much more, grew young boys . . . and girls . . . into disciplined, caring, good citizens.
And these first graders, who knew all about the baseball stars were being initiated into their first steps of Little League.
All too soon they, too, will be teaming up with others, given a uniform and will learn the baseball pledge along with the words as they learn to . . .
PLAY BALL!
5-27:: Family
Auntie looked fabulous after too many months of healing from a bad injury.
She was ready to party and so we did.
We ate and chatted and ate some more.
Cousins took us around town as we saw hubby's old haunts together.
Hubby and I took our own time wandering to beloved places including the cemetery.
"We need the weed-eater," he told his cousin when he called.
We could only do so much for it was nice to visit hubby's family who has been laid to rest.
Soon we will be visiting with my family and laying my father to rest but now it was time to focus on his family.
Nice.
5-28,29:: Remembrance
We have so many symbols to remind us whose we are.
When we see the Cross we are reminded that we belong to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who sent us Jesus Christ.
We also have symbols regarding our nation so that we do not forget our roots as a nation.
The flag is placed on veterans' graves to remind us of those who died so that we might be free to worship.
We celebrate Memorial Day, the focus of this entire weekend.
This special day was called Decoration Day in 1868 until it
650,000 died in the Civil War of 1862.
In those days most graves were behind churches so people brought food and had a picnic among the graves after the service. By the end of the the picnic the grave sites were cleaned up and decorated nicely.
State cemeteries and our national cemetery began to add flags in the 1890s.
By 1892 people were forgetting about those who died so a few thought it would do the nation good to have the American Flag in schools, which often used churches during the week.
Soon it became a tradition to place a flag in the front of each church, along side the Christian flag.
To this day, most mainline denominations have both our national flag and Christian flag for all to see to remind us that we are One Nation and God is our Sovereign.
In fact, in 1945 a "pledge of allegiance" was created.
By 1948 "Under God" was added to One nation: "One nation under God," and was heavily endorsed by the sons and daughters of the American Revolution as well as the Catholic Knights of Columbus.
By 1954, Eisenhower asked congress to create a Bill that formally states our pledge with "One nation under God" as part of this oath.
Amazingly, this pledge was often said at the beginning of church services for many years.
We are reminded that 'separation of church and state' means that the state (Government) cannot impede or dictate how we worship.
However, our walk in Christ cannot stop on Sundays inside the church.
We are Christians 24/7/365 and should be the best example of good citizenship for all to see at work or school or wherever we are during the week.
We Christians should be the best representatives for devotion to duty, honor, country and should know that any allegiance to our Nation is because we first have allegiance to God.
God and country can never separated in the U.S. according to we who know Christ and make Him known to others.
As long as we fly our flag, we will always remember that we are, "One nation under God."
5-30:: Garden Reflection
Oh My!
The garden is bursting forth with blooms.
What glory to see when we've returned home after traveling.
Nothing beats beautiful blooms that never disappoint.
We are so blessed to have the garden.
My soul soars to see God's creation dancing in the breeze.
God's creation is magnificent!
Oh JOY!
To be in the garden.
5-31:: A Great End and New Beginning
Another month passes like lightening.
It seems the minute I have a grasp on time and the season, it passes before my eyes.
God is so totally in control of my every moment.
I breathe deep in order to linger longer at each task I
Laundry, cooking, cleaning, gardening, reading, writing, staring at the bird house as I anticipate another new family being hatched.
It's all good.
Summer begins to peak out of the gray, cold skies today and blooms burst almost like fireworks.
I want time to stop but God has better plans for me and his creation.
I must use both time and space as a good steward of my precious time on earth.
Just knowing my Lord is very present with me enables me to enjoy this 'end of the month' and anticipate a wonderful new beginning as a new month appears imminent.
