APRIL ALLELUIAS!

It's already April after a harsh, cold winter.

The only way we know it is spring, between light snow storms, is the tiny green sprouts I see in the garden.
We continue to walk the painful road to the Cross this week.
Moody skies,
cold wind gusts,
a perfect setting for contemplative prayer in my little corner that looks out upon the meadow swarming with red winged black birds, bluebirds, robins, bunnies and so much more.

#3627-3629:: No Fooling! It's a gorgeous day outside even if it is still a bit nippy.  As I meditate on Jesus' journey to the Cross and the story in Exodus of the slaughter of the passover lamb, I am in awe of God's plan for us. God made it so easy for us to receive salvation.  I look forward to spending time in thanksgiving as we walk with Jesus to the Cross on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Altar of Siena Cathedral 14th Century.
Washing of feet and last supper - Maundy Thursday

#3630-3632:: Maundy Thursday: A gorgeous day with sunny skies and rising temperatures.
A 'liturgical' moment began this day over 2000 years ago as Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples.
'Drink this cup, all of you, in remembrance of me."
This first introduction of the New Covenant would not be realized until Christ would be slaughtered the next day, like the lamb of the passover, and shed His blood to cover our sins, just as the blood of the lamb 'covered' the Israelites when the Angel of Death 'passed over' their homes.

#3633-3635:: Knowing the story helps me know that walking with Christ to the Cross is not the end.  Thanksgivings? We cannot celebrate resurrected life of Christ Jesus without walking with Him to the Cross.

#3636-3638:: Silence, emptiness, waiting . . . What happens now? Where is Jesus in the pageant of death to life? The vigil begins, remembering the salvation history of the Jewish people helps us cement our relationship with Christ Jesus.

A Norwegian Stave Church
built to reach the sky.
Pillars 'petrified' to be as strong as cement columns.
A unique place of worship that takes the eye to heaven.

#3639-3641:: ALLELUIA! Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Throughout the Sunday celebration of resurrected life, we say Alleluia.  Fasting from this glorious word of JOY has been hard.  Now we can spend nearly a year saying this word.

#3642-3644:: A sleepy morning, a time to catch up on my reflections and linger a little longer with meditations and have a second breakfast before I make a visit to the skilled nursing unit where one from church has been moved.  I am so thankful for health and the ability to embrace life!

#3645-3647:: The stone is rolled away!  The doorway is open.  Come on in!  Come on into the resurrected life.  Come and see.  Seeing is believing.  Believe in the resurrected life of God's Son, Jesus Christ.  See, believe, follow.  WOW - so much to think about today, a day I am off to a very challenging meeting.  I just need to remember that I live in the 'resurrected' space that God gave me through His Son.  Alleluia!

#3648-3650:: Soggy, sad looking, chilly day but filled with laughter, chat, sharing, amazing stories of surviving the 'canyons of life' with God's help.  I gain new perspective when I hear someone else's story.  An evening meeting with another group opens my creative side as I learn about an artist's life.

#3651-3653:: B R E A T H E through the piles of papers, schedule of phone calls, required meetings.
My mountain top experience on Sunday filled with Alleluias is now balanced with a field of tasks that are time sensitive.
This is when I love to look out at the endless rows of brown, tan, gray dirt waiting for warm enough weather to plant and grow crops.  Endless rain prepares the soil outside and the soil of my heart to absorb all the nutrients available.  The Word of God is like cool spring water to my soul.

#3654-3656:: Words, ideas, creativity as I prepare for my Women of Worth Ministries class on Sunday.  See my blog: womenofworthmin.org        Joy is teaching women ways to grow in Christ. Dark, rainy, cold day is filled with my light hearted spirit.

#3657-3659:: Early up to write words of God's precious present presented to us by His presence in Jesus Christ.  Words are complex but so is understanding the Resurrection of the Word made flesh.  We trust words like "present" and "present-ness" of God so why do we have difficulty believing in the Resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ?  Later in the day I had a wonderful hospital visit to lift the spirit of one who is healing too slowly for his satisfaction.

#3660-3662::  28 degrees after a 70 degree day?  We are up so early that we forget that it takes time for this cold earth to heat up.  A glorious afternoon after a blessed Sunday service.  I even took some time to work in the garden and see the tiny green spurts of tulips peaking through dark soil.  I don't even mind the scrapes and thorn bites from trimming the rose bushes.  Spring is just around the corner!

#3663-3665:: A perfect day to sleep and get over my cold and sore throat.  Just a few hours of work and maybe there will be time . . . after laundry.  So happy that the garden helpers put down mulch today . . . the day after I finished trimming and feeding the rose bushes.  Now let the hovering rain clouds let loose!  Hooray!

#3666-3668::  Swollen nose, raspy voice, puffy face BUT I feel so much better!  Papers, plans for Ascension day, meeting notes in preparation for tonight - all good.  Wispy clouds wipe through blue skies for another gorgeous day.  Ten more degrees and I will want to play outside.  I have become less brave with the chill winds over the past year but this too shall pass. Summer WILL come! Hooray!

#3669-3671:: B R E A T H E   I can breathe!  Feels so good to breath without hacking away and blowing my nose incessantly.  Forsythia is BLOOMING!  Everything POPPED in a day!  Love it!

Gray skies don't seems so drab with pops of yellow piercing the brown/green fields.

#3672-3674:: S L O W I go as I plan for various parts of tonights meeting.  Meds are working well as I venture outside after laying low for a few days.  Home quite late and not feeling too bad.
#3675-3677:: OOPS! Forgot to send the article for the quarterly church newsletter.  A day of writing as I move from church events to 'Heart Whispers' that give me words for Sunday.

#3678-3680:: WOW! An amazing summer day!  I thought I dressed lightly and I was still too warm.  Joined dear friends for 'tea' and a lovely day in a sweet town.  I couldn't help but trip a bush and putter in the garden.  A second look at words from my heart-whispers and day is done.

#3681-3683:: A lovely early morning sunrise pierces the darkness as hot pink on the horizon.  A cool

morning becomes colder as we leave church in the afternoon.  Late in the day I wear several layers as I finish a garden project.  What a difference a day makes!

#3684-3686:: R A I N!  Gushing rain.  Wind.  A real storm.  Praise God it was at night so that daytime was clear.  So many details to work on today that six hours later I am finally able to write these notes.  Preparations are almost complete for our Ascension Day celebration next month.  Hooray!

#3687-3689:: The sweet smell of newly mowed grass lingers awhile after the first cutting of this summer.  Did I say Summer? I know we have a long way to go but it LOOKS like summer.  The temps are still low but I'll wear layers underneath my summer jacket and pretend.  I love hope!  Hope dangles before me daily as I pray for those lazy days on the porch.  We're getting there!

#3690-3692:: Early up to drive through country fields for a morning meeting.  Lots of details taken care of makes me feel a bit lighter.  Pouring rain as we drive home then visit one who is working hard to better his health.

Another meeting into the night makes for a long but very productive day.

#3693-3695:: Crunch, pinch, wonder, discuss . . . should we dare look at a new car after over eleven years with this little wonder that is clanking and grinding and coughing a bit more than we'd like?  We can look, can't we.  A great adventure on a gray day that looks like the sky is about to cry. I'm ready, Let's Go!  I hear the words, "wait, I'm not ready" in the background.

 Let's wait another day.

#3696-3698:: Time tick-tocks away giving me more room to complete the long list of tasks before me.  Windy, cold . . .where is spring? . . . clear skies! for a day outside to look, touch, test-drive hubby's new desire.  He has done ample research.  We're both ready.  Perhaps this is our "GO" day?

#3699-3701::  Saturday is always a 'rest' day but today is very busy.  Words on paper for the second time, preparation for a meeting tomorrow and a visit with PEO sisters to map out a year of meetings and programs.  Thinking that far ahead makes me dizzy but it's nice to plan ahead.

#3702-3704:: Healing prayer, a look at Psalm 23, a gathering after church, a meeting, a pastoral visit - home very late in the day.  Another blessing-filled Sunday.  We praise God we are able to do what is given to us each week.

#3705-3707:: Stop, go, rest, run, off to a great race as we pack a kazillion chores into two days.  Brain-freeze, relax, repeat.  Ahhhh, so nice to have someone else wash my hair! Ready to go for

another six weeks. B R E A T H E . . . feel so much better after cleaning my office!

#3708-3710:: Plop, pile, pack, putter . . . repeat.  Half the clothes I picked go back into the closet.  One of these days I will take even less!  Hubby's clothes fit in a smaller suitcase - good for him!
Check list for last minute items gets longer . . .  who is getting the milk?

#3711-3713:: Off we go into the wild blue yonder.  So ready for a much needed vacation.  Dear friends pick us up and drop us off which makes life easy.  A great ride even with changing planes.  Arrived in great weather.  I can't believe I don't have to put on six layers to go outside!

#3714-3716:: The last day of the month seems unreal.  Time flies too fast to capture.  We wrap our hearts around each moment in the sun and warmth as we unpack boxes that have been stored since last August.  More work on the little abode but so satisfying.  Farewell MONTH . . .  for another year.
May the month of May-ing be as delightful as Spring should be!

MARCH MERCIES

I was looking for something green for this  month.

I don't know who created this but it is so true.
We need to give ourselves TLC.

First, because everyone chooses green for March.
Second, because my heart hopes some of this icy snow will melt enough for us to see a bit of green below.
We've managed to get to our appointed destinations this winter, in spite of snow and ice and peril.
God is so good.

And so I begin another month of euchristeos to God for all the blessings I receive daily.

#3534-3536::  We managed to get to church safely on dry roads.  Icy sleet made our journey home very slow but we made it home safely.  A grand day of worship and meetings and hearing incredible stories.

#3537-3539:: This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad.  It's above freeeeeeezing!!!!  Hubby shoveled the ice-packed snow as it began to thaw.  We WILL see green one of these days.

I love Mondays.  All too soon a Monday will be
my garden day.  I'll dig in the earth and
plant that which gives me JOY!

#3540-3542:: Cut, paste, clean out, clean up, prepare papers and notebooks for year-end review.  Hours of reviewing documents to keep or throw makes for a wonderful feeling at the end of the day.  Files and notes and instructions and documents all tidy and ready for another year.

#3543-3545::  Rain and slush and melting snow make for a slow ride to a meeting where we laughed, told stories, shared new ideas and accomplished much.  Planned visits cancelled as we slogged home in mushy sleet.  Happy-sad to cancel a very important evening meeting.  Safety first = happy.

#3546-3548::  Warm temps, shovel slush, just a bit of snow at the beginning of the day.  Then it becomes colder and snow becomes thick and prolific.  Heavy snow and fog create a white-out.
Schools closed, everyone in their right mind stays home.  Hooray!

#3549-3551:: Crisp cold blankets frozen white in

early hours.  Drip, drip, drip as ice on snow begins to melt.  Hope springs eternal as frost breath fades.

#3552-3554:: Dry roads for early jaunt one hour away to meet with others throughout the state.  Warm air hits cold as icicles begin to melt.  Spring has sprung! It's all relevant but what a gorgeous day at the end.  We "Spring Forward" as we change our clocks tonight!

Visions of Peonies dance in my head!

#3555-3557::  "Early to bed, early to rise" is an understatement.  Losing an hour does not help me rise more easily on this day as it is already too early.  Will we ever see the sun in the morning?  The day begins with warmer temps but we are greeted at church with still-thick ice.  Galant men and rock salt make for safe paths.

#3558-3560:: SPRING HAS SPRUNG!  My glazed eyes re-read the outdoor thermometer.   58 degrees.  I actually ask hubby to go on an adventure with me . . . outside.  My boycott of winter, which has not worked at all, is now over . . .  at least today.  GLORY!  Snow is still deep but streaks of water fill the streets.  Hooray!

#3561-3563::  What fun to re-read old emails and catch up on favorite blogs.  A history of St. Patrick

A room with a winter view.
Dad is feeling much better.

from very old texts provides a deeper understanding of God's gift to Ireland beginning in 433 AD.  A brother's quick thinking and helpers miles away get dad to the hospital when his body 'blipped' a bit.
Looks like pneumonia.  He is super cheerful within 24 hours due to antibiotics.  Amazing at 100!

#3564-3566:: Another gorgeous day!  God is good, Life is good, We are good.  A meeting to hand off materials to another who will be taking on the job - HOORAY!

#3567-3569:: Glorious sun shines through the window at 7am as pink sun peaks over the hill. It would be 6am if still on 'savings' time.

Twelve hour days are NICE!  A great day for the long drive to church for visits and meetings.

#3570-3572:: God's grace is endless as I reflect on yesterday's visit with one who is housebound and the family who give such great care.  Laughter mixed with business is the best 'leadership team' meeting I could have attended - and we finished in one hour!  Mercy mixed with grace is the best 'drink' for the soul as I ponder God's presence in my life.

#3573-3575:: Foggy and rainy seem unnoticed after I receive news of my brother's multiple myeloma.  Some sunshine in this news as it is a cancer that has good treatments. One can live for a long time with it if the body can endure the treatments.  His kidneys are nearly exhausted but there is also a dialysis fix for that. The

Lord is carrying the whole family today.

#3576-3578:: I see my brother in the middle of Holy Communion as the sanctifying prayer covers bread and wine.  Jesus is hovering over my brother's body as powerful light seems to flow into his body.  Hope springs eternal as family shares words of encouragement.

#3579-3581::  A long e-discourse from my brother's daughter, forever positive and detail oriented, helps us to breathe more easily.  Brother is in the best place and he is stable and next steps are there for him in the days to come.  His daughters breathe a sigh of relief for now.  My brother may live longer than anyone expected.

#3582-3584:: I'm feeling less numb but still exhausted from long work days and family conversations.  Sun peaks through lumpy clouds as stiff winds whistle through our yard.  Happy St. Pat's day! as we might well be in the high meadows of Ireland -raw, windy, cold, wet.  We're letting others celebrate today.


#3585-3587:: Sun peaks over the hill.  Clear skies greet freezing temperatures.  A busy day of meetings will keep me on my toes.  Nice!

#3588-3590:: Huge weight off my shoulders as I relinquish my post as President of PEO, a great educational organization the helps women continue their education.  I can now concentrate on the most Holy week of the year as we prepare to quiet the soul and seek more time in the presence of the Lord.  Ahhhhh, my soul feels JOY!

#3591-3593:: It looks like confectioner's sugar being sifted from the sky.  White blankets all but the streets and sidewalks, which remain clear.  Soft, gentle, above freezing, beautiful snow rests on dirt brown and ugly gray . . . for now.  Hours of work on liturgies for Holy Week are completed!

#3594-3596:: B R E A T H E, breathe, breathe.  I take rest today after a very long week of organizing liturgies, bulletins and worship agendas for five services.  A great sense of accomplishment but now I can get some laundry done and write words for tomorrow.  God is sooooooo good!

#3507-3599:: Sun creeps into the dark sky with crimson, purple and pink hues.  Hubby is too sick to join me on the long drive to church but I enjoy the time alone that I can practice words that I will give away today.  Healing service goes well with so many eager to receive the touch of the Lord.  Worship meeting is long but fruitful.  Moving church 'furniture' was a delight as I watched brawny men lift and push and create new space.  Phone calls into the night as emergencies lengthen my day.  I am here to be used and that was our prayer, collectively, at church today, "Use me."  God IS using me.

#3600-3602:: I am pampered as my hair is washed and shaped.  We wind through our errands today with a grand finale at the hospital.  Anointing of the sick is such a sacred time.  Eucharisteo.

#3603-3605:: S L O W goes my body as my mind races forth.  Too many emails to answer, tasks that need completion.  Time to take moments of quiet contemplation.  Another visit to a dear one in the hospital.  God is good, Life is good, we are good.


#3606-3608:: In Fra Angelico's painting of the Annunciation, Mary listens to the golden words of Gabriel while the word of God, the Scripture she has been reading, lays  open on her lap.  God's word is about to become God's Word; he's about to take flesh in this young virgin.
What incredible words on this day we celebrate the Annunciation.  Quiet fills my soul as I meditate on Mary, mother of God.  Prayer is the solution to all 'unsolvable' problems. Amen!

#3609-3611:: Gray quiet lingers through the day as I ponder, pray, prepare for next week.  Perfect weather to remain inside and reflect.  "Convenience" is the word of the day.  Are Christians centering on convenience or are we letting the Lord, thy God, mold us according to His purpose for us?

#3612-3614:: Convenience is the word of the day.  Was it convenient for Jesus to die on the Cross for us?  Is it convenient for us to experience every step to the cross next week?  Does Palm Sunday have two completely different tones due to convenience?  Triumph to tragedy took a week. Why can't we walk with Jesus for one whole week instead of pressing the entire week into one day? I choose to take the 'inconvenient' path and sense that the innumerable blessings will far exceed the 'inconvenience.'

#3615-3617:: Snow flies like popcorn in the sky but light and airy and melts soon after the flurries stop.  Slick torrents of freezing air snap at my face as I dare go outside this SPRING? Thank you, God, that summer is only weeks away.
So happy that my silly clock is fixed - only needed the second hand to be reshaped and it ticks away. Yes!

#3618-3620:: Tiny green shoots pierce slight snow covering in the garden.  Tiny taps on the window sill remind me that these flakes continue this very night.  I reflect on the Palm Sunday procession that enters the church with JOY and then, within minutes, as
we read the Passion according to mark, the tragedy of Christ's crucifixion pierces the heart. A crazy day of mixed emotions, chill winds and more flakes falling.

#3621-3623:: Busy morning preparations for the coming week.  Anticipate delight that we can participate in sharing a meal and a message with at-risk kids tonight.  Winter will not let go but our hearts feel like Spring today.

#3624-3626:: Lots of views yesterday, I wonder why . . . Words, pictures, fleeting thoughts to share with others. Nice.
What a night we had serving the kids and working on a simple project together: Easter Symbols.  They were spot on with their answers.  After the page was full of great answers, a young man shouted from the back, "the empty tomb."  YES!

This is the last day of March.  Oh MY!  Time flies!  And so our walk to the Cross this Holy Week continues in the next blog - April Alleluias!

FABULOUS FEBRUARY

I've loved this little pillow for years!  My Winter Heart!

Hooray!  It's February!
I was so oblivious to this wonderful month that I just kept writing my THANKSGIVINGS in January.

Today I realized that we move into more light and longer days.  I feel Spring is not so far away.  My HEART skips a beat as I think of all the love that is passed around this month.  Every month is filled with heart felt caring if we remain intentional about spreading our THANKS to others every day.

I love this little pillow that is so wintery with its wool and velvet patches.  It brightens my chair and brings a bit of sparkle to each day.

#3454-3456:: Words on paper as I

Nostalgia reigns.  We call this a Grandma Pearl because, as a grandma,
 she painted pictures from her heart.  My first home so many years ago.

think about what to share with others.  Authority with humility - Jesus' example for us.  Holy Boldness with common sense might be words for us today.  Do we share with boldness our joy in Christ?  Do we understand the power and authority of simply saying the name, "Jesus?"

#3457-3459:: Silence, lingering, watching wet snow drip from eves as temperatures rise.  Slushy, drippy drifts of snow become smaller through the day.  Nice!  I sit, ponder, reflect, take time to nurture my soul. Wonderful!

These are dad's grandkids.  See the T-shirt to the right?  Everyone calls him the Big O!

#3460-3462:: A sliver of purple cuts between earth and sky as sun tries to peak through heavy clouds.  Before I know it, bright sunlight bounces off snow laden meadows.  Quiet, silent, birds and animals hiding from the crispy-cold day.  I shuffle reams of paper and type all day as year end reports for my women's group are due tomorrow.  Another wonderful INSIDE day.  Love it!

This is dad's third party in three days and he is still going strong!

#3463-3465:: Up early to prepare for a fun-packed day.  Luncheon with Christian women in the county, sharing with dear friends, prepare for an information packed meeting at night.  Two completely different groups that are totally different from work.  Nice change.

#3466-3468:: Robins eat our berries to stay warm and sit on neighbor's roof until strips of wind ruffled feathers a little too much.  Sun makes snow WHITE and bounces light through our windows. HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TO DAD!!!   We pack for our trip to his birthday party.  HOORAY!

#3469-3471:: How can our weather be any worse than Minnesota!  We'll find out.  We packed mittens and hats and an extra layer of clothing just in case.  Off we go into the wild windy yonder!

#3472-3474:: We arrive late and find clear roads, no snow and not-too-cold weather.  What a celebration with a huge family gathering from all over the United States.  Six hours of giving

Fire Works at 100!  He deserves it!

dad special moments from each of us while dining and chatting among ourselves.  A GRAND 100th!

#3475-3477:: Early morning visits with nieces and nephews before they catch their flights home.  Lunch with a dear friend I haven't seen in 50 years!
Dinner with dad and his close friends.  A glimpse at our old neighborhood was great.  So much change yet so much the same.

#3478-3480:: Early up, wind through dark streets, transit on two airplanes, home sweet home.  A truck load of memories are packed into my heart.  So many promises to 'keep in touch.'

#3481-3483:: Catch-up day is a good time to re-focus on the 'daily' and set time aside to
 B R E A T H E as we catch up on 'down' time.  So many 'thanksgivings' in my heart. God is so good.

This is one of dozens of  Minneapolis Skyways
Here we see from the outside - a simple shape but look below.

#3484-3486:: Upload pictures for family, smile, remember, dream a bit, linger, enjoy each moment remembered.  Nice.  Lovely day but I'm still boycotting winter.  I'm a "summer" girl through and through.  Love nestling inside for now.

#3487-3489:: Words come fresh from the heart as I write about next week's Ash Wednesday; ash to ash, dust to dust . . . we shall return.  Life is but a flicker, like the sparkler on dad's cake.  I praise God that I have the opportunity to make the most of each day as I upload scads of photos for the next family album for all to share on shutter fly.

Here is the 'above' skyway from the inside.
Beauty in architecture and colored glass is
a wonderful bonus.

#3490-3492:: Crispy white sparkles through the house as sun bounces off of snow.  It's like Spring!
My heart soars knowing that we are just a few months away from spring and warmer days.

#3493-3495:: My mind swirls as I place myself on the mountain with Jesus at His transfiguration. Like Peter, I want to take a 'shot' of the moment but the moment cannot be placed on a one dimensional piece paper.  The moment is stored in my heart . . . much like our moments with dad.
6 degrees and winds so fierce that wind chill is -20.  Had to cancel the first service but we had a good crowd for the second service with lunch afterwards.  God is Good!

#3496-3498:: Up early and into the chill air - colder than yesterday!  Appointments can't wait but hubby is the driver and drops me at the door.  Nice!  We cancel unnecessary errands and find shelter near our lovely fire place.  Loads of work to do on my computer before tomorrow.

#3499-3501:: Fashnacht day up here in 'german' country. Never heard of one before we moved here.  I stride over to the community center for my annual 'donut' and enjoy chat with friends I do not see as often as I should.  It's Shrove Tuesday: to shrive, confess and seek absolution.

A quiet space at church reminds me of
God's sacrifice for me, His only
begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

As I consider not eating fancy foods for the next forty days, I strive to cleanse my soul of unnecessary wants.  Eggs, rich oils, butter  and meat were considered extravagant and were eliminated from the diet during this season of Lent.  The protestant tradition is to give to others and to  take extra time to meditate, pray and find ways to embrace a closer relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

#3502-3504::  Crisp, sunny day for the long drive to church early in the day.  Meetings, noon service, more meetings, night service.  Ash Wednesday: Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. . . is said as ashes are placed on the forehead.  We read that we should not show the world we are in deep, penitent prayer but we leave with those ashes, seen by anyone who walks near us.  It's a great way to show others that we do not fear showing our penitent heart, that we are Christians, dedicated to pleasing God, though His Son, Jesus Christ.

#3505-3507:: I begin my Lenten commitment with new resolve.  Forty days of prayer and . . .  don't know what else I'll do.  A wonderful day of contemplation between loads of laundry.  Wind slices through icy fields as temps dip lower and lower.  I snuggle closer to the fire.

I took this shot from a Mpls. Skywalk.  I thought the advertising
was quite clever.  The closest thing we would have to this in our
neighborhood is a rack of ties in the local hardware/everything store.

Nice.

#3508-3509:: So many pictures of the 100th birthday 'event' continue to enter my mailbox.  Memories flood back to great moments.  I wonder and wander through some childhood memories with dear friends.

#3510-3512:: Little wind as snowflakes blanket us, light, not too deep.  Quiet stillness gives rest to my soul.  Not so cold beauty moves me to think winter is not so bad after all.

#3513-3515::Another early service cancelled as ice piles high on snow.  We got a late start but it

An incredible full moon on a clear night was seen in our back yard
so clearly it looks like the sun on a cloudy day.
I can tell it is winter because we most always see the moon from the
front yard in summer.

was a wonderfully sunny, melty, day.  My heart wishes more were brave enough to venture into God's house for soul refreshing.  Dear friends traveled an hour to church for the healing service.

#3516-3518:: Stark white under pale blue skies with farm houses popping out of the great expanse.  A picture of beauty as wind streaks through open space while picking up swirls of snow.  A great day to catch up on piles of work.

#3519-3521:: Notes piled high, messages fill sticky notes, my quick outline blooms to pages as I write down my weekly/monthly agenda.  Birds sing and tweet in this 16 degree weather.  Everyone is happy!

Hope springs eternal: Spring will pop up soon.

#3522-3524:: Blue skies, Children slide down the long backyard hill on shimmering ice.  Wheeeee!  The slippery climb back up makes everyone laugh so hard they slide back to the bottom. LOL

#3525-3527:: It's melting!  It's melting!  Icy slopes turn to slush as temps go above freezing.  Oh JOY!  Flakes fly but melt quickly and fade away.  My hopeful heart waits for warmer days.

#3528-3530:: Discussion, decisions, vision, planning, good people, great day, much to think about.

#3531-3533:: Silence, study, seeking, praying, placing words paper, speaking from my heart.  Good.

JANUARY JOYS!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I guess that is the first phrase out of most people's mouths this beautiful morning.
"Happy" is a complicated word.
Most people think that we deserve happiness at all times.
When we don't 'feel' happy something must be wrong.
Instead of looking inside ourselves, we look at our circumstances, our surroundings.
I wonder:
Is God's purpose for us to be happy at all times?
Can a deep, inner, unexplainable peace lightened by a tinge of joy be a possibility?

May all of us feel a sense of peace throughout this new year.
May we each seek God's best purpose to give us that inner joy each day.
Perhaps we can change that greeting to:
"Joyous New Year."
or
"May the New Year be filled with a greater sense of purpose that fills the soul with peace and joy."

#3366-3368:: Sun sparkles across dry, empty fields.  New hopes and 'faith' resolutions are penned on paper.  Daily scripture discovery does not cease as I feel renewed determination to reflect on each lectionary scripture, each day of the week, throughout this year.

#3369-3371:: Numbers, balance sheets, financial decisions - all good.  Our church is looking very strong financially.  People-time, sharing stories, reflecting on the joys of the past year - nice.

#3372-3374:: Sleet, snow, rain - a great day to dig into unfinished goals as we tie up loose ends from the previous year.  Linger by the fire, wonder over words for tomorrow, refresh the soul.

#3376-3378:: Journey through fog that turned to

rain as temperatures rise to feel like a Spring day.  Connect, mingle, chat, enjoy so many wonderful people at church.  A sense of satisfaction as we make pastoral care visits.




#3379-3381:: Hunker down as paper seems to envelope me.  Year-end reports too numerous to count do not seem as daunting today. Ahhhhh, the sweet smell of freshly laundered sheets. A massage soothes both body and soul.

#3382-3384:: White flakes flit about like dust as green is covered and only twig-trees stand out. Red zinger tea, a special treat this morning.  Join the others as we remove decorations on this day of Epiphany, 12 days after Christmas, when the Magi discovered Truth.

#3385-3387:: I change gears as I focus on my other job - volunteer as president of an organization that earns funds to help women continue their education.  Minus a kazillion degrees, I feel, as wind blows me across the parking lot into the midst of incredibly creative women who gather to celebrate another birthday of the organization - so fun!  Quilts surround me as I visit the local library to see a display offered, in part, by a friend - amazing!

#3388-3390:: Early up, as the Amish say, to dig into pages of documents that need discernment.  Nice and warm inside as the chill air swirls outside.  Seven layers of clothes and comfy as I snuggle by the fire.

#3391-3393:: Tap, tap, tap, erase, erase, erase . . . as I write and rewrite the annual report.  Writing prompts reflection as my mind lingers over high points of the year at church.  What a fabulous year we had - I marvel at God's handiwork.

#3394-3396:: I go outside today, brave sole that I am.  Wind scrapes my brow but I'm snuggled in a long 'down' coat my mother gave me twenty years ago - fabulous!  I meet with one who stimulates our conversation with exciting ideas.  She is a dear friend I only see twice a year.

#3397-3399:: Up in pitch dark but as we drive we see a magenta-pink-streak dividing dark sky from black horizon.  Light pierces darkness, just as we read Genesis 1, . . . and the voice of God called out, 'let there be light' . . . and light pierced the darkness . . . and there was day and there was night.

#3400-3402:: Dark, glassy ice on the roads begins to melt.  Icy roof goes drip, drip, drip . .  . into our house . . . through the attic . . . melting plaster board on the ceiling . . . CLUNK . . .  hmmmm . . .  time to call the roofer.  Praise God we were not on vacation and we know who can fix it.

#3403-3405:: Crisp, bright, windswept fields greet us this frigid morning.  Great day for the roofer to fix leaks that pour melting ice into our little abode.  I venture outside today - armed with heavy coat, scarf, mittens and everything else I can find to cover this delicate body.

#3406-3408:: Friends pick me up for a ride to lunch and women's bible study.  Connecting with dear friends gives me a great sense of satisfaction.  It is a wonder that I finally take time to write personal notes to my elderly friends and relatives who no longer read my electronic notes.

#3409-3411:: Another sunny, crisp day motivates me to write one more required article.  The pile of 'must do' projects is slowly diminishing.  HOORAY!  So thankful I feel good, my head no longer bothers me, by body feels intact and I can actually get out in the cold.  I finally have acclimated to the cold weatehr- if wearing a zillion layers counts?

#3412-3414:: Whiz, Swoosh, phhhht outside as blustery wind slices through golden-brown meadows.
 Crows soar over empty fields as if it were a summer day.  OH JOY, that I can stay inside and finish up the myriad tasks that have been sitting on my desk.  Crackle, flicker, sizzle goes the fire that makes our home so toasty.

#3415-3417:: A beautiful day to be outside . . .  if you are a poler bear, which I'm not.  Hubby loves this weather so that makes me happy.  Tap, tap, delete, delete, rethink, rewrite as thoughts swirl in my head.  God knows us intimately, every sinew of our body before we were born.  I slowly digest Psalm 139, my favorite!  God knows our

most inner thoughts but God wants us to know Him just as intimately and to make Him known to others. Yes!

#3418-3420:: Yesterday was so slip-sliding that we are glad it warmed up for our excursion to the dentist today.  Sad sky, leaking with drippy drips makes us seek a 'lighter' place . . .  home sweet home, by the fire, with good reading lights turned on in the midst of what little daylight we see.  It's nice to snuggle inside for a few hours on a dreary day.  How many more days until Spring?

#3421-3423::  Early up to give more capsules of blood so the doctor can track my inner workings.  Barely felt a thing.  Rewarded by breakfast at our favorite Panera - filled with people meeting others for business.  A nice place to bring our computer and work if home were not so wonderfully cozy.  Drip, drip goes another day.  Beats

snow and ice!

#3424-3426:: An energizing meeting with a retired CEO makes my day! Encouragement, foresight, vision, hope, energy, a new view for the year.  YES!  After a long day at work I stop by a pharmacy for a shot as a bit of prevention from a bad case of shingles.  A lovely evening with hubby.

#3427-3429:: A great check-up on this snowy, slushy day but nice to enjoy lunch at our favorite sandwich place. View, re-view, sort, save . . . videos for a teaching series I begin on Sunday.

#3430-3432:: Hubby's check-up today.  Sunny, bright, clear roads, lovely day for an outing . . . and then . . .  and then . . .  snow clouds envelope us.  We're ready!  We need a day to snuggle in and get some 'down' time by the fire.

#3433-3435::  Beautiful flakes trickled down to earth throughout the night.  Temps above freezing make for heavy shovel loads as we clear out the driveway.  Sun peaks out in the afternoon to dry up the streets so it is safe to drive tomorrow.

#3436-3438:: Immediately!  That's the theme for today's verses.  God acts so that our response to His calling is 'immediate.'  Jesus called and 'immediately' they followed. A great day for the Church's
annual meeting!

#3439-3441::  Shovel, slosh, smoosh, slide.  Wet snow soon turns to ice as we shovel white slush.  Bright skies grow dim with more white flakes fleeting past us at mach umpteen as wind presses in on us.  Now the light white whips past us to create a soft layer over ice.  A GREAT day to sit by the fire.

#3442-3444:: Shovel, push, lift, plop as I make my way to the newspaper.  Not deep so heavy white makes for easy removal.  Beep, beep, beep, groan, chug goes the huge truck with shovel attached to clean the road.  Where is everyone?  Are they sleeping in, finding an excuse to hibernate?  Not a bad idea.  More flakes lilt past the big pine tree to lay softly on branches.

#3445-3447: Crisp, sunny, c o l d, another good day to remain inside. Phone conversations, reports, agendas, a time for exercise early in the day enabled me to complete my tasks by dinner time.

#3448-3450:: Up early to drive the back roads on this crispy, sun filled day.  Greet smiling faces who

are cleaning the church kitchen for inspection.  Meeting with conference call was hysterical.  One phone after another gave out but the meeting continued with savvy work-arounds.  Visit with precious souls who cannot get out in this icy snow.  What fun we had helping with technical tasks and sharing communion together.  Flurries started, stopped so we could purchase groceries without much slip-sliding around.

#3451-3453:: Sunshine greets and lingers through the whole day.  The house feels so airy with light pouring through windows.  Stiff snow envelops small bushes as protection against feisty wind.  My thoughts flit, grow flat, start up again, wander, dream, zip into nowhere and then land on paper as I prepare for tomorrow.  Words come so hard today so my heart must take over.

And so we ends the first month of the year - with gratitude and anticipation for even better days.