JULY JEWELS

FREEDOM is never free.

My front door always has something
patriotic from Memorial Day
through Labor Day.

JULY is the month I pull out all the stops for patriotism.
Give HONOR to the symbol of freedom.
Give HONOR to those who are being killed to keep us free.
Give HONOR to those thousands of living wounded, learning to be in new ways, each and every day of their lives.
Give HONOR to all police and firemen who protect us daily.
Thank you GOD that I live in this nation that still values freedom and HONORS those who are called to serve and protect our nation.

July 1:: Cookies are baked.
Now for the huge salad that will feed all of us.
We visit dear friends and spend hours sharing stories of our various adventures.
We share so much in common as the Lord directs our conversation and we give glory to the One who died on a cross so that we might be FREE of the chains of death.
I so need laughter and joy and fun conversation right now as I grieve for so many close to us who died last month.
The sun sets, spirits are lifted, we drive home on a beautiful night that called for thunder storms.
What a GREAT beginning to July!

Doesn't this sort of look like a flag with stripes and blooms?

7-2:: Cool and breezy.
Put on layers, including my hoodie  . . . with hood up . . . as I sit on the back porch loving the blooms in my garden.
For a moment I thought I was in Seattle . . . so many years ago . . .  when 'summer' started in August.
I shall not complain.
The cool weather enables us to work longer in the garden, finish house projects that take extra energy and take just a little more time lingering over the beauty we see every day.
LOVE SUMMER!

7-3:: Was it 70 or 72 that Jesus sent out?
It depends which version of the Bible one is reading.
See Luke 10.
American Standard and New Jerusalem bibles state 72.
NIV and Ignatius state 70.
Both are correct and does it really matter?
One can get tied up in minutia and miss the whole point.
Moses, when called to be judge in every squabble the wandering tribes managed to have, appointed 70 as a 'council' to help Moses with his work of managing the people.
 Jesus needed help, beyond training the Apostles, to send the message out to those who, by faith, would return to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
 Jesus sent seventy out, two by two, to share the gospel of repentance and salvation.

Another reminder of our freedom - in the garden.

 It does not matter what number are sent out.
It matters that those 'disciples' of Jesus Christ, too numerous to count today, are equipped and faithful enough to go out, two by two, and share with others the gift of eternal life.
 If we truly believe in the message of God through His Son, Jesus Christ, this should be automatic for all of us.
Sometimes we need 'permission' or 'authorization' to step out of our comfort zone and into a savage world with the Word of God.
Jesus began what millions have continued when he sent out the 70 or 72.

July 4, 2016

ME . . .  Mary Engelbreit . . . my favorite artist.
This says it all.

Independence Day!
The day we celebrate our freedom to worship, to say what is on our hearts, to follow in the path of the righteous.
It gets harder every year to follow what I know in my heart is right when others place roadblocks in front of me.
Yet, we have so much freedom in this United States of America.
We are so blessed.
We have so much good!
Even being able to watch fireworks . . . FREE . . . and ooh and ahhhh and rejoice in such pleasure is a gift many in this world will never experience.
Hubby and I give thanks DAILY that we live in a country that provides so much wealth that money could never purchase.
Freedom is never free.
Endless thanks to those who have given their lives so that we can fly the flag freely and proudly.

7-5:: Ever feel smarmy, unable to move at a pace beyond a slug?
I rarely have those days.
In fact, I can't remember the last time I felt so 'sloggish.'

I made this when I was five!
It still hangs on our wall.

Fortunately, hubby and I took the car in for a check-up which means we sat and waited.
Of course, I read and did some research for words I need to write for Sunday.
We ate organic veggies and other healthy foods at my FAVORITE restaurant afterward which perked me up.
It's nice to do something special when we feel sluggish.
I'm reminded to press on, through the slogginess, and seek ways to energize both body and soul.

Just as we were paying for the work on the car, we listened to a supervisor share about his wife.
We feel blessed that he feels comfortable sharing about his challenges as care-giver.
We are now praying for his wife and, hopefully, I will be able to help in some way if that is what I am suppose to do.
Needless to say, my sloggy feeling has turned into renewed energy.
NICE.

The roses look GREAT here.
Japanese beetles are eating them too fast!

7-6:: "It will just take a few minutes," I tell myself.
Of course I wait until the last minute to water our newly seeded lawn.
I have exactly ten minutes before I have to change into nice clothes and drive to a meeting.
I'm running around like  a crazy woman because I did not plan ahead.
Story of my life.
Lately I have been piddling around until the last minute before a deadline.
Amazingly, everything always turns out well.
This is something new for me.
I use to plan well ahead and complete tasks well before deadline.
Perhaps this is the 'new' me as I age not-so-gracefully.
Just an interesting observation.
I ended up being early for the meeting, in spite of two detours.   I relaxed the rest of the evening.

7-7:: New energy.
I begin the morning a new way.
Eat, read and then out to the garden.
Usually, I've waited until late in the day to be in the garden.
Just a few minutes to trim the rose bushes and that will be it.

Four hours later, bloody and full of thorn holes on my arms and legs, I am done.

Red - White - Blue in the garden: so patriotic.

I've trimmed the HUGE, 8 ft. high, rose bush that reaches up the arbor wall.
We live on a hill with the basement walking out to the garden.
In essence, the back yard has been dug out so there is a beautiful garden wall that reaches the main floor of the house.
My rose bush reaches past the first story of our house and pierces through the fence on top of the wall overlooking the lower garden.
It's almost like I have a 'secret' garden but neighbors love walking on the hill in the back to see our garden as well as the gardens of our neighboring four homes.
It makes for a beautiful walk.

I love 'what's her name."

By trimming the smaller rose bushes, they can now breathe better as the wind whispers through them.
Then came the forsythia, so overgrown and nearly crushing several bushes.
I filled four large trash bags and felt a sense of JOY!
A difficult job, 90+ degree heat and this aging body made this brief garden stint feel like a marathon.
I WON!
Now to bathe the bloody thorn scratches, drink a gallon of water and enjoy the afternoon in the shade!
One more task checked off the list but many more bushes to trim another day.
All for the love of my garden.

7-8:: GRACE
Do we even know what that means?
Where is grace?
I'm studying a passage in Luke 10 - "Love the Lord, thy God with all your heart, soul, strength and

mind ... love your neighbor as yourself."
It's called the Great Commandment for a reason.
Jesus was reminding a Jewish lawyer of this great commandment in Deuteronomy and Leviticus.
Jesus then tells the story of a 'marginalized' person helping an unknown person who lay on the side of the road, badly beaten, robbed and in need of help.
We are ALL called to help the helpless.
Most of all, Police have been drawn to their 'calling' to help those in need of help.
Sometimes a policeman acts outrageously, according to a flaw in his character, but this is so very rare.

Thanks to social media, ALL policemen are guilty in the eyes of those who, in my opinion, have the same brain waves as one under the spell of ISIS.
We decry what ISIS is doing.
Yet, we have people in our midst who are driven by hatred unleashed every five minutes by something more outrageous than the last 'tweet' or whatever.

Love of self has overtaken love of God.
Some have decided to play God.

My heart aches.  Every week another tragedy.
When will the killing stop?
When the world understands that GOD is in
charge - not us.

I am more than sad today.
My heart is in deep pain with sorrow because so many policemen have been targeted and killed.
I'm suppose to write about JOY and GRACE and BLESSING.

So, I shall try.
Thank you, God, that you are driving more people each day to be 'on our knees' in prayer.

Thank you, God, that Your Righteousness will prevail because YOU prevail in the righteous.

Thank you, God, that we must continue to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God . . . "   At least those who know and love you.

Thank you, God, that you allow me to cry from the heart for policemen killed in several states due to copycat murderers.
This has nothing to do with gun control.
This has everything to do with far too many who have no awe of God . . .  don't even know God.
Their minds are twisted away from God.
May our prayers go out like radio waves to all souls who will receive God's merciful message,
"Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind....."
Only by doing so can anyone . . .  "Love your neighbor as yourself."

7-9:: Meetings.

Now that's an inviting front door!

Some are fruitful and many makes one wonder.
Today's community meeting made me wonder.
It's good to ask questions, make comments and solve problems.
But today I wondered about our aging generation.
Things are changing and many don't like change.
The color of doors in our development?
Police all over the U.S. are being targeted and killed and we worry about a wild-colored door?
B R E A T H E
S T E P   B A C K
T I M E   O U T
It's the 21st century.
Life is challenging at best.
Nothing says L I F E more than a wild-colored front door.
B R A V O  to the ones who have a PERSIMMON door, a FIRE RED door, a bright YELLOW door, a BLUE-RED door or a DEEP NAVY door.
Let's C H I L L and enjoy the serendipity of DOORS!
LOVE IT!
BTW, our front door is totally boring white.
I'm thinking of going WILD and painting the door!

7-10:: BLESSING!
I was invited to be celebrant and preach at a tiny church led by my dear friend.
Hubby and I have enjoyed the hours we have spent with this retired couple who offered their time to help this small community of Christians.
Perfect timing as I had a weekend off to help.

One of many little churches we have visited.

We were blessed today with delightful people who were truly interested in the thoughts brought forth.
Conversation at coffee hour . . .  a healthy lunch . . . was filled with stories from those who wanted to tell us about themselves.
I love to listen and learn and enjoy the moment while others chat.
Our long drive home through miles of farm land filled with growing crops was an added blessing.
A perfect day after so many days of heart-ache as I prayed over lost lives.

We arrive home and another church has need of my services.
So much for sitting on the back porch for endless hours reading or writing or enjoying the garden.
I do love the spontaneity of serving a Sunday here and there at these beautiful churches with wonderful people.
With the added funerals it has been a bit busier than anticipated.

They wear their Sunday best. . .  with bare feet.
Love it!

God is not done with me yet, I guess.
Of course, God is never 'done' with us until we are in His heavenly realm.
That's the whole purpose of our presence in this world, to the Lord, thy God, with our whole heart, soul, strength and mind.
THEN we are better able to serve others in every way the Lord directs.
We are BLESSED!

7-11:: Cut, chop, saw, cut some more, shove into bags . . .  LOTS of bags.
I was just going to clip a little bit off the way-too-bushy forsythia.
Ya, sure!
It turned into a marathon workout.
SO GLAD I did it without planning.

God's abundance shows up in the garden.

Otherwise, I would have put it off.
Now my Russian Sage can move back into place as it's periwinkle blooms cascade over the back part of the garden.
Now my Butterfly Bush can become BUSHY.
Now my rose bushes can burst forth new growth instead of trying to create blooms on dead wood.
Now the breeze can give the branches more movement and, hopefully, upset the Japanese Beetles.

Hubby did the hardest work.
He took down the prickly bush that was way too tall and far too dangerous for me to attack.
He then 'bagged' the reams of refuse that resulted from the trimming session.
Fifteen bags in all!

See how full it was this Spring?

Needless to say, we have picky garbage collectors who limit our number of trash bags.
Fortunately, hubby distributed our 'bags of gold' to helpful neighbors who had almost no trash.
I do wonder, sometimes, why we are the only ones who seem to have reams of bags after we prune, dig up, clean out and keep the garden fresh during the summer.
I do know I have not trimmed this much in about three years.
It was time.

7-12:: Where are my blueberries?
Every day I get to the blueberries before the birds.
Thus far, we have enjoyed plenty with breakfast and for dessert when we add them to cantaloupe.

This is the first batch.  There is more below!

Now the birds have stepped in and picked the BLUE berries clean.
I've thought of putting a net over them but I do want to share the wealth.
Outsmarting a few birds seems much more fun.
I'll just have to wake up and get outside a bit earlier tomorrow.
At least I have a good reason to get outside a little later today.
I gave blood.
No, I'm not one of those 'saints' like my hubby.
Time for ye old check-up and the requestfor five viles of blood was in order.
They are still taking tests to see what's up.
SUMMER is what's up.

We had to divide the bags so we could get our car
out of the driveway for an early morning appointment.
Notice our recycle bin with not much in it.
We usually use two bins but in summer we eat
from the farmer's garden and bring our own bags.

I feel so much better when I can get outside and work hard in the yard and 'glow' as sweat pores off my face.
LOVE IT!
Thank you, God, that we are blessed with summer here and a summer-winter down south this year.
Our first time doing this.
I'm practicing by enjoying all the veggies and salads our farm-store provides.
Healthy eating all year sounds great to me.
What more could I ask!?

7-13:: Lazy day with much reading and lingering on the back porch . . . until about noon.

I love my back porch time.

We are trying to have one adventure each week and today was our trip to the largest sports center in the area.
It's acres-huge!
A field hockey championship was going on outside and kid's camp was taking up a tiny part of the inside so we walked all over to view empty courts for every sport one can imagine.
The "workout" area was a TINY part of this massive complex.
For the most part, team sports are the mainstay.
There is even a hotel on the premises for teams that arrive from out of state.
Loads of training for would-be-champions just happens to be in this complex so I'm sure there are a few who 'camp out' in the hotel for a week or a month at a time.
So very convenient . . .  but necessary . . .  as there is mostly farmland around the complex.
FUN!
We took a winding road back home as we explored a new route we'd never taken before.
That's the most fun.
I so love lingering in the midst of corn fields.
It's like driving through a huge maze since we can see nothing bur corn on both sides of the road.
Then, voila!

So fragile, so translucent, so unreal.
Wild roses before the beetles ate them.

We are suddenly at a stop sign waiting to drive onto one of the main highways.
Who knew!
Summer daze . . .  summer days . . .  SUMMER . . . LOVE IT!

7-14:: Japanese Beetles
They are everywhere!
I gave in to insecticide that is suppose to kill them but it did not touch them.
This means war.
I fill my container half full with sudsy water, don my gardening gloves and begin to pick through the mostly eaten rose bushes.
One.
Three more huddled together.
SIX at once!
I'm on a roll!
By the end of my scavenger hung for these pesky bugs I have over fifty in my container.

So, I return to the first bush and . . .  there are more.
Will it ever end?
At least I can safely say that my roses looked FABULOUS in early June.
It's now mid-July so I have enjoyed them for SIX whole weeks.
God created these bugs so I must live along side them . . .  share and share alike.
I am also thankful that they love nothing else in my glorious garden.
I feel blessed.
Daily BEAUTY is all about.

So what if some of this beauty is seen as 'lacy leaves' and 'rose nubs.'

I'm trying to capture Red-White-Blue in the garden.

Summer is still great!

7-15:: A visit, early in the day, from a dear friend is always a gift.

7-16:: Reading scripture restores my heart.
I've been enjoying the blog posts from The Rev. Marek Zabriskie as I wander through the incredible stories that point us to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
In one 'aside' Marek says the following:

In 1924 a short devotional book was published with a daily reading for each day of the year called My Utmost for His Highest. 

It has since become a Christian classic. 

The book contains 365 inspirational passages from sermons preached by Oswald Chambers, a Scottish Baptist, who was born in Aberdeen in 1874. 

The title was taken from one of Chamber’s sermons, where he said, “Shut out every consideration and keep yourself before God for this one thing only – My Utmost for His Highest.” 

This is the new cover but same classic devotions.

After he died in 1917, Chamber’s wife Gertrude Hobbs compiled inspirational passages from his sermons to create the book, which has since been translated into 39 languages.

© The Rev. Marek P. Zabriskie; Rector of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church; Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

For years I devotedly read from this Oswald Chambers classic.

Eventually, I realized that the Word of God, as seen through his eyes, was meant to re-direct me back to God's word so that I, also, could reflect and comment . . .  according to what God was showing me.  It has been a wonderful journey for over thirty years. 

 I fully intend to continue this journey until the time I can no longer do so.

7-17:: Mary and Martha.
We have heard about these two women so many times.
Mary just SAT there, not moving an inch when her sister complained that she was working too hard.
It was not just Jesus who was visiting but all the disciples and so many faithful jews who clung to every word and action from this prophet-king.
Jesus hears Martha's pleading words to Mary:
"Why do we need food and accommodation preparations and all those THINGS when the soul needs to be fed first?         Lighten up, Martha.        It's OK.
Mary is right to absorb all she can so she is fed full in her soul."

Mary Englebrite and Susan Branch are a couple of my favorite artists.
They both illustrate wonderful ways we can 'lighten up.'
I can't remember which one created this but I love her.
She reminds me of ME when I took up roller skating
in my late 30's.  If I tried it now I'd be bandaged like this one.

Here is another one by Susan Branch

Sunday is the day we set aside to 'drink in' the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Yet, each day of the week we should be like Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus.
My soul thrives when I sit at Jesus feet . . .  in prayer, in scripture, in contemplation . . . 24/7/365.

7-18:: Another MD appointment?
Does it ever end?
Just a check-up . . . checking out all the blood tests to see if I am 'on track'.
My body will be tracked, tested, fixed or whatever, by the end of summer.
It's all good.'
I'm learning to embrace each day as a blessed gift.
Hubby and I are making adventures and discovering new delights daily. . . especially when I end up in my garden.
My delight in the garden feeds my soul as much as spending time reading or learning something new to feed my soul.
Garden moments feed my soul in new ways.
It's my time to say, "Do not disturb, my soul is filling up to overflowing."

7-19:: Expectations.
We studied the brochure, went on-line to glean more information and seemed satisfied that we would learn much about how ice cream is made at this local museum.
Little did we know that it would be one wild dash , past a well designed study of the history of the area and of the creamery, to the free ice cream.
Families with children may have tried to at least listen to the 1 minute vignettes of audio and movie scenarios but the din of noise drowned out any possibility.
There needed to be a completely separate room to slowly walk through history.
Indoor/outdoor carpet with a sound-catching ceiling would have helped greatly.
Having the exhibit at the top of the open stairwell was not only awkward but noisy.

I can eat any and all of these.

So, why the complaint?
Because I expected more from a paid exhibit.
We've seen so many exhibits for kids and adults - Smithsonian.
Hands-on play is incorporated with adult education.
Narrow division of space, low lighting and an ambiance that prompts low voices can be inviting for children if presented properly.
At the very least, designing one's own ice cream and packaging should be done after a learning experience and can be done in a completely different area set aside for noise and excitement and family involvement.
And so, our expectations were dashed.
Hubby has hearing problems (too much noise and his head rings like carillon bells) so left the exhibit after about fifteen minutes.
I was surprised he lasted that long.
I lingered, watching the children have a blast, finding little more than commercial indulgence for the product sponsor.
I wonder.
Have families lowered their expectations to the point that learning about history of a product is no longer a viable option?
I hope not.

We drove through another covered bridge as we explored another
wonderful exhibit in this beautiful state.

There is so much we can learn . . . AND ENJOY . . .  when exhibits are presented well.
So what is my JOY and delight I discovered?
I'm glad I have high expectations for exhibits and presentations for children.
I'm glad I could sample some YUMMY ice cream!
I'm glad the families had so much fun . . .  as I did.

7-20::We have been watching the Republican Convention, off and on.
I'm trying to learn as much as I can about the Republican agenda and about the people who may be leading our country next year.
Few are excited about either candidate.
Yet, it seems to me, if one has a known track record that should have brought about indictment, at the very least, that person may not be able to lead the country.
If one has a passion for change and is surrounded with those who can help with that change, then the most important trait I must look for is the person's IDEOLOGY.

He is our future.  Let's protect him.

It's the ideology that spins us in the right direction.
Once the ideology is declared, there are plenty of people who can help to establish what needs to change or remain, according to the will of the congress.
ISIS has an ideology.
It's the ISIS IDEOLOGY that is penetrating young souls who think it grand to destroy humanity.
Our president needs to maintain an IDEOLOGY that seeks to stamp out the ideology of ISIS in every crevice of the world.
Is this possible with either candidate?
I don't know.
I DO KNOW that one who has an ideology to ignore the ISIS ideology is not the candidate for me?
Yes I do.
I intend to absorb as much as I can from both conventions.
I intend to PRAY HARD.
I intend to LISTEN to my soul which is governed by God.
I intend to VOTE - as it is our God-given privilege.
I thank GOD that I live in the USA where we have SO MUCH FREEDOM to do the RIGHT THING.

7-21:: The Speech

After a full day we settle into the convention speeches.
Ivanka painted the best verbal picture of her father that I have heard so far.
Her father, Donald, remained focused on the tele-prompter, filled the air with facts, kept bloviating to a minimum and still spoke a VERY long time.
I did not mind, actually.
Sermons in evangelical churches last just as long . . .  every single week!
It's a time to learn, to absorb, to process, deduce, embrace, reject . . .  understand.
We learned, evaluated and await the next convention to learn, digest and evaluate more information.
What a BLESSING that we have options even if they are poor.
We are still free to choose who will lead this great USA.
Majority wins.
Can't say that for too many countries.
May our Lord help pave the way through "crazy" so that we can maintain our FREEDOM.

7-22:: No sleep!
We were up way too late last night.
My head swirled all night with words I'd heard.

Some were fabulous and some were extremely frustrating.
I could not relax.
I prayed.
I usually fall fast asleep half way through my list.
Not this time.
Soooooo, I got up, grabbed a book by Ruth Graham, and read for THREE HOURS.
Then I slept for two more hours.
This is totally not my norm as I sleep 8-9 hours each and every night with only one potty break.
I had great energy all day and am just now settling in for the evening.
It's good to know that sleep will come when it comes.
I take each day for whatever the Lord presents before me . . . all good . . . still.

7-23:: Nostalgia.
It's time to tackle the storage room.
Some boxes were packed for a decade and I'm now looking into them more deeply.
I found my Lefse rolling pin!
Of course I have not made Lefse for 25 years but it's always good to have it at all times, isn't it?

How about the old meat grinder I inherited when my mom died.
Fond memories of us kids stuffing it with spam and pickles for our sandwiches the next WEEK!
The fond memories are for the spirit in which we all pitched in to help grind.
Fond memories of eating this delicious 'meat surprise' on Wonder Bread almost every single day.
Sometimes we ate Tuna with mayo and pickles.

Feeding a family of six, especially as we grew more hungry by the year, was no easy task.
Yet mom always made meals beautiful (one needs lots of color on the plate) and healthy.
We never went without but we also never ate those fancy foods like cereals with sugar or bologna or whatever else everyone else brought to school to eat each day.
Nostalgia.
It's a good thing.

7-24:: A long sermon . . . good words.
I re-imagined the words and compared them to our salvation.
Egypt, the land of the lost connection with God.

The Passover of the Angel of Death and Moses' leadership across the Red Sea reminds me of saying "YES" to God and passing through the waters of baptism as we say YES to a life of glorifying God.
But wait, why the wandering in the desert?
That's our journey as followers of God . . . the growth and change of our souls as we connect with the One who wants to lead us, guide us, shape us to be His own forever.
Problem is, we disconnect with our Lord as often as we connect with Him. . . in the same way the Israelites did when they wandered for "a very long time" in the desert.
40 years, with the hebrew people, means "a very long time."
Our life can be a "very long time."
We wander through life until it is our time to enter the Promised Land . . . eternal life . . . giving glory to God 24/7/365.
There is so much to learn in our walk with the Lord as we study the Old Testament.
Little has changed except that we now see the LOVE of God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
God's love through HIs Son is truly drawing us through our desert life into the Promised Land.
Baptism is only the beginning.

7-25:: Aging body . . . aching limbs.
I refuse to be what I see in my peers . . .  limping, slow, immobile.
Actually, most of my friends walk or do some sort of exercise daily but their bodies show the stiffness and decay that is expected in our aging bodies.
I decided to do something about my own arthritic challenges.
I figured I'd just visit a physical therapist, be given some exercises and that would be that.
Guess not!
90 minutes into my first visit I'm receiving a full work-up for nerves and muscles that have been screaming at me for years.
Deep pressure in certain areas, some awkward limb movement and I'm scheduled for 2 times a week for the next four weeks.
Who knew!
I was sent home with some simple exercises that will keep me busy until Wednesday when I return.
I'm amazed how my body went a bit on 'tilt' after these simple stretches.
It seems my tight muscles affect my nerve endings and both work with/against each other.
AMAZING observations by a fabulous physical therapist . . . and promised results . . . in due time.
"This will not be short and easy," she says.
I am DELIGHTED that there is something I can do to keep from being old and stiff sooner than desired.
God is so good.
I am BLESSED.

7-26:: Amish.
Our nephew and his wife had not been out this way in years and wanted to see a few Amish.

A modern take on a log cabin quilt - odd shaped.
Often our life is more "odd shaped" than perfectly square.
This mixes light and dark throughout, just the way our life
walks through light and dark moments every day.
My friend made this for me a dozen years ago.
I use it my counter daily -
where I place hot pits and cold snacks.

It's nothing for Josh to ride his bike the distance it takes a car to drive for an hour or two!
But, they have a one-year-old who is too cute to miss.
So hubby and wife and baby drove on over to visit and we, in our car, led them to some rural areas where we could enjoy the 'simple' life.
Home made pickles, sour cherry jam, onion bread, raisin bread, home-made crackers and a kitchie mug with a picture of the town on it were some of the items they purchased after seeing so much home made eating delights in one place.
Quilts were the most fun.
Each time we enter this quilt shop we see a brand new array of beauty for beds.
Amazing work.
You know the old 'Log Cabin' quilts?
A square in the middle, usually red, stands for the hearth fire that keeps the house warm.
From there, the log colors move out into the square in two distinct shades: dark and light.
Legend has it that these dark colors stand for all the challenges, hardships, and eventually death of each one of us.
But this is balanced by all the joys, delights and LIFE that continues to come into the world.
This 'balance' around the 'fire within' is a reminder of our own lives as well as the community around us.
As long as we retain the 'fire within' and keep it burning, our LIFE experience can be seen more in the LIGHT than in the darkness . . .  until it is time to 'turn out our light of life . . .  and only God knows that.

This is a good example of Log Cabin Squares
pieced together to make a star quilt.
Notice the "fire" red in the middle of each square
and the light side and dark side.  Classic Amish

The LOG CABIN of life, directed by GOD, is a lovely concept.

This Log Cabin square is using classic Amish
fabric, left over from the every-day dresses
they wear.  The black is usually for an
apron over a bright dress for the younger
women during the week.
Sundays the women wear black with a
beautiful white organdy apron.

A classic Log Cabin Quilt pattern

7-27:: Exercise!
We've been busy getting our bodies in shape.
I'm going to a physical therapist to learn exercises that will not hurt my neck and shoulders but will strengthen them properly.
Seems that computer work has this tendency to tighten shoulder muscles so much that they strangle the nerves in the upper neck and first two vertebra  . . . which are at the neck area.
Very small, simple movements are in order . . .  none that will cause muscles to tighten!

I love Mary Englebrite's cards so here is
one that is so about my journey.
ME is her signature - yet this is so 'me.'

Try turning, moving, lifting arms and neck without causing the muscles to tighten.
Focus, patience, concentration, time and more time . . .  10 reps, two -three times each day.
That's it!
Only, there about six exercises and some challenge me to 'hold' for 30 seconds each rep.
No problem.
Focus, patience, concentration . . .  and time.
While waiting for my second session an elderly lady (as if I'm not but she seemed older) commented that she was done with her physical therapy and was waiting for her husband.
She never did the exercises at home and now that she no longer goes to therapy (I wonder why) it never occurred to her to continue the exercises.
That's the most startling part of PT.
People don't do what the doctor orders.
AMAZING!
No wonder so many limp into 'old age' looking as if they are ten years older than their chronological age.
I am blessed with the fact that I was taught to eat right when young and take care of the physical, emotional and spiritual part of my life.
I was taught well, remembered what I was taught, and, for the most part, am doing quite well as I age.
I'm determined to do all I can, whenever I can, to grow in grace both in the knowledge of our Lord and in the knowledge of any physical challenges.
God is good,
Life is good,
We are good.

7-28:: The Bird House

I was studying on the back porch as is my normal routine in the early morning hours before it gets too hot to sit outside.
I stopped and sat and watched for about ten minutes.
Little birds, newly hatched in the little bird house in the yard, are squeaking up a storm.
They know mama and papa bird are frantically finding food for them before the upcoming storm.
Flit in, flit out.
Mama and papa take turns feeding these ravenous, tiny babies.
Baby bird's beaks are really not beaks yet.
God created them with tiny nubs on very wide mouths - made especially for being fed.
Only when these tiny tykes are mature enough to feed on their own will those wide mouths tighten up into a longer beak, changed especially for pecking earth for food.
So, I think about myself.
My mind, heart and soul have been opened wide for decades as I feed on God's Word.
Has my 'openness' been reshaped?
Instead of feeding for hours each day I seem to feed the soul a little less in God's Word and a little more in meditation . . .  like chewing on God's Word.
I am also giving out more . . .  I am feeding others with that which has been stored in my soul.
I still glean new understandings of God daily, like today.
Yet, I think I'm a little different than I was when my journey began almost thirty years ago.
I pray I have become more of a 'feeder' than one being fed, although I still need both.
Ahhhh, the freedom of being a bird . . .  to only concentrate on being fed or feeding another.
I wish life were that simple.
Perhaps it can be . . .  if I live like a bird.
God gifted me with humanness, with a brain, with reason and with choice - either to follow and glorify my God in all I say or do or not.
What a gift!
I am BLESSED!

7-29:: Another call from the hospital.

We just said 'goodbye' to Gini and laid her to rest in the arms of the Lord.
Now it's her hubby . . .  in the hospital again.
His care for his dear wife has taken a toll and his body is breaking down slowly.
His grief is so very deep.
How does one suddenly learn to live alone after being "one" with his spouse for 66 years?
How does one heal the wounds of being ripped away from that 'one-ness'?
He was doing very well getting involved with those in the loving community where he lives.
He was looking ahead and will continue to look ahead.

But something is going on deep inside of him that presses pneumonia into his lungs and tells his brain that his legs don't work when he tries to stand up.
He laid on the floor a very long time before someone discovered him.
I hear this so often as one's body begins to break down.
He is strong, he has deep faith, he is trying to keep moving forward and will continue to do so as long as his body will allow.
But perhaps his soul, so much in grief, is saying otherwise.
We will visit, pray with him, anoint him with healing oil and encourage him.
God will do the rest.
Sigh.  
We love both of them so much, as if they were our own parents. 
 I praise God that we have become so close to them and their extended family.

7-30:: St. Ignatius' Daily Examen
I sit on the porch drinking in the cooler, very humid, misty air.
The little birds still need constant feeding.
Words for tomorrow flow easily enough from mind to paper.
I don't to think.
I want my brain to be 'muggy' like the day feels.
I just want to sit and reflect . . .  perhaps on St. Ignatius' Daily Examen, which I will present tomorrow.
Just 5 steps each day, every day, for the rest of my life and perhaps, just perhaps, I will begin to understand the full power of the Holy Spirit working in me and through me 24/7/365.
Perhaps I'll bubble over with so much Presence, so much of Christ-likeness, that I will bounce out of bed each day knowing exactly what the Lord wants of me.
So far, I simply go through a daily routine of self-care and hubby-care, which can be quite consuming.
We have wonderful adventures, even if it is simply visiting our neighboring farm for produce.
But there is so much more.
Observing my surroundings, waiting, listening, opening my soul for the Presence of God to penetrate deeply each day seems a wondrous thing.
How did the Holy Spirit guide me today?
Three points of gratitude
Recollect any strong feelings, positive or negative, and write about it.
Pray about it, reflect on it, share it with the Lord.
Pray about tomorrow at the end of this day, that the Lord will open the heart to more of Him.
Nice.

7-31:: The day passed too quickly.

One minute I am all caught up on my blogging and the next minute I'm three days behind.
I think the quip is, "the faster I go, the behinder I get."
Today was a fun day as I presided over the service at a church we were at years ago.
They are looking for a new rector so, in the mean time, they find 'supply clergy' to help out.
So fun to see familiar faces and a marvelous wonder to see so many new faces.
I don't know if people wander in and out of church over their life-journey or if, by God's grace, they are invited into the presence of God by someone who cares about their soul.
One couple opted to raise 'special needs' kids . . .  I saw five.
Only when the church made the commitment to rebuild an area to make room for an elevator could this family join in worship.
The kids are so polite and so enjoyable - they are now old enough to be patient and kind and considerate of others.
It's when we choose to make a sacrifice for another that we reap the greatest benefits.
More people are hearing about this wonderful accommodation to bring people back and forth between the parish hall and the worship area.
When Jesus walked from village to village there was totally accessibility to the Word . . . the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Now with old two-story buildings set aside for worship and fellowship, we have to think outside the box, so to speak.
A glorious day of beautiful music, heart-felt prayer, unpacking scripture and fellowship left us filled with renewed JOY.
God is not letting me sit back quietly but is using me as He feeds my soul.
Wondrus!

Jubilant JUNE

Each month I try to find a catchy word that goes with the month.

Geraniums with a flag - a patriotic pot for the summer

I figured, why not Jubilant
It's a lofty word, used often, that provides a sense of celebration.

I feel like the Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland.
I'm late!  I'm late, for a very important month!
The swirl of activity this past week makes my head spin.
I knew it was coming.
These important events had been on our calendar for six months.
Retire!
Not yet!
But, now that these events are over, I can dig into my pile of books and re-caulk corners in the house that cracked a bit over the past several years.
I guess the house is finally 'drying' and turning into 'vintage' with it's quirks and fixes.
Ahhhhh, JUNE.
A delight to the eye as blooms burst forth.
Join me as we journey through each day to discover forever JOYs that surprise and delight.

Treasures inherited from my mother.
She so loved blue and white china.
The 'Lady with flowers"  I picked up in Norway years ago.

June 1, 2016
As Walter Cronkite use to say on his program, "A day like all days, filled with the events that have illuminated our time."
Needless to say, today was the event of the year - at least at our house.
My PEO group, with whom I've met ever since we moved up here, has never met at our house.

Scrub, clean, put away all those little things that clutter the house, move furniture, find chairs.
Not only do we have a meeting, but we enjoy some goodies beforehand.

I volunteered to lead the program before the meeting. "Collections: what are they and what do they mean to us?"
We all collect 'stuff' but some collections have deep meaning.
One person tells us about Love Letters from spouse before, or during, marriage (in a large envelope and not looked at for decades).
Another confesses that her family photographs are still stuffed neatly in little plastic bags (which will deteriorate further) with the need to tell the stories.
Some have china and knick knacks, with a memory for each, that have yet to be explained to the next generation.

Hubby inherited a huge collection of Hummels from
his father when he was stationed in Germany after WWII

The list goes on and on.

We discovered that we could each tell a story about our collections in a small book for each child or grand child.
They may be more open to receiving these 'old and useless' items if the story touches their hearts.
It's the story that makes the collection so precious.
All too soon we are reaching an age where we want our 'collections' to move to the next generation or, at least, to someone who will embrace our treasures and love them as we have.
What is a collection?
After some discussion, it was decided that a collection is a group of things we love, perhaps 3 or more, that tell a story to be remember in our family history.
I'm extremely grateful to have inherited several 'collections' of memories.

French Iris.  LOVE 'em!

June 2:: Short night, early up, working slowly on the next project.
Our neighborhood is having its annual garage sale and I have a few items to donate.
A dear neighbor will sell the items for me and the proceeds will go to a scholarship fund for women returning to school (the purpose of my PEO group.)
I have far too many items so I select only the largest, most in the way, most unnecessary for our lives at this point in time.

Sort, wonder, decide, repack, replace, remove.
Done!
I'm done in.
It could be the long day yesterday but it also could be working in the garden early in the morning.
Mulch comes today . . .  a day late.
I so wanted it for the event yesterday but it seems to always happen that way.
I sprinkle more nutrients under my rose bushes and the already lush gardens filled with green.
I can't wait for the Day Lilies to bloom but the garden is already so glorious.
I rest in the afternoon.
Read - at least 50 pages a day . . .  my goal to get through the mounds of books piled up to READ!
Love it!

6-3:: It's amazing what a little mulch will do in a garden.

The roses burst forth almost overnight!  Red, Yellow, White!

Voila!
Beautiful!
HOT and HUMID but glorious, even though drips and drops of rain are pressed from clouds onto our heads as we work outside.
We load up a little cart and hubby carries chairs, like a weight lifter, down the block to our friend's garage.
As usual, hubby chats with her hubby and she and I wander through her garden and chat.
One hour later our little chore is done.
Now I will be free to help run the hot dog stand during the big sale tomorrow.
But first, those who open their garage doors about 5pm can sell to those of us who will be unable to shop tomorrow.

I had neither time, nor inclination, to shop but we heard that two of our items already sold!
What fun!
I would have given them away but our 'trash' is someone else's treasure.
The best part is that everyone is outside and it's our opportunity to chat with neighbors we rarely see.

Clematis are especially beautiful this year.

Can't wait for tomorrow!

6-4:: The big day!
Garage sale day for about 60 homes!
My goal is to walk around the outer circle of our community and just say HI to dear friends.
I plan 1.5 hours, plenty of time, before I begin to help with the hot dogs.
6 am I wake, open the front room curtains and see our neighbors across the street 'open for business' AND making a sale!
The official 'opening of garage doors' is 7am!
Oh my!
Within an hour the streets are filled with parked and roaming cars.

My herb garden is mostly in the shade but the light, at this moment, was
blasting forth.  Soon we will see the Day Lilies bloom under the Roses.

People come from all over the County for this sale.
Fun!
Amazingly, I begin my one mile trek at 7am.
I only get half way around in 1.5 hours!
By 8:30, the promised time to 'work,' I had only seen half the community.

I enjoyed seeing the most fabulous gardens.
This was the day for homeowners to show off their back yards if they were so inclined - unbelievable gems.
And so, I met the rest of the people I had not seen in ages as I served hot dogs and beverages.
By noon we were out of energy and food.

I LOVE Peonies.  Problem is that they fall apart way too soon
after they bloom.  I give them two weeks with these rainy nights.

Perfect timing as the Good Will truck arrived to pick up what did not sell.
It took them almost 2 HOURS to fill their truck to capacity with UNSOLD items.
And one person made over $500 in sales.

One cannot imagine the treasures we all have to share with the next generation.
It's also amazing that every year we find more to get rid of.

We've been here seven years and marvel at the size of the sales each year.
Next year is our turn.
We will have a huge stack of 'stuff' that we hope will be a treasure for others.
We have been blessed with so much and now we get to give it away.
Hooray!
Now it's time to trim back the forsythia that is crowding my rose bushes.
Always one more garden task.

I love my garden!  I'm standing on top of the garden wall looking down.
We have a private little bit of heaven in our back yard.  NICE!

6-5:: Humid, thick gray greets us as we prepare for church.
A perfect day of rest as we all are a bit pooped after yesterday.

Standing on my feet for over eight hours, including my walk, used muscles I did not know I had.
Perfect day for sitting and praying and listening and worshipping together.
Every day is given to glorify our Creator, our Lord but Sunday is that INTENTIONAL day.
It's a day that we truly set aside to remember the endless gift of Jesus' precious presence in our lives.

It's a day that we can echo the prayers with others, corporately rejoice, sing psalms, and give back to the Lord as He fills our souls with Himself.
Thank you, Lord, for giving Yourself to us so that we might live this abundant life that is beyond what  I could ever imagine.
All I can say is Eucharisteo . . .  THANKS!

My favorite picture.  Hosta entwined by a Rose.

6-6:: Looks like I have loads of pictures of my garden.
I'm so pleased each year it blooms.
Yesterday's rain almost finished the Peonies.
Their heavy blooms soak in the rain and fall apart.
So, today, I clean up, marvel at God's creative hand and swoon over a cooler, less humid day.

God's creation is God's to do with as our Lord desires.
What a blessing that there is so much beauty drink into my soul every moment of the day.
A phrase from scripture expands into conversation.
A tiny flower bud bursts into fullness as it blooms bright.
A pleasant word is returned with a hug.

Beauty is in what we see, do, hear, ingest, digest, breath  - everywhere.
I feel the cool breeze on my bare arms.
I see the long-stemmed flowers dancing in the breeze.
I hear the rustle of the pine tree's boughs swaying to a new rhythm.
I smell the sweetness of cut grass and scented roses.
I taste fresh basil and cilantro and chives that grow in my little pot on the porch.

Our little community has a pond with iris? growing in the marshy part.
I'm standing on a little walking bridge so I can cross over the stream
that leads into the pond.  So fun.

We can see God's creation is menacing (mosquitoes) or a bother (wind knocking over a plastic vase) or a beautiful result of His precious presence with us.
I choose, today, to see all things beautiful.
I can't guarantee tomorrow.
But I choose to simply focus on today.
Praise God for the beauty of creation - especially God's creation of me: to see, smell, hear, taste and touch God's beauty.

The greatest beauty of my being is that all my senses function relatively well which enables me to enjoy my surroundings and see God's creation as BEAUTIFUL!

We love books.  Now I can really dive in.

6-7:: Hubby and I began sharing a daily meditation together in the morning.
We usually have our own, separate, quiet time but we thought this might be a good 'togetherness moment' now that I have a bit more time at home each day.

We read the scripture, ponder a bit, discuss it and ask each other how we might apply God's words to ourselves today.
It's the 'daily' that is so powerful.
It's the sharing together what we see, even if we glean completely different applications, that is so wonderful.
We are made ready for the day.
I have my 'to-do' list and he had his.
My list includes making a wonderful new salad with white beans, tuna and loads of seasoning, including lots of Garlic.  Place this on lettuce with some additional cucumbers (celery is already part of the recipe) and tomatoes and voila!

6-8:: I'm recording notes in my 'summary book' after reading Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi so that I can give the book away.

Nabeel is brilliant, was devoted to Allah, and came from a very loving Muslim family.
 He knows what he must do after spending nearly a decade refuting the resurrected Jesus.

 He explains, in detail, how Islam cannot be the answer to eternal life but he also knows his decision to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and leave Islam will cause wrenching pain for himself and his parents.
 I learned so much about the need to question our faith and seek God's wisdom in seeking the truth.  It's the seeking God's truth that brings us face to face with God, no matter how long it takes.

If we don't question the faith that we may have 'inherited' because 'our family believes this,' we may never know the Truth.
"And Jesus said, ' I am the way, the Truth and the life . . . "
My 'seeking' over the past 35 years, is bringing me closer to truly 'knowing' God in Christ Jesus instead of knowing 'about' God in Christ Jesus.
What a blessing!

Such fun! Loads of antiques to swoon over.

6-9:: I had a fun time after my hair cut in a tiny town that is filled with tourists during the summer.
I happened to walk into my favorite shop just to browse and noticed the chatter of several women with southern accents . . . who were visiting the area from southern Virginia.

I thought to myself that just a day's drive from here the language is different.
Their clothing is more trendy than most of us wear daily up here.
Perhaps I'd also wear my best when traveling?
Their delight made me wonder.
When any of us visit a place that has a different culture than our own, do we even think that we 'look' like tourists even if we simply visit another city?

I wonder, as a Christian, how much we might 'stand out' when we visit a church of another denomination than the one we normally attend.
Does the way I dress stand out like a 'tourist?'
Do I understand the 'culture' of that church enough to feel comfortable?

A poor picture of an incredible church.
The inside is so majestic that we feel
the presence of the Lord the instant we enter.

Often, when visitors attend our own church, we do not realize that they may not feel comfortable.
Are we making every effort to embrace those visitors and assure them that we all are seeking to grow in Christ no matter what our accent, no matter what we wear, no matter how different we are?

Because hubby and I are currently visiting other churches in our own familiar denomination, I am a very much aware of how comfortable I feel when the scripture readings are the same and the liturgy is familiar.
It's the 'culture' of that particular church family that can either be comfortable or void of any sense of warmth.
We have discovered, however, that no matter how we 'feel' we always gain a new perspective in our Christ-centered journey.
That's a good thing!

6-10:: Adventure day!
It's our wedding anniversary weekend so hubby and I decide to explore another state.
We so love the history surrounding us and the states are so close together.
We made a list of one-day adventures . . . that might turn into two or more days if we so desire.
That's the joy of being newly retired.
We can just go and not have to return, for the most part, at any expected time.

A simple home filled with stories.

And so we drive a new route and decide we much prefer the old one that is slower, filled with farms and rolling hills and even takes us on tiny back roads.
We're in no hurry.
Needless to say, we returned via the old country roads.
And so we visit one tiny town after another and enjoy a tour of a place we had not seen in almost twenty years, Hagley in Delaware.

It does not seem like a museum since we walk into homes where people lived and walk around the grounds learning about the 1900s 'state of the art' machine works and the gun powder factory.
Rapid flow of water, extracted from the Brandywine river, created the energy to move various belts and notched wooden pieces (much like clock works) so that the lathes would work.
Gun powder was not always made here.
These grounds began as the best place to purchase bread since the ground wheat was so good.
It also became prosperous in textiles - spinning cotton into thread and then creating beautiful furniture fabric.
Of course, I loved the gadgets and old kitchens and beautiful stairways in the big house.

Once upon a time there were carpenters who
showed off their wood-crafting skills.

A delight for the soul.

6-11:: We continued our travels and explored old haunts we'd not visited for decades.
I'm in love with architecture.
This staircase was actually taken from another home when this home was 'modernized' in the early 1900s.
Love that dome ceiling.
We actually walked down those steps and wondered whether the six children who lived there once upon a time were brave enough to slide down that banister.
If I weren't so old I'd have tried it!

Of course, kitchens are my 'thing.'
We think WE have 'open concept.'
How many of us have room for a twirly-thing-a-majig to hold our dish towels right in the middle of

I'd love to have room for one of these.
No more hanging wet tiles on the stove and fridge handles.

the kitchen?
Isn't it the cutest thing?
And that wonderful metal sink - totally state of the art.
Back then they went 'modern' with metal and left behind the white porcelain sinks.

Hmmmm, are we going backward?
Today we forgo the deep metal sinks for porcelain 'farm' sinks in the kitchen.
I wish I had taken a picture of the tall cupboards with glass doors so you could SEE where everything was kept.
Such luxury.
One forgets that there was no electricity.
Ice boxes were exactly that - a cabinet for ice - delivered daily - which was so very modern.
One no longer needed to trudge down to the 'ice' house where a stream ran through it and crocks of milk, butter and perishables sat in the middle of the stream to keep cool.
All the comforts of home were employed to make even the lowliest workers feel like they lived in modern times.


6-12:: It's Sunday.
A day to rest and reflect.

Don't they look majestic? Two of them!

A day to visit another church that was old and HUGE and filled with murals and gold trim and an incredible feast for the eyes.
The congregation was mostly from the poor neighborhood surrounding this majestic house of worship.
This immense edifice was immaculate and filled with beauty . . . and filled with people.

God's presence was manifest to all the senses as we celebrate Jesus' presence, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The sermon made us think about our own personal walk with Christ.
What seems totally impossible because we 'know' it's impossible is POSSIBLE in Christ Jesus.
Pray, seek, persevere, pray some more, study God's word, wait, listen and pray some more.
God's incredible blessings are right in front of us if we let go of the 'logical' answers.
So true.
Breathe.

Espalier were the rage! This is an artist's depiction.
A metal 'tree' filled with little pots.
Each spring Ivy is planted in each.
A GREAT idea!

Drink in God's precious Presence.
Wait.
Seek.
Pray and pray some more.
He is with us.
He is here.
God is waiting until our soul is ready to receive.
Amen.

6-13:: These past few days have been quite cool, perfect for traveling.
We are home now and I am sitting on my back porch wondering if I should grab a cotton blanket.
I think of the textiles we saw on our adventure and would love to wrap myself in their luxurious, woven patterns.

If the wind would die down just a bit I might feel more comfortable.
I think we are having March weather in June!
Yet, memories warm my heart.
I can't complain because I'd rather bundle up in wonderful memories.

I'd love to wrap myself in this fabric.  Such beauty!

All too soon I'll wish it were not so hot.
The garden, my piles of books, so much to write, scripture study that is wonderfully daily.
All keeps me warm, each finding their own way to delight my soul.

6-13:: I still wonder how I can accomplish so little in so many hours.
A little laundry here, catching up on my blog there, helping hubby with another 'little' project and the day is gone!

It only took us a couple hours to hook up a simple 'digital box' for our TV that was sent to us because the 'times they are a changing.'
The hook-up was simple but the TV refused to be programmed.
I don't blame it.
I also have difficulty 'programming' myself into the 21st century.
Parts of me would rather live back in the early 1900s with the luxurious fabrics and elegant homes and beautiful gardens.
Then I remember.
I would NOT be one of those people who would qualify to live in such luxury.

The accounting house where the workers picked up
their paychecks . . . only after they washed up using
the basin and pitcher of water by the door.
Don't you LOVE the stonework!

I'd be the wife of the guy who was making the gun power - worrying every day that there would be an explosion.
I'd be raising too many kids for the size of our home, cooking and washing ALL day because everything took hours to accomplish.

THANK YOU GOD that I live in this century with every convenience one could desire.
Thank you that our home is like heaven and the gardens are glorious.
Thank you, Lord, that we are healthy but the best medicine and doctors are available a phone call away if we need help.

We live in luxury even though we are not rich.
We have everything even though we need little.

Original ink bottles!
The plastic thread that ties them together is the only
'insurance' that these tiny flasks would not be removed
by those of us standing right by this antique desk.
We were right there, unhindered by the tacky velvet
cord that keeps gawkers ten feet away from history.

We have the Lord watching over us 24/7.
What more could I ask?
WE ARE BLESSED!

6-14:: Lunch with my girl friends.
I can't remember the last time I was able to 'do lunch.'
It was good to hear each others' stories.

We are so blessed to have good stories to tell.
We don't live in Orlando where 49 were killed by one person, indoctrinated by islamic jihadists, who phoned 911 in the middle of his rampage and gave glory to the god of the radical islamist group that is killing everyone who blinks differently than they do.

Our God is a Holy God.
Our God is Creator God.
Our God is watching over creation and weeping.
How can humanity kill humanity?
God created me to create and be creative.
We should all be thankful that we are alive and breathing and being the best we can be as a glory to

Those who died before me left a legacy.
 The beauty of this hand woven fabric is still a treasure decades after
it was woven.  The beauty of the hand-carved wood reminds me
that the person who created this little masterpiece was able to
leave a treasure for me, a passerby, to love.  That person 'lives'
through his creative work that was left behind for the rest of us to enjoy.

the Lord, the one watching over me and guiding my path and nurturing my soul.
What god would put evil in a human's heart.
What god would prompt one to kill another human?
Thank you, God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for leading and guiding me to love all humanity no matter how different I think and act from most of the world.

6-15:: Good old Facebook.
It gets the message out to the world.
I receive some Facebook notices on my email, which is a blessing.
Today I quickly scrolled through emails, deleting many I have little time to ready.
I STOP.

"All are invited to the memorial service of Ed . . . "
What a way to get the news.
My cousin's husband had bravely fought cancer for a a very long time . . .  seems like ten years.
I knew he was failing as the kids created a wheelchair ramp last summer.
His memorial service will be one year after my brother's death . . . and a day after my sister's

Ed was a quiet pillar of the family.
3 kids, 11 grand children - all excelling
in school and all in love with the Lord.
What a legacy!

birthday.
I so feel badly for my sister as I ache for the loss of two wonderful people in my sphere of influence.
It's amazing how much death surrounds us daily - with the Orlando shooting and daily news shouting of more death.
Life is so fragile in some ways and, in other ways, our bodies are so strong.
These two men, my brother and cousin-in-law, lived very productive lives and nurtured family members as their bodies were dying.
Both leave a wonderful legacy of their work and charity and fabulous kids and grand kids.
They have both planted seeds of creativity, hope, joy, giving, love and so much more.
I began with a sad heart and now I feel so much better.
Life is good because our God is good.
Ed knew and loved the Lord with all his heart and I bet he gave blessing for each day he lived.
Now his family . . . and all of us . . . will continue life without him, as we have my brother.
But he and my brother will always be in my heart.
Memories are forever.
Thank you Lord, for knowing us and drawing us close to you that we may know you and know that life never ends with death.  It just begins anew in a different way with YOU.

6-16-16::  I love these numbers.
As we journey through the year we reach certain milestones.
I guess if we had 16 months in a year it would be a wonderful set of numbers.
But, since we don't this is the closest to a unique set of numbers we will get until next year.
I need some sort of funky break.

This graveyard had such old stones that the verses
written on some of them were difficult to read.
This stone is from the late 1800s.

Another person has died and I will lead the burial service tomorrow.
A dear woman who I have been visiting for about three years passed away before the next pastor could began at the church we just left.
I am honored to lead an intimate service at the funeral home.
It's just another sad blow to my soul.
So much death this past week: 49 in Orlando, the toddler killed by an alligator also in Orlando, my cousin's husband, Ed and now Marion.
I also grieve the death of my brother who died last year.
The JOY in my sorrow comes from the knowledge that the ones I know are celebrating resurrected life.
We are able to celebrate their LIVES.
It's the 'dash' - - -  between one's birth and death . . .  that little bit of space . .  . that tells our story.
It's our journey with friends and family and co-workers etc. that others remember.
It's the memories we celebrate, knowing life with God in Christ continues after death.

6-17:: I twirl into 'old' mode.

Nathan McEwen, inscribed in metal, shows who
resides here after the headstone crumbled.

I remember the drill.
I've only been away from ministry for a few months but it's been over six months since I helped a family and community grieve for their loved ones.
We say farewell inside a funeral home rather than the church.
That's a 'first' for me in over eight years.
But it's right.
Family and friends worship differently than Marion did.
We all celebrate her resurrected body in different ways so this is a time to gather together, say a fond farewell and gather our thoughts and memories corporately.
Bud has always been a man of very few words.
His sons are the same.
They want me to do all the talking.
A son's wife reads the scriptures beautifully.
I share words of hope, strength, resurrected life and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ: He will never

This one had quite a legacy on it.
Born 1770 - Died 1850

leave us nor forsake us but will be with us as we create new paths in our life journey.
Hubby is there for support and offers to drive behind the 'lead' car as we drive quite a ways to the cemetery for interment.
So many people are involved behind the scenes to create a beautiful, tranquil moment for all of us to say 'goodbye.'
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
The beautiful rosewood casket will be encased in a metal box with a 'lid' that is gold, engraved with Marion's name and a shield of the Episcopal church.  Nice.
This will never be seen again but it is a beautiful send-off.
Family and friends continue with this fond farewell at lunch but hubby and I continue on.
We have another destination in the area: a historic church where I will preach in a week.
We explored other areas and ended up spending eight hours away from home.
It was a nice day after a sad goodbye to Marion.

6-18:: Needless to say, my body wanted to relax today.
I caught up on reading and wrote letters and waited for the guy to fix out TV digital system that was just sent to us because some Washington Bureaucrats mandated that everyone go digital.
Our carrier waited about 14 years so that was nice.
It turns out that we cannot do half as much recording as we use to.  Another change.
More money spent to watch a few shows a week.
Hmmmm.  We are going to take time to re-think this TV thing.
May be time to join the Millennial generation on the computer.
We are determined to keep up with the various advances to technology but it sure is a challenge.

The old church needs so much work but
its beauty remains.  The old windows
tell a story in itself.

Pick, snip, replant, dig, enjoy the garden.
A perfect end to a relaxing day.

6-19:: Happy Father's Day.
Card was sent, phone call was made.
Hubby and I are not parents but we give tribute to those fathers who have devoted themselves to their children.
If a father spends only 15 minutes each day interfacing with the family, he is considered to be fulfilling his role in the family..... 15 minutes!
Hats off to all those dads who spend far more time than that: reading to the kids, watching them in action as often as possible, eating a nightly meal with them or whatever habit gives the kids that assurance that life is good and that they are growing up well.
The sermon today inspired us, as usual, to dig deeply into our faith walk and share our JOY with others.
We are so blessed.
We give thanks daily for our blessings.
We try to reach out to at least one person or family daily with words or actions of encouragement.
Today we enjoyed interfacing with the family across the street, with their kids and all the babies.
What FUN!

A perfect day to eat a pear or chew on a whole tomato.
We are blessed to have produce available all around us.

6-20:: Another HOT day.
I do not complain.
More notes to write before the morning mail is picked up.
Then two hours reading about economics and politics in the WSJ.
I LOVE that paper.
Today I learned about Fintech and Blockchain and another way to look at China trade.
Now I move on to Ecclesiastes and the Gospel of Luke as I prepare words for next Sunday.
I love to study and learn and expand my flimsy web of a mind.
The brain is amazing.
The concussion has left its mark but I'm pressing through to re-train brain patterns.
I'm not ready for dementia yet.
God knows that.
God is blessing me with a bit more retention each day.
NICE!

6-22:: Who know the water dept. truck would stop by our house early AM.
Every place we have lived we have known where the outside water shut-off valve is and each was easily accessible.
So, when we were told that the plumber most likely will have to turn off water at curb-side we decided to investigate.
Turns out that few people in our community know where their turn-off valve is . . .  because . . .  it is under the grass that was planted over it.

We were at a retreat center last week to check
it out for a conference we'll be attending in August.
I don't know but, judging from the age of the
oldest buildings, this might be a water tower.
I took the picture with my phone so it's not too clear.
I wonder what the Water Dept. could tell me about it.

The water dept. has this fancy, high-tech gadget that 'reads' where the metal plate is that covers the water shut-off valve. . . under inches of dirt.
 So, after about 10 seconds, ours was found.
Neighbors flagged the poor guy down and asked him to find theirs.
Guess who is going to carve out a place in the grass and keep it carved out!
Who knew!
 I'm glad we are getting these simple chores down now, before a water crises.
We're planning ahead and getting all of our water pipe connections checked 'just in case.'
We know the plumbing was sub-par and have fixed many plumbing challenges but now there are 'connections' that were made wrong and seem to be leaking ever-so-slowly.
So glad we are making these discoveries in the middle of summer when it is so easy to fix.
Nice!

6:23  I was surprised by an early phone call.
"She's gone!" He barely could choke out the words.
  Paul, the husband and our dear friend, has been caring for his wife, Gini, pretty much 24/7 for the past two years.
Even with home-helpers Paul has done the mountain of work, usually at night, when she is so uncomfortable and pulls off her oxygen mask.
 Last night she simply slipped into the arms of the Lord.

Life of a window.  If it only could talk.
An architect captured a story that may have taken
100s of years to tell.  Each of US has a life-story
that we are 'making' at this moment.
Tell your story before it is too late and there is
no light let to shine through your soul.

Gini was hard of hearing, in much pain, mostly immobile and very much in control of her life . . .  and anyone else's life who was near by.
 "Paul," she would interrupt, "I can't hear you.  Speak louder."
"Paul, I can't find the remote for my lounge chair," she'd say as it dangled down the side.
 "Paul . . .  Paul . . .  Paul. . . "
They were connected at the hip, as they well should have been after 62 years of marriage.

As demanding as Gini was, Paul was there to do her bidding with little complaint.
 She relied on Paul's strength (fragile as it was) to keep herself going each day.
The two had become 'one' and we could see it each time we visited.

 Hubby and I loved them both and there were always plenty of hugs to go around.
We recalled the lucid conversations we had with Gini only a year ago - fascinating.
 I learned so much from both of them.
And now Paul is beside himself.
He will have to walk a new path on his life journey - caring for himself now- and learn how to cope in a very empty space in his life.
They live in a community surrounded by loving friends so Paul is just fine.
It's that re-learning now life-patterns that's so hard when one is 85.
So not fair but so much a part of life.
Death is simply a culmination of all the memories made on a journey in this world.
Gini is now with the Lord, in a world free of gravity and without pain and, I'm sure, saying, "Paul . . . Paul . . . I can hear you now."
Love it!

6-24::  I'm surprisingly weary today even though I awoke quite early filled with energy.

Hubby caught this on camera '0-dark-early' the other day
What a moving sunrise.  God's paintbrush went wild!

I think the thoughts and heart-tug of the loss of Gini, although expected, is taking its toll.
I don't 'feel' emotions outwardly right now but deep down in my soul I'm grieving.
I call Paul and ask how he is doing.  "If you don't talk about Gini I'll be all right."
I chuckle inwardly.
How can we NOT bring up Gini.
 Gini was front and center of his life.
Halfway through the conversation he mentions that he will have lunch at the restaurant we'd visit with them on occasion.
 It was a Sunday ritual for the two of them.
I immediately said we would meet him there even though I am leading a service over an hour away and will have to be very intentional to make sure we meet him at the usual time: 1pm
No matter how badly Gini felt, they would always plan to meet at this restaurant at 1pm.
Hubby and I could rarely join them as I had other obligations that made it impossible to meet them at this hour.
Now we are more flexible.
At least we can share one Sunday meal with him and make it a time of remembrance for Gini.

As I write words for Tuesday I am reminded that the
Lord, thy God made covenant with those who believe
in Him: "I Am" with you always.  Comforting.

6-25:: I sit on the back porch, musing over words for Sunday and for the funeral on Tuesday.
My mind is mush or flies in all directions.
Hold me tight, Lord, hang on to me while I fly around a bit.
It's so nice to know that every thought, every part of me, is in the Lord's hands.

This is the day, last year, that my brother died.
My cousin's husband died last week and his memorial service will be tomorrow.
My sister's birthday is today - and she was close to my brother - I ache for her on her special day.
Life IS.  God said, I AM.
It's the precious PRESENT that is most important to us.
We can mourn those who have passed and wade through wonderful memories.
We can worry about the future and wonder about our own bit of limited time on this planet.
But, most important, is right now.
Grieve today.
Let the Lord guide us through the next day . . . tomorrow.

6-26:: Early up and out the door for a long drive to a tiny church in the middle of nowhere.

My little garden is bursting with blooms
I thought had died away.
Life continues when we think it has ended!

I'm serving because a friend who has helped so many asked me.
I feel sandwiched in between grief and joy.
Words of 'discipleship' flow from my lips.
We who call ourselves Christians are to faithfully follow Christ Jesus, focus on the mission God gave each of us right where we are, and then bear fruit.
Jesus helped his disciples understand this simple guideline.
Why is it so hard?
Why do we not 'count the cost' of discipleship until we are 'all in' for Christ?
For some the cost seems to be nil but for others the cost is too high to count.
We meet Paul for lunch to love his in his grief and to listen.
66 years of marriage and now she is gone.
The cost of her loss seems high today but tomorrow or next month . . . ?
As hubby affirmed to Paul, Gini died in her sleep on this earth and simply woke up in heaven.
Not bad for an incredible life that will simply continue without pain or immobility, with acuity of mind and endless range of motion.
Paul chuckles as he commiserates, "She went to sleep in Paradise Township and awoke in Paradise."
Can't beat that.
We all smiled and felt a bit better.

It seems like yesterday when these
Poinsiana blooms graced us with it's delicate beauty.
This was taken in last month!

6-27:: Yesterday's long day should have enabled me to sleep soundly but I was restless.
What words will I share on Tuesday?
I have too many memories, too much to say, too personal.
How do I embrace everyone's grief and tie it all together in a pretty ribbon?
Perhaps I can't.
I concentrate on hubby as we go to the doctor to see what ails him.
I pray, Lord, it's not more challenging news.

Give rest to my soul, here on earth, that I might breathe deep, drink in daily blessings and let go of the swirl of crazy in my head.

I am so thankful that I can simply toss my cares upon the One who carries my burdens.

I drink in the sweet damp after a heavy rain.
The air is washed clean and the garden is happily soaked and cooling down.
I praise God that my soul is washed clean and I rain words to God in order to soak up his JOY and cool my steaming brain in simplicity of spirit, totally focused on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for ME.  Amen!

6-28:: A long, hard day saying goodbye to our dear friend.
I am called to be the 'strength' for so many as I express the comfort promised to us by God's Son.
On the way to the funeral we are blessed by driving an hour over rolling hills,  seeing bursting-green crops still tender, as we pass by one Amish farm after another.
We see busy young boys, so alive and agile, working mules in the fields as my mind flits about tossing words together like a great salad.
How do I keep the message short, touch the lives of those in grief and share the JOY she gave us through left-behind memories?
After the funeral we all make the long drive (90 min.) to the place of her interment.
So beautiful yet simple.
I read the words she found to remind all of us the freedom we have in resurrected life.
        I'M FREE
"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

They were married 66 years and now she's gone.
Now he waits to meet his true love in resurrected life.

 I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call,
 I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
 then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
ah, yes these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much,
good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift your hearts and share with me,
God wanted me now: He set me free."

I've seen the poem before.
It has touched so many hearts that it can be re-used for years to come.
Life goes on as our hearts are parked in reverse, at least for today.
We grieve silently.
Sleep is hard to find even after a very interactive day.

He has not changed much since this picture was taken
last year.  Dad still has 'delight' in his spirit.

6-29:: I pray my 'list' of those who are aging, fragile or dying.
I think of dad, half-way through year 101 and wonder if his time is near.
I've left numerous messages hoping words from a familiar voice may brighten a day here and there.
Today's call was such a surprise.
His care-give answers in with a cheery voice and we chat a moment.
I'm so glad she is back from her wonderful vacation with her teen age daughter.
She so deserves a break but I breathe easy knowing dad has such good care.
"He's eating green tomatoes," she says.
Seems that he did not want to go to the dining room for this wonderful surprise but enjoyed them in is apartment as he was reading the Wall Street Journal.
Dad and I had a delightful chat for several minutes.
He'd already eaten a good breakfast, completed his exercises and even got some sun as he sat outside a bit.  He now was enjoying his favorite paper with a culinary surprise on the side.
Perfect timing as I knew he'd soon be sound asleep for his afternoon nap.
LIFE goes on.
He is just like the Everready battery - he just keeps going when so many much younger have finished their time on this earth.
AMAZING!

6-30:: Ahhhhh June.

So YUMMY!
Just loads of butter, and sour cream. Add a little flour, walnuts, vanilla
and a touch of sugar and voila!  Melt in your mouth good!

So long, farewell . . . to a wonderful month of moderate temperatures, the right amount of rain and garden blooms that have blown me away.
It has been a great month filled with surprises - some good, some very sad.
I linger a little longer on my back porch as cookies bake in the oven.
YUM!
I am finally able to fill a plate full of goodies for friends who gave us this purple plate filled with goodies too many month ago.
Our wild schedules have given us little time to share a meal with each other but when we do, we spend hours chatting, laughing and discovering a little more about each other.
NICE.
So now I have to figure out a wonderful salad that can be easily transported on a long drive tomorrow.
Creating delicious food for others is so different than what hubby and I throw together.
That said, I will 'throw together' a lovely mix of veggies and create a dressing we all will love.
And so we end June and melt right into July.
Love it!