With A Grateful Heart

Stop! Thief!!

2012-01-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

A few days ago as I was getting ready to go out for the morning I quickly slipped a protein bar into my purse. I take one with me when I go out so I’ll have a bit of nourishment handy if I need something between meals. I went about the business of getting ready to go, doing little things around the house and taking care of some business. Shortly before I left the house I realized I needed to eat something so I decided to get the protein bar. Reaching into the side pocket of my purse where I had put the protein bar – or where thought I had put it - I found it wasn’t there! Was I having a senior moment again? I turned my purse around and tried the side pocket on the other side of my purse. No, not there! Now what was going on? Why couldn't I find it? How could I have missed it? As I rummaged through all the pockets inside and outside of my purse – and finding nothing – I decided to do something drastic. I emptied the contents of my entire purse in search of the allusive protein bar. Nothing! How could that be? I was sure I had put it in my purse. I sat and thought for a minute or two before a sudden realization dawned on me. The protein bar was gone – and so was someone who had, up until a few minutes ago, been sleeping in the living room. Now, I was onto something! I was sure the mystery would soon be solved.

A short walk down the hall to my bedroom was all it took to find what had happened to my protein bar. I stood at the door into our room and called the suspected culprit’s name. Slowly, ever so slowly, a tiny bit of a black nose poked out from under our bed. As I kept calling, the thief crouched close to the ground and, with eyes cast downward, eventually completely emerged from under the bed. Aha! Caught! Sure enough. With the alleged thief nearby, I lay on the floor and looked under the bed. Can you imagine what I saw? Yes – you’re right! You guessed it.

There - under my bed - was the wrapper and the missing protein bar. Partially eaten. Thoroughly enjoyed, I’m sure. Now tell me, who would have thought someone this cute could do such a dastardly deed? How cute this sweet little face be the face of a thief?

Unpredictable!

2012-01-17T08:57:00.000-08:00

There is a saying around here: ‘If you don’t like the weather in Oregon – wait five minutes!’ Never was that more true than during the last few days.

My sweetheart and I celebrated our fortieth wedding anniversary last weekend. We slipped away to the place where we spent our honeymoon on the Oregon Coast. Our days away were just what we needed before we returned to the hectic pace of life. The entire Oregon Coast is amazingly beautiful but this part of the coast has a special beauty all it’s own. The weather was ‘crazy’ this weekend. Most of the time the skies were gray and cloudy. There were times when the rain seemed to come down by buckets full and the wind blew hard against our window and howled down the fireplace chimney. We stayed safe and warm and enjoyed the view outside our window.

Then - suddenly we would be surprised and delighted to see the sun break through the clouds and shine down on us.

The sunshine usually didn’t last long before the clouds returned and brought rain again. It didn’t matter what happened outside - we enjoyed watching the waves just beyond our deck.

In between the rain and sunshine we had showers of sleet that dropped a slippery, white winter mix of snow and freezing rain pellets on our deck.

Yesterday morning we woke to find that it had begun to snow!

We enjoyed our weekend away. Just time together - away from the routines of life. It was exactly what we needed - in one of our favorite places. The Oregon Coast always seems to ‘call’ to us. We will return – in the rain, in the sun and, perhaps, in the snow. No matter what the weather, we will be patient and wait because we know it won't be long and it will change!

Blessed Quietness

2012-01-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

Joys are flowing like a river,
Since the Comforter has come;
He abides with us forever,
Makes the trusting heart His home.

Bringing life and health and gladness,
All around this heavenly Guest,
Banished unbelief and sadness,
Changed our weariness to rest.

What a wonderful salvation,
Where we always see His face!
What a perfect habitation,
What a quiet resting place!

Blessed quietness, holy quietness,
What assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea, He speaks peace to me,
How the billows cease to roll!

(We are at the Oregon Coast for a few days to celebrate our fortieth wedding anniversary – the photo above is the view from our window. We are enjoying ‘blessed quietness’ – for body and soul.)

Song: ‘Blessed Quietness’
Words by Manie P. Ferguson
Music by: W. S. Marshall

A Word For The Year

2012-01-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

Some of my blog friends choose a word to focus on each year. Their word speaks to their heart. They keep it in sight through the year with reminders in all sorts of ways. Some of them print and frame their word to keep it in their home – often, they frame Scriptures that feature their word. I’ve never chosen a word for the year before. Last year I thought I would but nothing specific came to mind. When it became a difficult task, I decided it wasn’t going to happen. This year, however, is quite different. Over the past several weeks a word has been speaking to me, calling my name, and – at times – has seemed to be flashing like a neon sign in my mind. I know this word was placed in my heart by God. He has put it there at times and in ways that I couldn’t miss. I can’t mistake it – it’s so very real!

The word God has ‘written’ on my heart for 2012 is -

Scriptures and songs of hope fill my heart through the day and I know God has something very special planned for this new year. My theme verse this year is:

My sweetheart and I sense that God has begun to put things in place in our lives for something special He wants to do – in us and through us. We don’t know what it is, but He knows. And we know He will be with us wherever leads us. We may be in training right now – we may be in a ‘waiting’ time. It may be made very clear to us soon, or it may be sometime farther down the road. Whatever it is, we are listening for His still, small voice every step of the way.

An old hymn keeps coming to mind and I find myself humming and singing it often. I’ve known it (and loved it) since I was a small child but, now, the meaning seems to go deeper into my heart every day!

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus' name

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

Quite a few years ago I went through a time when almost everything around me seemed hopeless. One day when all the circumstances of life seemed impossible, as I was walking through a store, my eyes ‘fell’ on a ceramic magnet. I stopped and looked closer and tears began to fall. I knew God was speaking to me right there in the middle of the store. Somehow I squeezed out enough money to buy the magnet. A few weeks later when God took us to a new place, one of the first things I did when we started to move into our new home was to put that magnet on my refrigerator. It’s still on my refrigerator – I see if often. And I remember what God said that day, in that desperate situation. Times have changed since then but the truth of this verse has not changed at all. Yesterday I opened the daily devotional book I’ve chosen for this year – and there it was. Speaking to me again – confirming what God has been whispering to my soul.
My heart is full of hope for this new year. While I don’t know what 2012 will bring my way, I don’t have to know. I just need to know – and follow – the One Who will walk with me through every minute of every day!

Song: ‘The Solid Rock’
Words by: Edward Mote
Music by: William Bradbury

A New Year’s Day Prayer

2012-01-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

Another year has turned its page, O Lord.

We feel promises about to be fulfilled,
hopes that may be realized,
And sorrows unknown – that may become ours to bear.

All of this, we carry into a New Year.

We declare at the doorway into this year, that our trust is not
In any man or woman to fulfill us,

Nor is our trust in circumstance,
Or a belief that the days ahead will be easy.

We do not expect, in this New Year, for our every prayer
To be answered in a way we would like.
You are in control, and we release our lives to you.

We put our trust in this:
That You who have been with us through this past year,
Immanuel,
Will be with us in this New Year.

It is in You, Immanuel, we trust.
If you go ahead of us, we will go;
if you go behind us, we will go.

If you will lead us in a cloud by day,and if you will
Light the night and its shadows with Your fire,
we will faithfully follow.

This is our prayer: In all things that happen this year we ask
That we would be aware of Your presence, O Lord.

In this walk that will always be by faith and not by sight,
Let us perceive Your nearness.

We will stumble and fall,
and we will also succeed and triumph.
We will laugh, and we will also weep.

But in those moments in which we cannot sense You near,
Let us see with the eyes of faith
the marks of Your presence all around us,
Beneath us, carrying us boldly into Your future.

With You we walk, with confidence and trust,
into this New Year.

In Your Name we pray, living Lord Jesus,

Amen.

poem: ‘With You We Walk’ by Dan Wilt
photo: ‘Open Door’ from Pinterest.com

Truth Be Told!

2011-12-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the truth hurts – sometimes, it's just downright funny! Such is the case with a gift I bestowed on my sweetheart on Christmas Day. When I saw it, I just couldn’t help myself! No apologies, no explanations, just fun. It brought lots of laughs to everyone present. Especially my sweetheart. Perhaps it was a gentle hint that he needs to clean the garage so he can proudly show it off to his friends. Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part that we would actually clean and organize our garage soon (I’m as guilty as he!). And maybe – just maybe – we could finally some day park.our.car.inside. And laugh at this silly sign every time we come home!

The Grandma With The Dog

2011-12-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

Our little Mr. H. is totally thrilled with my little Joey dog. Mr. H. loves to snuggle and play with him and, at times, he helps me do a little dog training. On a recent visit with us, Mr. H. was a bit frustrated when Joey didn’t do what he told him to do. He looked at Joey and with a bit of authority in his voice, he asked: ‘Joey, are you listening to me?’ When he returned home from his visit with us he told his daddy (our son) that he likes to visit ‘the grandma with the dog’!At our family Christmas gathering a week ago, Mr. H. again spent a lot of time snuggled close to Joey.

When he and his family got ready to head home, Mr. H. gave hugs and told us all goodbye and, with a sad, little voice, he said: ‘I sure wish Joey could be my dog’! The promise of an overnight visit sometime soon – and a plan for Joey to sleep in the ‘big’ bed with him – brought a smile to his face and a sparkle to his little eyes. And much talk about plans for another visit sometime soon. A visit to see ‘the grandma with the dog’.

It’s Christmas Night

2011-12-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

When I read this devotion by Max Lucado I knew I wanted to save it to read again each Christmas night. I share it with you, my friends. I hope it touches your heart as it does mine.

IT’S CHRISTMAS NIGHT. THE HOUSE IS QUIET. Even the crackle is gone from the fireplace. The last of the carolers appeared on the ten o’clock news. The last of the apple pie was eaten by my brother-in-law. And the last of the Christmas albums have been stored away having dutifully performed their annual rendition of chestnuts, white Christmases, and red-nosed reindeers.

It’s Christmas night.

The midnight hour has chimed and I should be asleep, but I’m awake. I’m kept awake by one stunning thought. The world was different this week. It was temporarily transformed.

The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be. We forgot our compulsion with winning, wooing, and warring. We put away our ladders and ledgers, we hung up our stopwatches and weapons. We stepped off our race tracks and roller coasters and looked outward toward the star of Bethlehem.

It’s the season to be jolly because, more than at any other time, we think of him. More than in any other season, his name is on our lips.

And the result?

For a few precious hours, he is beheld. Christ the Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing him, suddenly see him. People who have been accustomed to using his name in vain, pause to use it in praise. Eyes, now free of the blinders of self, marvel at his majesty.

All of a sudden he’s everywhere.

In the grin of the policeman as he drives the paddy wagon full of presents to the orphanage.

In the twinkle in the eyes of the Taiwanese waiter as he tells of his upcoming Christmas trip to see his children.

In the emotion of the father who is too thankful to finish the dinner table prayer.

He’s in the tears of the mother as she welcomes home her son from overseas.
He’s in the heart of the man who spent Christmas morning on skid row giving away cold baloney sandwiches and warm wishes.

And he’s in the solemn silence of the crowd of shopping mall shoppers as the elementary school chorus sings “Away in a Manger.”

Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.

It’s Christmas night. In a few hours the cleanup will begin—lights will come down, trees will be thrown out. Size 36 will be exchanged for size 40, eggnog will be on sale for half price. Soon life will be normal again. December’s generosity will become January’s payments and the magic will begin to fade.

But for the moment, the magic is still in the air. Maybe that’s why I’m still awake. I want to savor the spirit just a bit more. I want to pray that those who beheld him today will look for him next August. And I can’t help but linger on one fanciful thought: If he can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could he do if we thought of him every day?

‘It’s Christmas Night’ by Max Lucado
From ‘God Came Near’

Christmas Wishes. . .

2011-12-24T16:10:00.000-08:00

from our home to yours.

Merry Christmas, dear friends.

Approval

2011-12-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago we set up the Christmas tree. Miss Savannah was sleeping peacefully on our bed while the action took place in the living room. A little while later I found her under the tree. The look on her little face made me think she was smiling! I think she approved. She sat there for a long time, carefully looking. Just enjoying the tree! The tree was'nt decorated but she didn’t seem to mind – she just sat and took it all in! Wonder what went through her mind!

(The white specks on the carpet are snow from the tree. One of the 'joys' of a snowy tree!)

The Light Has Come

2011-12-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

The people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land
where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.
Matthew 4:16

Would You Believe. . .

2011-12-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

I can’t show you my Friday Finds today? I had it all planned. I was ready to take advantage of the sunshine so I could take a good photo. The sun is streaming in my kitchen window. Just where it needs to shine for the photo I had planned. Everything was in place – my ‘find’ was staged and ready to pose for her photo, and then. . .oh, no! The battery in my camera was dead! My camera told me. She said, ‘Battery dead’. Plain and simple. Just like that. I wasn’t surprised but I could deal with it – I had another battery in my camera bag. No problem! At least I thought so!

Retrieving the second battery from my camera bag – and grabbing my battery charger for the dearly used battery – I was confident. Within minutes I would have the photos I wanted to share with you today. But, it was not meant to be. You see, the ‘new’ battery was so dead it didn’t even have enough power for my camera tell me this one needed to be charged, too. Then I remembered that I had quickly switched batteries a few weeks ago while taking photos of a gorgeous sunset at the Oregon Coast. When I returned to the car I didn’t do what I normally do with batteries that need to be charged – and then. . .I forgot!

So, today, would you just take my word for it that I have a wonderful, new Christmas find that is embellishing my kitchen? I’ll show you a little peak at something that will give you a hint but I will save the story to tell you another day. After that silly battery has been fully charged and the other battery is securely locked in place in the charger I’ll share a photo and tell you all about it!

I have a new-to-me teakettle. She looks something like this. Similar – but different. She’s the same color – and shape - and she is decorated with holly. While my battery charges, I think I’ll heat some water and have a relaxing cup of tea!

In All Things

2011-11-27T08:39:00.000-08:00

As we pause to thank Him for the blessings of the past year,
we must not forget to thank Him for the lessons
we have learned through our difficult times.
We are not to be thankful for just the pleasant,
easy things, but all things.
Millie Stamm

Autumn Leaves

2011-11-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

A few days ago we were blessed when our youngest grandson, four-year-old Mr. H. came to visit. The agenda for the day included raking leaves. It was a big job and my sweetheart was happy to have help.

Mr. H. borrowed my sweatshirt. A pair of little garden gloves and a small rake (that matched the sweatshirt!) completed his outfit and he was ready to get to work.He worked hard and was determined to help Papa deal with all the leaves.Finally, most of the leaves were piled high.The hard work was worth it – it was time to jump into the big pile of leaves.

What fun! There was a lot of laughter and so many smiles! We loved having time with him and we can’t wait until he comes back again. More leaves have fallen and the yard is filled with leaves again. We will take care of them – but it just won’t be the same without his help.

Work Can Be Worship

2011-11-20T00:37:00.000-08:00

‘Everything you do or say should be done to obey Jesus our Lord.’ Colossians 3:37

Have you seen the painting The Angelus by Jean-Francois Millet? It portrays two peasants praying in their field. A church steeple sits on the horizon, and a light falls from Heaven. The rays do not fall on the church, however. They don’t fall on the bowed heads of the man and woman. The rays of the sun fall on the wheelbarrow and the pitchfork at the couple’s feet.

God’s eyes fall on the work of our hands. Our Wednesdays matter to Him as much as our Sundays. He blurs the secular and sacred. One stay-at-home mom keeps this sign over her kitchen sink: ‘Divine tasks performed here daily.’ An executive hung this plaque in her office: ‘My desk is my altar.’ Both are correct. With God, our work matters as much as our worship. Indeed, work can be worship.

from ‘Cure For The Common Life’
written by Max Lucado

The Heart Of The Matter

2011-11-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

This morning I sat beside my dear, little mother as pictures of the inner workings of her heart were displayed on a screen nearby. I quietly watched in amazement as I saw the chambers and valves of her little heart pump blood through her tiny body. I saw inside the heart that has kept her going for more than eighty-eight years, far longer than her doctors ever thought possible. While I didn’t understand most of what I saw I sat there in awe! Overwhelmed and full of praise as a favorite Scripture ran through my mind.

‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.’ Psalm 139:14

Technology can’t possibly show the ‘real’ heart of my dear mother. Her ‘real’ heart loves big and gives much. Her ‘real’ heart is bigger than this little lady herself. Her ‘real’ heart loves God more than life itself. Her ‘real’ heart loved me long before the first moment she first saw me. Her ‘real’ heart keeps loving me no matter what.

Today I saw my mother’s heart at work. And I saw her heart working over and over again as we sat together over lunch. I saw her heart each time she smiled and when she spoke. Today I had a privilege few people ever have – I saw the heart of a little lady – a lady who has a very big heart.

Winds Of Change

2011-11-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

I’ve been absent from blogging for a bit. Life has taken me many directions – sometimes several at the same time.Autumn winds have blown and most of the leaves on our big tree are gone now. There is a chill in the air and snow has begun to cover the mountains. Change has come to our family, too. A few weeks ago my sweetheart’s company cut the hours of their employees. While we are adjusting to the changes that decision brings, we are happy that he still has a job. This means my sweetheart has an extra day off work now – a three-day weekend. And it means we have a chance to do a bit of catch-up on things left undone far too long.My dear, little mother’s health has changed during the last few weeks. Her heart is slowing down and changes need to be made in her daily life. We are exploring options for her living arrangements and continued well-being. Tomorrow morning I will take her for further tests to see how her heart is functioning. Your prayers are appreciated.During times of change we are confident that God is with us. He said He will never leave us or forsake us. Whatever happens, we are confident we won’t face the future alone. We know Who holds the future – and we know Who holds our hand.

He Giveth More Grace

2011-11-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;
He sendeth more strength ere the labors increase.
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving has only begun.

His love has no limit,
His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundaries known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

Poem: ‘He Giveth More Grace’
Written by Annie Johnson Flint

Faithfulness And Truth

2011-11-06T00:46:00.000-07:00

O Lord, You are my God;
I will exalt You, I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things,
even purposes planned of old
and fulfilled in faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 25:1

Scripture: Amplified Bible

Something Beautiful

2011-10-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

If there ever were dreams
That were lofty and noble
They were my dreams at the start
And the hopes for life's best were the hopes
That I harbored down deep in my heart
But my dreams turned to ashes
My castles all crumbled
My fortune turned to loss
So I wrapped it all in the rags of my life
And I laid it at the cross

Something beautiful, something good
All my confusion He understood
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife
But he made something beautiful of my life

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Song: ‘Something Beautiful’
Words and music by Bill and Gloria Gaither

The Best Kite Of All

2011-10-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we drove to the Oregon Coast for an overnight stay. As we entered the town of our destination I spied a sign that read: ‘Kite Festival – nine to four’. That day and the next. A glance at the clock in the car told us that the festival has just ended so we thought we had missed it. Checking in at our motel and getting ourselves settled a bit didn’t take long. We were anxious to head to the festival area and take a look. Was it possible that some of the kites would still be there? Since it was along the way to our favorite chowder restaurant no harm would be done if we didn’t see a thing as we passed by the staging area. As we approached the parking lot it was obvious that there were still kites in the air.We stepped out of our car and moved toward the walkway above the beach. . . and then I saw it! It was big. Gigantic. Round and filled with color. I had never seen anything like it before! Moving toward the end of the walkway and finding a spot where I could get closer I suddenly felt as if I had been transported to a new realm of fascination. It danced and it twirled – gracefully lifting and falling with the wind.It was anchored in the sand. No one seemed to be in charge of its movements. There it was - just a beautiful big rainbow of color. The weather was just right – a perfect day to fly a kite.We got a little closer and then we walked along the beach in the opposite direction. Often I found myself turning around to see where this beauty might be. And then we went back to see it again. It was still there, drawing the attention of everyone who stopped by. At times the wind lifted it up high. . .

And when the wind died down it drifted down to touch the sand again.It was impressive. No doubt about that. Up and down. All around. But it wasn’t the kite that captured my heart most of all that day. Just a ways away – totally oblivious to the attraction of the giant kite – stood a very small boy. His little hand tightly held the string of a simple, little kite flying high overhead. His sweet face was filled with pride and he smiled because in his heart he knew what I knew - his kite was, by far, the ‘best’ kite of all!

The Source Of Light

2011-10-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Psalm 36:5-9

Kites In The Wind

2011-10-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

No one can tell me,
Nobody knows,
Where the wind comes from,
Where the wind goes.

It's flying from somewhere
As fast as it can,
I couldn't keep up with it,
Not if I ran.

But if I stopped holding
The string of my kite,
It would blow with the wind
For a day and a night.

And then when I found it,
Wherever it blew,
I should know that the wind
Had been going there too.

So then I could tell them
Where the wind goes...
But where the wind comes from
Nobody knows.

Poem: ‘Wind on the Hill’ by A. A. Milne
Photos taken on a recent trip to the Oregon Coast

Gathering of Friends Remembered

2011-10-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

Last week I shared that I was off to spend the day with a few blog friends. It was a day to remember! A day filled with the sweet friendship of gals who have much in common. Jane (Tickleberry Farm) was visiting our area so it seemed like a great time to gather some of her blog friends here and have fun together. You can see a photo of all of us here.

We met at Historic Deepwood Estate in Salem. Deepwood is one of my favorite get-away places. No matter how often I visit I always find something that captures my heart. We strolled through the gardens and then we enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the mansion. I loved the details – it seemed as if I was seeing them for the first time. The shape of a papered archway. . .

The carved detail of a corbel on the side of the archway. . . Reflected light. . .

And the intricate pattern on the back of a beautiful settee.
After the tour of the mansion we had lunch together at a nearby café. There was lots of talk and a lot of laughter. It was such fun just being there together. Our final stop was at a big antique mall near the café. We had such fun browsing and shopping together. And then, all too soon, it was time to head home again. The hours we spent together cemented our hearts in friendships that will always be special. And there is talk of getting together again soon. Maybe next time you can join us!

Be sure and stop by to visit Marilyn (Delights of the Heart) to get a glimpse of the gardens here and read a bit about tea at Deepwood here. Elizabeth (Just Following Jesus) shares more here and here and you can see Jane and Marilyn and me in the garden here. Be sure to stop by and visit Sharon (Rose of Sharon Garden) – you won’t be sorry!

Edited to add: Marilyn shared more photos of Deepwood here today. She captured the essence of the mansion in the most marvelous way.

Gathering Of Friends

2011-10-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

I’m off today to meet up with some blog friends – one is from far away. We have places to go, things to see. And lots of chatting and talking to do. Our day starts with a stroll through the gardens and a tour of one of my favorite places.We have plans for lunch together and a bit of shopping. I’ll share more soon.

Catching Up With Myself

2011-10-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. So much has happened in my life and I really had planned to share it all with you. My intentions were good – I planned to tell you I was going away and then I planned to tell you I was out of town and I planned to show you where I was – but time flew by too fast. I was busy. Oh, so busy! And enjoying what I was doing. So, my friends, I’d love to reminisce a bit and tell you all about it.

A little over a week ago I flew to Southern California to lead worship at a district ladies’ retreat. And the bonus? I got to spend the retreat time with my best friend from college days, plus a couple of extra days at her house! We are kindred spirits – have been from the moment we met, all through life and to this day. She’s a friend in the truest sense of the word. Too bad we live so far apart but, thanks to phones, email and Facebook, we keep in touch often.

The retreat was wonderful. Memories of the hours I spent with precious ladies there make my heart sing every time I think about it. The speakers were good – right to my heart – and friendships were renewed and begun. There was a sweet spirit as we hugged and laughed and sang – and let a few tears fall - and listened to the words God gave each of the speakers to share with us. All too soon it was over. A sweet memory. Dear to my heart.

I flew home the next evening. About the time I boarded the plane the horizon began to change from the blue of the evening sky to the glow of a soft sunset. The colors started to change as we lifted up above the ground. Once we were airborne and away from the lights of the Los Angeles area I watched in wonder as we flew along miles and miles of coastline heading north. The colors took on an intensity I've never seen in a sunset from the earth's floor! The blending of the layers was subtle and I wondered if that was just a peek at what it must look like from Heaven. Soon the night sky enveloped the earth. There were stars above and twinkling lights of towns below. Then, somewhere just above the Oregon border – the moon! Just a sliver. But bright. And soon I was home.

Home – back to ‘real’ life and the blessings that God gives from His heart to mine every day. Home - filled with gratitude that He let me be part of a special time, in a special place. Home - touched by God in a special way – and changed! Home – different than I was when I went away. Home – wanting to make every minute count. Home – to let my light shine brighter than ever before. Home – where I belong!

Your Name

2011-10-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name

Jesus in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You
And glorify Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save but Your Name

Song: ‘Your Name’ by Paul Baloche

Something Strange Is Going On

2011-09-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

It was an average day. A normal day. A stay-at-home day and I was moving right along getting some housework done. Laundry was calling me and I had one load out of the dryer and the second one was started when something very strange happened. I sat on the sofa to fold the clean towels but soon I was called away to the phone. When I returned I noticed something that hadn’t been there before. What was this? What was going on? Taking a closer look, I knew. Mr. Joey had taken advantage of the situation. A load of fresh, soft, warm towels just out of the dryer was the perfect place to snuggle down for a nap! He had burrowed his way in and just his head was out. When he realized he had been found he stood up and looked the other way! Silly dog! What was life like before he arrived at our house? I know what it was like – it was more predictable. Not so many funny, furry surprises!

Now, if I could only teach him to fold the towels!

We Will Not Forget

2011-09-11T00:28:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2001

A day that will forever be remembered.

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of thy throne,
Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting, thou art God,
To endless years the same.

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come;
Be thou our guide while life shall last,
And our eternal home.

Song: ‘O God, Our Help In Ages Past'
Words: Isaac Watts

Finds and Treasures

2011-09-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

We arrived home from our vacation at the Oregon Coast today. There is so much I want to share with you but first I want to share with you the greatest ‘find’ and the dearest ‘treasure’ God has given me. My sweetheart is the most precious person on this earth to me. Last weekend we celebrated the fortieth anniversary of the day we met. It was a unique day – forty years ago on Sunday, September Fourth, the day before Labor Day - I walked into the church where he was the youth pastor. I was the guest of dear friends – the parents of a childhood friend of mine. When the morning church service began a handsome, young man stepped to the pulpit and welcomed everyone. He prayed and then began to lead the songs as we sang. Later, following the service, my dear friend’s mother introduced us. It was an ordinary kind of hello, how are you, where are you from, nice-to-meet-you introduction. There is so much more to the story - perhaps I will share it some day – but that evening I sat at the piano and sang a special song at the request of the music pastor at the church I had visited that morning. After the evening service had finished, most of the people stood around talking. As my friend and I began to walk out the door, the handsome, young youth pastor followed me to the door and invited me to go with him to get something to eat. That, my friends, was just the start of something really wonderful! It was as if we had always known each other. Truth be told, we were in some of the same rooms and events through our lifetimes but never met each other!

Early last Sunday morning, before we visited a special, little church at the Oregon Coast, my sweetheart gave me the most beautiful gift my heart could imagine. I’ll have to show it to you soon when I can find the best way to show it off. His heart and mine celebrated the day – it was a Sunday again, September Fourth, the day before Labor Day. Forty years!

A few days ago while fishing on a big river near the mouth of the Pacific Ocean my sweetheart called me and asked me to get my camera and come down to the docks. Why? He had a special ‘find’ he wanted me to see and photograph. And so, without further adieu – here is my most cherished ‘find’ and ‘treasure’. My best friend for forty years. My sweetheart.

My sweetheart caught a thirty-six inch Chinook Salmon! Lots of good and healthy eating ahead! He’s a keeper. My sweetheart, I mean!

A Quiet Vacation

2011-09-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

We’re at the Oregon Coast again for a few days of much-needed rest and relaxation. We have been here nearly a week and will go home tomorrow. We had planned to head home today but we just couldn’t make ourselves leave and go back to the work waiting for us when we return!
Our time away began with a Labor Day Weekend reunion with my sweetheart’s brothers and sister and their spouses. It’s an annual event – time to get away and be together. The guys went crabbing on the bay and the girls went antiquing and thrifting. Most everyone is home now but we stayed. We moved north a bit from where we had spent the weekend. Our little cabin-on-wheels is parked in a cute, little city-owned park with only four RV spots and a few tent sites. Right now we are the only ones here except for the camp hosts. We are in Space thirteen. This is a tiny little town – it‘s very quiet here. The park is nice and the neighbors are friendly. Not far from our campsite, a little bridge crosses the creek and leads to a nice park that is filled with things for kids to do. A skateboard park has recently been added. It fills with kids shortly after school is out each day. This photo was taken from the top where most of the kids ‘jump’ into action. Nearby, a slide seems to call to passersby – even some of the adults! From all angles – it looks like fun! I was tempted. Real tempted! It doesn’t take long to tour the park and then we are back ‘home’ again. There we are – number thirteen. There is more to tell. Another time. Now I’m off to see what I can find. There’s so much to see – I can’t miss a thing! And the beach isn’t very far away!

Blessing and Praise

2011-08-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time forth and forever.

From the rising of the sun
to the going down of it
and from east to west,
the name of the Lord is to be praised!

The Lord is high above all nations,
and His glory above the heavens!

Psalm 113:2-4

Beachcombers

2011-08-27T00:55:00.000-07:00

We’re at the beach again. The Oregon Coast has called us back. Last weekend I shared that we were there for the memorial service of our dear friend – and I shared that I was leading worship at the church where her hubby is the minister. He’s taking time away and we are there to help a bit. We will continue to be there often – because God has touched our hearts with the need to be there! In the process, God is giving us a precious gift. The gift of time away. Together. At the beach! Just being beachcombers. For awhile. Enjoying the tide pools. . . Walking in the sand. . . And finding a few surprises along the way. Our little cabin-on-wheels is parked in a quiet spot beside the church where we can smell the salt-sea air and, if we’re very quiet, we might even hear the sound of the waves at night. I won’t have internet access there – I’ll just be relaxing and waiting to tell you all about our weekend away.Look who’s going with us! He’s very excited. He loves the beach and he can’t wait to go back again!

Friday Finds and Treasures

2011-08-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

It’s time to go back to something I started quite awhile ago when I first began to blog. My plan is to share something I have found while out and about or a treasure, new or old, each Friday. If there is a story that goes with the item, I’ll share that with you, too.

This week I want to share the décor on one wall of my dining room. My dining room is a ‘strange’ little room – not very big with openings on each side – but I really love it. There is only one wall! On that wall I have a piece of framed artwork that is very dear to my heart. There’s a story behind it. Quite a few years ago my little town had a wonderful antique/collective/craft mall that was a place I loved to visit. One day when I walked by the front window my heart was captured by a large, framed picture that I wanted to buy. I knew exactly where I would put it – it belonged on my dining room wall. And it was by one of my favorite artists, Sandy Lynam Clough. I often stood at the window to study every detail of the painting and I wished – oh, how I wished – I could buy it and take it home for that one spot that seemed to need it. The price was more than I could pay so I looked and wished and walked on. Often. Then one day the picture was gone. Not in the window. I hoped it went to someone who would treasure it as much as I. A few weeks later, on Christmas morning, there was no package under the tree for me from my sweetheart. That seemed strange and I thought maybe he had forgotten to shop. All of the gifts had been opened and I have to tell you my heart felt so sad. Had he really forgotten me? My children and grandchildren didn’t know how terribly disappointed I was but I decided to make the best of it and not ask questions. All of a sudden my sweetheart jumped up from his chair and said, ‘There is one more!’ ‘Where is it?’, I asked. Out the door he went – when he came in again he had the biggest present I think I’ve ever had. His eyes danced with joy as he placed it on the floor in front of me. One rip of the paper and I knew! And the tears began to pour down my face. HE was the one who bought the picture. I was the one who would hang it on my wall and treasure it every time I looked at it! Of course I had to tell him he shouldn’t have spent so much. Then, I loved the story he told. He went into the shop and asked the owner what her best price was on that picture in the window. When she told him, he pointed out that part of the picture had slipped out of the mat and it wasn’t quite straight. She looked at it and agreed – and gave him a nice discount. Then she told him exactly how to fix it so it would be good as new. And there it was! Now it was mine!

This beautiful painting has hung on my dining room wall ever since but I’ve always thought it needed something more. Should I hang something above it? Plates, perhaps? A little shelf? Nothing seemed to be right – until a couple of weeks ago. At the first yard sale of the day I found it. And I knew this was what I needed! Three framed pieces of artwork – by the same artist. It didn’t take long to put them on my wall.

Every time I walk by or look from the kitchen or the living room I smile. It’s just right! And I love it even more than before.

The Way Of Life

2011-08-21T00:23:00.000-07:00

You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 16:11

I’m A Dreamer!

2011-08-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

The service for my friend was a beautiful tribute to a life well lived – a life that honored God, loved her family and friends and made a difference wherever she went. None of us will be the same because she was part of our lives.

Today we are going to relax and take time to slow the pace of life and enjoy time together. Yesterday morning the wind was just right for sail-boarding and kites. The sun is shining again today – who knows what we’ll see.We’ve lived at the Oregon Coast twice since we were married. It always seems to call me back and I have dreams of living here again. My sweetheart smiles and listens to my dreams. And lets me keep dreaming. Yesterday we drove to a favorite viewpoint overlooking the ocean and when I stepped out of the car to take photos - right there, next to me - I saw this sign. The house beside our favorite viewpoint is for sale! Oh, the things I could do with a house at the beach. I have ideas – lots of ideas! My sweetheart listens – and smiles. And says, ‘That house is in the tsunami zone!’ He’s the practical one. A little while later he drives slowly up the hill as I ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over more homes for sale. Then, at the end of the road he sees one that would delight my heart – a little, old cottage with personality. And windows that look out to the coastline below. He quietly says, ‘One good thing about that house – it’s above the tsunami zone!’ Always thinking of things to consider, he smiles and knows I’m just dreaming. For right now.

Dream on, my heart, dream on. A little dreaming never hurt anyone, did it? Dreams really do come true. Sometimes.

Reflections

2011-08-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Four weeks ago I stood here, watching the fog surround the headlands. That day I knew that soon I would visit a dear friend of mine – probably for the last time here on earth. This morning I stood in the same place again, watching the sunshine chase the fog away. This time I am here to play for her memorial service. I think I understand more about the moment she left the ‘fog’ of this life – when the sunshine of her Savior chased away the haze of this world and she stepped into the light of the Son. Forever!

No more night. No more pain.
No more tears. Never crying again.
And praises to the great "I AM."
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

Song: ‘No More Night’
Words and music by Walt Harrah

Life Prayer

2011-08-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
Psalm 90:14

Gifts From The Heart

2011-08-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a birthday. It was a wonderful day and I treasure the time I had with my family. My sweetheart and my dear, little mother and my cousin planned a special dinner for me – at my house. My sweetheart cooked steak to perfection on the grill and my dear mother and cousin prepared a wonderful meal. It seemed strange to sit in my living room – with my feet up – while they worked on the details of a wonderful meal. Shortly before my mother and cousin and her hubby arrived I had surprise visitors. My daughter and her daughters arrived for just a few minutes to deliver the most beautiful birthday flowers. A very special gift was hand-delivered by one of my granddaughters. It’s a grandma and her grandchild! So sweet. A special treasure.

High atop the flowers was a birthday greeting that is still ‘flying high’. The flowers and the balloon still make me smile every time I see them and the little grandma bear is a constant reminder how blessed I am to be a grandma!

Storm Clouds

2011-08-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

The other day I told someone about a dear friend of mine who is very ill. For her birthday she was given a few nights at a suite on the bluff above the beach at the Oregon Coast. I mentioned that I was praying that the weather would be good – sunshine, blue skies, no clouds and gorgeous sunsets. He is a mariner, a sea captain. His words touched my heart in more ways than he knew. He said, ‘You can’t have the beautiful sunsets with the clouds.’ Wow! Did that ever strike home. There have been a lot of clouds in my life over the past weeks – but there have also been some sunsets - sent from the hand of my Heavenly Father in the middle of the storm.

A few weeks ago we spent a few days at a beautiful lake high in the Cascade Mountains of Central Oregon. The days were sunny and clear, the evenings warm. One evening clouds began to roll in and we knew there was a storm coming. Before the storm, God gave us clouds. And a sunset. He painted the sky - a show of His incredible artistry - for us to remember during the night when the storm’s fury woke us from sleep. Our campsite was right across the lake from a beautiful mountain. You can see its beauty here. As the clouds rolled in, it wasn’t long before they covered the mountain.The lake began to reflect the colors that filled the sky.
It wasn’t long before the mountain disappeared, the colors began to fade and darkness filled the night.

Clouds come floating into my life,
no longer to carry rain or usher storm,
but to add color to my sunset sky.

Rabindranath Tagore

A Little Visitor

2011-08-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was surprised by a knock on my door in the middle of the day. When I opened the door a little voice, from a tiny person, said ‘Hi’! My heart jumped with joy – it was Miss H., my youngest granddaughter. She and her brother and mommy stopped by for a few minutes. A few, precious minutes that made my day!While Miss H. explored the garden, her brother, Mr. C., decided to try out his Papa’s boat. I’m sure he was dreaming of a hoped-for fishing trip. It wasn’t long before Miss H. decided to give it a try! With a little help from her big brother, she was ready to go.Some serious conversation followed and soon the decision was made. . .To change the seating arrangement. But the sun was too bright! Then, a discovery seemed to help. Checking it out from every angle. . . She decided she liked it! Whatever it was!All too soon it was time to go. Miss H. gave kisses, said goodbye, put on her shades and made sure she had her Sippy Cup – and then they were gone. Gone from my home, but not from my heart!

A Look Back

2011-08-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I told you about the wonderful, historic Victorian house and gardens where I love to go. I told you that I was going back again to help take down a display of vintage wedding gowns. And I told you that I wouldn’t have a chance to take any photos. Was I ever wrong! There were a few minutes here and there for me to snap a few photos before the display was taken down. I really enjoyed helping with the wedding gowns. It gave me a chance to look at the gowns up close – a chance to see details the public doesn’t always see. The underpinnings, the incredible fabrics and trims. . . The hand-stitched details that give the gown shape and form. . . All exquisite and made with care. Perfectly placed stitches and every detail intrigued me. The front of each garment was wonderful, but when I saw the back I knew that the train was my favorite. Imagine the beautiful bride as she strolls down the garden path. Or, as she gracefully comes down the elegant staircase. A display of wedding shoes filled the built-in cupboard in a nearby closet. Of course, every bride needs flowers. I couldn’t help but stop to ‘collect’ a few as I made my way along the path to my car!

Respite In A Special Place

2011-08-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I needed to take a break from the rush of life. I knew where to go –a favorite place of mine called out to me! Like sweet water to my soul, it nourished my tired, weary body and filled my heart with joy. I ‘sneaked’ away for just a bit of time to this special place that always seems to take me away from the noise and the rush of the world for a bit. This place I love is in the middle of a big city. Traffic comes and goes all around but if you listen with your heart you don’t hear it – all you hear are sounds of peace. And quiet. Let me take you there.
It’s a place of beauty. . .

A place for quiet reflection. . .

A place where nature peeks through and makes you smile. . .
A place where a secret garden calls you to go beyond the gate. . . A place where the unseen can be seen if you look for it. . .

A place that changes every day. . .
A place where little things are all around you. . . And a place where sunshine can highlight simple beauty. I’m going there again today.

This time I won’t be strolling through the gardens. Instead, I’ll be upstairs to help take down a vintage wedding gown display. The gowns will be packed away to be seen again some other day! It’s a chance for me to help give time so this special place can continue to be a place where time seems to stand still. A place that touches the heart. A place that is a respite from the busyness of everyday life.

Salem, Oregon

Waiting

2011-08-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

How exciting to know that what you’ve asked God for is on its way. As God works behind the scenes to bring about everything you’re waiting for, your faith is at work preparing for the arrival of His blessing.
(from Whispers of Faith)

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3

Yellow Roses For An ‘Old’ Lady

2011-08-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

Several months ago my oldest granddaughter asked how old I would be on my next birthday. When I told her, she gasped and said, ‘I didn’t know you were going to be that old!’ To be honest, I hadn’t felt that old until that moment. When seen through the eyes of a young teen, the age I am now must seem hard to comprehend. What I didn’t tell her was that it seems like just yesterday I was where she is in life and I, too, thought I would never get to be that age. And I also didn’t say that time goes so fast – something I heard when I was young and didn’t comprehend – and, suddenly, here I am.

Well, today I am that age! And in many ways I don’t feel a whole lot older than I did all those years ago. I just feel wiser! And happy - and content - and satisfied to be exactly where I am. I see things so much differently. I think I feel things much deeper and I hope I love a whole lot more! I’m glad – oh, so glad – that I have made it to this place in my life. You see, my friends, today is my birthday and I am so happy to tell you my age. I have finally reached that age!

(The beautiful miniature yellow roses shown above were a gift from my sweetheart. He knows they are my favorite!)

A Touch Of Class

2011-08-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

I love it when I see the unexpected – something I normally wouldn’t see in a place where I wouldn’t think it would be! While my sweetheart and I were walking through a forest park beside the beach a few days ago I noticed something that seemed a bit out of place. It definitely added a touch of class in an unexpected place!Who would expect to see a centerpiece on a rustic picnic table in the middle of the woods? Nothing fancy – just a touch of class in the most unlikely place!

Blessings

2011-07-31T00:36:00.000-07:00

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

And all the while You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?

And what if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us, when darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst
This world can’t satisfy?

And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?

Song: ‘Blessings’
Written and sung by Laura Story

Seen In A Nearby Place

2011-07-21T00:14:00.000-07:00

The winds have welcomed you with softness,The sun has greeted you with it’s warm hands,You have flown so high and well,

That God has joined you in laughter,

And set you back gently into The loving arms of the earth below.

— Anonymous, known as 'The Balloonist's Prayer,' believed to have been adapted from an old Irish sailors' prayer.

The morning we left for vacation – just minutes after we left home – we saw several hot air balloons high overhead. It didn’t take us long to realize they were descending and it appeared they were going to land in a nearby field beside a business we would soon pass. I have dreamed of taking a hot air balloon ride some day – and I intend to do it one of these days. Perhaps next Spring or Summer. As we turned to pass the area where the balloons would soon land my sweetheart (and he is a sweetheart!) pulled over to the side of the road so I could get out of the truck and capture it all with my camera. I loved every minute of it – the sights of the big balloons. The sounds of the hot air being released to keep the balloons afloat. The voices of the people riding, floating, in the baskets. And those on the earth below. My heart longed to stay but I knew it was time to be on our way, headed out of town. To the lake. For a long-awaited vacation. Oh, how I wished I climb on-board and fly away! One of these days I will. And you will know it’s me up there. I’ll be the one with the camera. And the big smile on my face! Be sure to wave!!

The balloon seems to stand still in the air
while the earth flies past underneath.
— Alberto Santos-Dumont.

Garden Talk

2011-07-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

She stooped over the flowers
and talked about them
as if they were children.

Frances Hodgson

New Determination

2011-07-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

An ‘interesting’ thing happened with my blog while I was away on vacation. I feel I must share it with you so you don’t have to deal with the same thing when you least expect it.

A man from a country on the other side of the world contacted me to ask where I ‘found’ the photo I had used on a blog post three years ago. He said he found it interesting that I had used that photo and that the credits at the bottom of the photo had been blurred so they were not readable. He continued to say the photo was the work of one of the photographers in the firm that employed him. Before I replied I did some research and found that, indeed, he represented a reputable photography firm in another country and that this did not appear to be spam or an attempt to ‘trick’ me in any way.

I replied in my most gracious manner to say that I did not recall exactly where I had found the photo since it had been such a long time ago but I assured him I did not blur the credit and that I always give credit to those whose work I use when I use other than my own. I told him that, as an amateur photographer, I do not appreciate it if someone uses my photography without permission, nor would I be happy if I were not given credit for the photo. I explained that when I do use photography other than my own I always give credit and I use it from free sites – I never use copyrighted photos unless I have been given permission from the owner and have made arrangements to use it.

He followed with this reply: “I completely understand. I do have to protect our photographer’s images though, so I would ask that either you remove the image or pay for its use. The rate is currently $50 for 2 years website use. If you choose to pay, the easiest way to do that is through [link attached]. I hope you will understand our position. Many thanks.”

I responded to tell him that I was not going to pay for use of the photo and that I had removed it from my blog. I mentioned that I planned to write a blog post about the situation to share with my friends and readers a caution about sources that some of us, in our innocence, may consider safe and legal. I assured him that the only reason I used the photo in question was for the impact it added to my words.

His final response was: “No problem. If you do mention this in your blog, it would be worth pointing out that many of the Image Libraries (particularly some of the larger ones), would not bother to ask whether you wish to pay for the image. They would just have sent you an invoice and a letter from their legal department. We try to be a little more flexible here, but you may not have been so lucky had the image originated elsewhere. Google images is full of Rights Managed images because that’s often the best way to bring them to the buyer. It is therefore very risky to make use of images without prior knowledge of their origin, no matter where you find them. I hope that makes sense.”

I chose not to respond again. Case closed. Lesson learned.

You can view the blog in question and read the comments I added here. The bottom line, I’m afraid, is that you cannot trust anyone but yourself! You cannot trust sources or credits that are not yours. From this time on I will ONLY use photography that is mine! If, for some reason, I want to refer to a photo that one of you have shared that has given me inspiration I will continue to do what I have done in the past – I will contact you and ask permission to use it. And I will give credit where credit is due!

My Anchor Holds

2011-07-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have journeyed
Through the long dark night
Out on the open sea
By faith alone
Sight unknown
And yet His eyes were watching me

The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm

I've had visions
I've had dreams
I've even held them in my hand
But I never knew
They would slip right through
Like they were only grains of sand

I have been young
But I am older now
And there has been beauty
These eyes have seen
But it was in the night
Through the storms of my life
Where God proved his love to me

The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm

Now we have this hope
as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul -
it cannot slip and it cannot break down
under whoever steps out upon it...

Hebrews 6:19

Song: ‘My Anchor Holds’
Written and recorded by Ray Boltz

Scripture: Amplified Bible

An Uninvited Guest

2011-07-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

It seems just when we need it most – in the times it seems laughter and smiles are few and far between – God sends something to give us a chuckle or two from something totally unexpected. That’s what has happening at our house. We have been ‘chosen’ by a guest – an uninvited guest – to share our lives with him. Or her!

Apparently while we were away on vacation a little, local guy decided to move in and take up residence in our hot tub. It was rumored by a certain grandson of ours who was here at our house for a few days that he had sighted a ‘squatter’ nearby. Attempts by that grandson to capture and remove the trespasser were not successful. I, however, have discovered the identity of – and have become very familiar with – the offender!

A few days ago my sweetheart drained the water from the hot tub, cleaned it thoroughly, refilled it and started it again. The next morning I nonchalantly ‘donned’ my swimsuit, grabbed my big towel and headed for the hot tub. Removing the cover I was immediately faced with the fellow who seems to think our hot tub is his home. A small, dark green frog was ~~swimming~~ floating in the hot tub! A nearby tool that belongs with my sweetheart’s boat helped me scoop him out and transport him quickly into the bushes nearby. Now it seems he is a persistent ‘guest’ as he reappears each morning – in or on the hot tub. A favorite place seems to be in a little fold just under the cover.

I’m telling you – I am NOT going to get in that hot tub unless I can see every square inch of the water and surface below. I’m NOT going to share my hot tub with uninvited guests. I’m selfish that way!

My Source Of Help

2011-07-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.

Psalm 121:1-3

Maybe. . .

2011-07-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

‘Just that maybe …
maybe you don’t want
to change the story,
because you don’t know
what a different ending holds.’

Ann Voskamp

But God knows the end of the story and it all makes sense to Him.

Home Again

2011-07-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve been sitting here – at home again – enjoying the cool morning breeze coming through open windows and the scent of lavender laundry detergent as the sheets from my bed slowly agitate and become infused with the scent I love. Through the morning I have picked up little things – reminders that special people were here in our absence. A little sock from our baby granddaughter. Forgotten – or taken off on purpose? Hair accessories that certainly must belong to a growing granddaughter. Signs of bubbles blown in the backyard. A note from our dear daughter, thanking us for giving her and her four sweet kids a bit of vacation while we were away. It’s a note that thrills my heart with the gratitude in her words and the love I read there. The love in my heart for her spills a bit from my eyes as I realize that this place that I call home also feels like home to her. Bringing her children here for a few days brought respite from daily life for a bit. I am thankful that this place that is a gift from God to us and a blessing to our lives has once again blessed someone else. This time, those dearest to our hearts.

During my time away I spent many hours reading and devouring a book I bought just before our vacation. I couldn’t put it down. The Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin spoke to my heart. God had already been speaking to me about opening my home and my heart to more people. He spoke to me in the places of my reluctance! Sandy’s words were just what I needed – at times I was sure she was reading my mind. I came home excited and ready to open the door of my home more than ever before. Ready to welcome and share our home more with friends new and old. Today I realized it already began while I was away! In ways I never dreamed, my door opened and my dear ones came in – they were the first. And they found rest and blessings here.

Thank you, God, for the gift you have given me. My home. Not really mine - it is Yours! Use it to touch those You choose. Help me always hold the door open wide to the dear ones You send my way. Let my home be a blessing. A refuge from the storm. A place of rest and joy! A place where Your presence brings peace to all who enter!

Roughing It!

2011-06-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

I was going to write a blog the other day and tell you that I was sitting beside this beautiful, old fireplace at the historic Diamond Lake Lodge and I hoped to check in from there and let you know that we were really roughing it at Diamond Lake! I was going to tell you I had a strong cell phone signal and that I found out the day before we left that the lodge had free Wi-Fi! It was rough, I know, but I really wanted to check in and let you know that we were having a lot of fun. And we had already had fresh fish for dinner! We were parked in a lakeshore site with access to the lake. The view from our campsite was fantastic! Most of the campground was first-come, first-served. Some of the sites can be reserved and they are hard to get because they fill up so early in the year. We like the sites that can’t be reserved and we really had hoped we could have a lakeshore site so my sweetheart could tie up the boat at our campsite each time he comes in from fishing. That is exactly what we got! There were only two lakeshore sites available when we arrived and we were given our choice. The other one was nice but the one we chose was just right! We enjoyed relaxing and spending time in the beauty of God’s creation – and a lot of little critters, too. Chipmunks and birds frequented our campsite and drove Joey crazy when he was outside. Mount Bailey was just across the lake from us. She changed through the day as the direction of sunlight changed. Mount Bailey was an active volcano – one of many in the Cascade Mountain Range in Oregon. We were looking into the crater left from an eruption many years ago. I loved the way the late afternoon and evening sun shone across the water. One of the days we were at Diamond Lake we took a day trip to Crater Lake. It was a gorgeous day and the lake and scenery along the way were absolutely breathtaking! I can't wait to share it with you soon.

I WAS going to tell you all of that but it didn’t happen! Some things changed for us and my time was needed elsewhere. One of the batteries on our trailer – there are two of them – started having problems so our lights got dimmer and dimmer through the evening hours. We have a generator but the battery wouldn’t charge so we really had to conserve power. Then we ran out of water! We were ‘dry camping’, a term that means we are not hooked up to water or sewer connections – we just use the thirty-five gallons in the tank we fill before leaving home and our little bathroom uses the holding tank that is emptied on our way out of camp. My sweetheart realized that he didn't fill our water tank all the way before we left. He thought it was fine but he remembered- when we ran out of water - that he hadn't filled it to overflowing. I quickly forgave him because he took my one gallon jug and made many trips back and forth to a nearby water spicket to give us the water we needed until we could refill the whole tank at a refill site on our way out of camp the next day. We really made it OK with everything going on, but we decided we needed to head to the nearest little, tiny town and have our batteries checked. As suspected, one of our batteries was very weak. I’m sure that little town loved having us there! We spent a fortune in a new battery, a refill of one propane tank and groceries at the only, tiny market in town. But we were happy and relieved and all is working well.

Yesterday we moved to Odell Lake, a little over an hour away from where we were. This lake is absolutely breathtaking in its beauty, too. I am sitting in the sun outside the lodge as I write. I’m connected to power on the log wall of the lodge and enjoying the benefits of their Wi-Fi. It would have been fun to write to you from the beautiful, old lodge at Diamond Lake and maybe that will happen some other day! We are camping with three families from our church. I will share more about this wonderful place soon. As I write, a little chipmunk keeps coming close to me. I’m sure he is hoping a wonderful snack will fall out of my pocket! Just a bit ago a big black bird 'dive-bombed' my computer bag, obviously in hopes of finding some sweet treat inside! There is so much to tell you! In the meantime, I really do need to get back to camp – I need to get back to ‘roughing’ it again!

Happy Wanderers

2011-06-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

We have gone a-wandering! We left early this morning – with the boat and trailer – headed for beautiful Diamond Lake in southern Oregon. A couple of months ago my sweetheart heard that the fishing at Diamond Lake is the best in years so we planned to vacation there this week. That information has been confirmed by some locals who returned from there this week. The timing is great. I'm feeling good and able to do quite a few things. This is just what we need. Vacation. Time away. Rest. Fresh air.

We will be in the great outdoors and may not have cell phone and internet access until we come home but we’ve heard through the grapevine that at least one of the lodges has free WI-Fi. I’m not above buying a diet soda so I can have the access code to stay in touch with the outside world!

We'll be at Diamond Lake for four nights – with a daytrip to Crater Lake planned for one of those days. Then we move to another mountain lake where we will meet friends from our church and spend four more days in the open air.

While I was getting ready to leave I started humming an old song. Do you remember this one?

I love to go a-wandering,
Along the mountain track,
And as I go, I love to sing,
My knapsack on my back.

I love to wander by the stream
That dances in the sun,
So joyously it calls to me,
"Come! Join my happy song!"

I wave my hat to all I meet,
And they wave back to me,
And blackbirds call so loud and sweet
From ev'ry green wood tree.

High overhead, the skylarks wing,
They never rest at home
But just like me, they love to sing,
As o'er the world we roam.

Oh, may I go a-wandering
Until the day I die!
Oh, may I always laugh and sing,
Beneath God's clear blue sky!

Chorus:
Val-deri,Val-dera,
Val-deri,
Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back.

Yep, that’s us – my sweetheart and Joey and I. Happy wanderers. Don’t worry, we will wander back home again. Maybe!

My Father’s Ties

2011-06-19T00:15:00.000-07:00

On this Father’s Day I would love to celebrate with my dear father. He was a wonderful man who was loved by everyone who knew him. He was loved because he loved so much. He gave when it seemed he needed others to give to him. He was the best dad a girl could ever have!

(Taken in Oaxaca Mexico on a missions trip –
Dad’s lifelong dream come true)

My dad had a heart of gold – a heart bigger than you can imagine. He was a preacher – a preacher who touched the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people. For as long as I can remember he had a heart for people all around the world. His lifelong dream was to preach in other countries – on missionfields around the world. Every morning he prayed for the people in different countries, naming one country after another, until I knew them by heart. Not too long before Dad went to be with Jesus his dream was fulfilled – he and my sweetheart went with a team of people to Oaxaca, Mexico where they helped lead a conference for pastors in that area of Mexico. My dad was one of the preachers for the conference - it meant more to him than most people knew.

When my father went to Heaven just over eight years ago I couldn’t bear to part with his ties! As my dear, little mother and I went through his things I just couldn’t let them go. They were such a part of him. They were ‘who he was’! It seemed that each tie held a memory for me and I wasn’t ready to let go. Then one day I heard of a lady who took her father’s ties and made a beautiful quilt from them. I ordered her book and I carefully planned the quilt I wanted to make. A piece of my dad, a bit of my history, a thing of precious memories! So, for the last eight years those ties have sat in a box on the shelf of my sewing room, waiting for the day I would take them down again and begin to take them apart and put them back together again. To make that long anticipated quilt.

Last month I ‘ran into’ a dear friend I hadn’t seen for quite some time. As we talked she told me of a lady in our town who has founded a ministry to pastors who have been imprisoned in Rwanda. She goes into the prisons and takes Bibles and helps in training them to share the message of the God's love with the people whose lives have been so ravaged by war and terror there. She said ‘prison pastors who receive the ties and women prisoners who receive the scarves say these gifts are evidence that people are praying for them and that they have not been forgotten.’ One warden told her that, after many years of empty handed visitors, the ties, scarves, and Bibles her ministry provides, were the first gifts the prisoners had ever received! They love scarves and ties and they all want a Bible of their own. She gives them a Bible of their own. And gives the ladies a bright-colored scarf. The men receive a tie!

As I stood there listening to the story of Rwanda, how lives were being changed, how they longed to have a Bible of their own – and a tie or a scarf – I knew what I had to do. With tears running down my face I told my friend that I had my father’s ties and I wanted to give them to go to Rwanda. There was no doubt in my mind – it was what Dad would have wanted. If he couldn’t go to Rwanda, he would want his ties to go in his place. He would want his ties to bless men who would go on to preach and share the message of the Bible he so dearly loved.

A few days later I reached up on the shelf and brought the box down. I opened it up and looked again at the ties I had so carefully folded and placed there.

As I took each tie out of the box I prayed for each man who would receive the ties. I asked God to bless them as He had blessed my dad and fill their lives with the joy I had seen in my dad’s life. And I knew I had really saved my father's ties for this - this was the reason I had kept them. It was the reason why I hadn't cut them into pieces for a quilt. No quilt I would make would ever have the impact my father's ties would have in Rwanda.
I took the ties and I drove to my friend’s house to give her the ties to pass on to the lady who was leaving for Rwanda just a few days later.
I handed my friend forty-eight ties – ties that had taken on new meaning. Ties that meant a part of my father would go to Rwanda. After all the years of prayer for that part of the world. After all the years he had longed to go and preach around the world. After all the years he had been gone. He could not go, but his ties went!

Today, on Father’s Day, the team is in Rwanda, giving out my father’s ties! His ties are touching the hearts of some dear men in that land so far away. There is no better way for me to celebrate today than to think about the day my father meets these men in Heaven. And they talk about the ties they shared here on earth!

(These photos are from the website of International Reconciliation Ministries. You can read more about the ministry to Rwanda here. The ties in these photos are not my father’s ties – they represent the ministry and show the joy one tie can give when it is given in the name of the Lord.)

Garden Color

2011-06-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

I love the colors of my garden - the green of the leaves, the rich brown of the soil and little bits of color showing up as plants bloom and blooms turn into edible delights. That would be enough to delight my heart. But this year I found something that just needed to be added. A yellow tomato cage!

I could have used the old, gray metal tomato cages that are stored neatly in the garden shed but I just couldn’t resist this one when I saw it a few weeks ago as I walked through my local hardware store! I know I could – but why?

There are two more tomato plants to the left of this one that need cages soon. They will be bigger than this cherry tomato plant and they need larger cages that don’t come in yellow. They will get ‘new’ ones soon! They get the big, old cages but they aren’t worried – theirs will look like this one. The day I bought this yellow cage I went straight to the paint department and bought spray paint the exact shade of yellow as the new one. What’s a girl to do? She has to color coordinate her garden – doesn’t she?

My Garden Assistant

2011-06-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had an unexpected visit from one of my favorite little people. My youngest grandson, Mr. H., came to visit for awhile. Without his brothers or his mommy and daddy. Just Mr. H. and I for about two wonderful hours. We had such fun together. He has a sunny outlook on life and loves to talk and play. And help. The first thing we did was get out some favorite toys. Joey had to check them out!
Mr. H. loves to play with tiny cars that have all kinds of things that go with them. And he really loves to play with the big, red barn that this Papa built for his daddy when he was about three. The roof is in the background – it lifts off so you can put the animals inside or drive the old tractor in when you’re finished with it. I asked him to smile for a picture - when he saw my camera he put on his special smile just for me! He and Joey played together and it wasn’t long before we went outside. I needed to turn the soil in my garden beds one last time before planting this year’s vegetables. Gardening is much more fun when you have an assistant. Mr. H. helped me and I think you might agree with me – he did a fine job. The soil in the garden box he worked on was in great shape when he left for home.
Not long after we started working on the garden boxes, Mr. H. found a worm. When the worm disappeared, the hunt was on to figure out where he had gone.

Within minutes he saw a worm on the other side of the garden bed. He was excited and he couldn’t wait to tell me he found the worm. He said it ‘jumped’ to the other side of the garden!

If you need an assistant gardener I know one you can ‘hire’. His pay? Just hugs and maybe a cookie or two!

Ancient of Days

2011-06-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Blessing and Honor,
Glory and Power
Be unto the Ancient of Days
From every nation,
All of creation
Bow before the Ancient of Days

Every tongue in Heaven and Earth
Shall declare Your glory,
Every knee shall bow at Your throne
You will be exalted, O God
And Your kingdom
Shall not pass away
O Ancient of Days

Your kingdom shall reign
Over all the earth,
Sing unto the Ancient of Days
For none can compare
To Your matchless worth,
Sing unto the Ancient of Days

Every tongue in Heaven and Earth
Shall declare Your glory,
Every knee shall bow at Your throne
You will be exalted, O God
And Your kingdom
Shall not pass away
O Ancient of Days

Song: ‘Ancient of Days’ by Hillsong

Honor

2011-05-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

Although no sculptured marble
should rise to their memory,
nor engraved stone
bear record of their deeds,
yet will their remembrance be
as lasting as the land they honored.

Daniel Webster

Gratitude

2011-05-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days I have begun to keep a gratitude journal. Shortly before my shoulder surgery I found the perfect journal book to keep my ‘gratitudes’ in. I began to write before my surgery and have continued on since coming home from the hospital. As I waited in the pre-surgery area on Monday morning I was aware of so many things for which I was grateful. I could see God’s hand on every detail – the timing, the way medical things fell into place and the bits and pieces of pre-surgery care that are often difficult.

Before I begin to share some things I’ve written in my gratitude journal I want to say thank you to each of you who have prayed and emailed and commented and sent wishes for a speedy recovery. Your words have meant far more than you know. I have been filled with peace that goes far beyond understanding through the entire process and my early recovery days far exceed what I had anticipated. I am moving slowly – but I am doing well. The days of quiet rest are good for me in more ways than words can tell. I am resting. With a grateful heart.

For these things I am grateful:

- Friends who offered to help my dear, little mother with grocery shopping, errands and appointments while I recover from surgery.
- Strength and energy to accomplish a lot of things over the days before my surgery.
- Peace that couldn’t be explained as we drove to the hospital early on the day of surgery – no fear – no apprehension. The nurses commented about how peaceful and relaxed I was.
- A nurse who understood my history and concerns about getting the IV in place without many tries and much pain. She wrapped my hand in warm towels for a few minutes and then got the IV in on the first try!
- A wonderful medical and surgical team who were caring and who communicated every step of the way.
- Successful surgery and news that my rotator cuff was not affected at all and is in good condition!
- A good first few days home from surgery – much better than anticipated – with pain under control.
- My sweetheart’s tender care – watching over me with a gentle love – willing to do mundane tasks and go the extra mile.
- Hearing good news that our daughter-in-law does not have leukemia or lymphoma, as suspected, and that all is well with her.

‘I will sing the LORD’s praise,
for He has been good to me.’
Psalm 13:6

While She’s Sleeping

2011-05-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Shhhh. . .I have to be very quiet. My mommy is sleeping and I have been sleeping a lot, too. Everything is very different at our house now and my mommy isn’t busy anymore! I don’t really understand it but I know something changed. And even my daddy is at home. That’s pretty special. I love having both of them home at the same time and I love it when one of them sits down or lays on the sofa so I can snuggle next to them. And sleep!

Two days ago my mommy told me she was going away for awhile yesterday and she would come home again before bedtime. And, you know what? She did! I almost wagged my tail off when I saw her! She told me things would be different for awhile. I didn’t know what she meant but I listened very carefully – and I’m trying to be a very good boy so I don’t disturb her! I’m not sure what’s wrong, but I know something isn’t normal. When she came home late yesterday afternoon she had a funny thing on her left arm – I think she said it’s a sling. Or something like that. I was so happy to see her again. I wanted her to pick me up and when she told me she couldn’t do that I knew she felt bad about it, too. I like to sit near her and wait for her tell me to jump up on her chair or the sofa beside her. I could hardly believe my ears when she asked me to write to you on her blog! She knows I can handle it.

Late last night my daddy sat down at the computer and sent an email to a whole bunch of friends. He told me I could copy it so you would know more about what happened to my mommy yesterday. This is what he told our friends.

Just a note to update you on Adrienne’s shoulder surgery today. But first, let me thank you for your prayers on her behalf. The Lord’s presence was certainly with us today.

We arrived at Providence Milwaukie Hospital at 8 AM for pre op preparation. At 10:15 she was wheeled into surgery. One hour and five minutes later the Dr. came out to the waiting room to tell me that all went fine. Two large bone spurs had been removed. After a few hours of recuperation in the hospital, I brought her home where she is resting comfortably. Her voice is raspy from the breathing tubes, so she must limit her talking for the time being. Her pain is controlled with the nerve blocking shot she received in the hospital. She has started a regimen of pain meds as the shot will wear off by tomorrow.

Again, thanks for your prayers.
God is Good,
Mommy’s Sweetheart

(He didn’t sign it that way – I did because that's what my mommy calls him.)

Some things have changed since Daddy wrote that email. I’ll try to tell you what I heard them say when they were talking this morning. Mommy is resting comfortably. She had trouble sleeping last night because she slept so much during the day. I snuggled next to her for awhile but she kept moving around and getting up so I decided to move somewhere else where I could sleep without being disturbed. Early this morning I found her sound asleep on the sofa in the living room and I woke her up. My daddy said it was time for her to wake up and take a pain pill so I had to do it! Even though I wanted to let her sleep.

The shot they gave to make her arm numb has worn off (I don’t understand that – I thought things that are worn are tattered and look old but she looks pretty good!) She has been up walking around and doing a few things by herself. My daddy fixed her a nice breakfast and she liked it a lot. I heard her tell Daddy ‘thank you’ and she said it was very good.

I’m so glad my mommy is home again. She is resting and taking it easy. She told me we will be able to do all kinds of things again. I like that. I love to do things with her.

I think I’d better go lie down – it’s time for me to rest!
Joey

P.S. - My mommy looks so pretty! My daddy bought her some new tops that zip or snap up the front so she can get into them easier than some of her other clothes. She has a new purple top on today. It has a shiny butterfly near her heart. I don't know what she means but she told me it adds just a bit of 'bling'! Oh, I have so much to learn!

Assurance

2011-05-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

For I am the Lord,
your God,
who takes hold
of your right hand
and says to you,
’Do not fear,
I will help you.’
Isaiah 41:13

On Hold

2011-05-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life has a way of slowing us down when we least expect it. Mine is about to be put on hold. Temporarily! Over the past year I have had problems with my left shoulder. My doctor and I have tried some things that haven’t made much difference. Monday morning I will have surgery to correct the problems that have intensified over the last few weeks, leaving me with less and less use of my arm and more and more pain as the days have gone by.

A recent MRI showed that a large calcium deposit that has built up on the front of my shoulder area is compromising the tendon and a bone spur at the top of my shoulder is making a ‘dent’ in my rotator cuff. It needs to be removed before the ‘dent’ becomes a tear. When I saw the specialist this week I expected that surgery in would be the plan. I just didn’t expect it to happen so soon.   Just before I arrived at the doctor's office a cancellation in the doctor’s surgery schedule for next Monday opened a spot right away.

Over the last few days I have been busy cancelling appointments and commitments and getting things ready for the time I will be ‘on hold’. This is a day surgery so I will come home Monday afternoon or evening. My sweetheart is taking time off work to be with me for a few days. I’ve given him permission to work on his ‘honey-do’ list while I rest! My arm will be in a sling for a week and I won’t be able to drive for at least a month. I’m busy getting things ready so my only focus over the next weeks will be to rest and recover! And, when the time comes, I will do some little projects. I have several things ready – things that can be done pretty much with one hand. I have a stack of books I never have time to read – I have a million photos on my computers that need to be edited. I won’t run out of simple things to do. When the time comes.   But first I plan to rest.rest.rest. And heal.

I’ve been asked what is happening with Daffodil. Nothing at the moment. The roof seams have been recaulked and one coat of roof seal has been applied. The second coat and other exterior work that needs be done are at the mercy of the weather. She must be watertight before the transformation on the inside can be done. Time will come soon – we believe – that work will begin in earnest and progress will be made. Then, one day she will be the beautiful, little trailer she was meant to be.   I’ll share photos and updates when that happens. I’ll be able to be part of the project again. One of these days.

Before then I will do what I need to do to recover from surgery. And heal. I’m keeping that goal in mind. I can’t wait for that day! I have places to go. And people to see. And things to do.

Sneak Peek

2011-05-16T00:37:00.000-07:00

Do you have visions and dreams of things you hope to find someday? Things you hope to find to make the room you 'see' in your mind? I love the way those hopes and dreams can come together when you least expect it. In the most unlikely place!

While browsing through a favorite vintage shop last week I found an office chair I knew would be just right for my office at home. The shop had been rearranged and when I stepped into one of the rooms with a decor that isn't my favorite, I was certain there wouldn't be anything there for me. I almost didn't go into the room! But there sat THE chair! It was love at first sight! It felt good when I sat in it and in spite of a few squeaks and squawks and groans when I moved around in it, I knew my sweetheart had to check out. He's the expert when it comes to greasing and oiling things and I knew he would know exactly what to do. And it was important for him to feel comfortable in the chair, too. He stopped by the shop later and checked it out and it wasn't long before he arrived home with my 'new' chair. I'm just giving you a sneak peek for now.

I haven't decided exactly how I'm going to fancy it up yet. There will be a cushion, for sure, and maybe a coat or two of paint. It's perfect with the desk in our office. The desk was my father's desk in his church study through the years he served as pastor in several churches. I have plans to repaint it and I think I will paint the chair to match. I love the look of this Pottery Barn desk and chair.

I have planned to paint my father's desk white for a long time. I have collected several inspiration photos over the past few months.

Now that I have the chair I think it's time to move this project closer to the top of my list.

And when I saw Stacey's desk and chair at Red Door Home there was no doubt in my mind that this was exactly what I need to do! If you've never visited her blog, you really must stop by and get acquainted. You won't be sorry!

Don't you think my new chair is just the pièce de résistance? I can't wait to start the renovation of my office room. This chair may be just the motivation I need to move it forward soon.

Priorities

2011-05-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

I want to know the mind of God.
The rest is all details.

Albert Einstein

Mother’s Day Memories

2011-05-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today I keep thinking about the wonderful Mother’s Day that we enjoyed at our home. The day started out with breakfast prepared by my sweetheart. Then we picked up my dear, little mother and travelled to a nearby community where we attended church with my cousin and her hubby, Mrs. C. and Mr. V. After church we all came back to our home for dinner. And, oh, what a dinner it was! My sweetheart cooked a most delicious meal for the three of us girls. We loved having a chance to sit in the living room and visit while the work was being done in the kitchen. He set the table and when I peeked my head into the dining room I couldn’t keep from laughing. I saw the craziest plastic 'glasses' at each of the girls' places at the table!

My sweetheart had planned it all – a beautiful table setting, complete with a bit of humor. Ice water never tasted so good! It was served in these silly glasses that had crazy straws! My dear, little mother had the one with peppermint stripes and a straw that wound around down inside and all around the outside of her glass. It ended with a gentle curve toward her mouth. Mrs. C. had the yellow glass with a straw that curled around to look like branches on a palm tree. My glass was the tall one with wild turquoise and lime green stripes and a straw that had the funniest curls and bends and twists from the very bottom deep down inside all the way to the top. When dinner was over my sweetheart told us that we could keep our glasses. I’m not sure when my dear, little mother will drink from hers again but I sure had fun drinking juice from mine again today!

My sweetheart put the finishing touches on a colorful stir-fry dish. . .
While Mr. V. sliced and plated the meat.
The meal was absolutely over the top! My sweetheart is a good cook and we knew he had something special planned. We could smell it the moment we walked into the house after church. We had slow-cooked London Broil, an assortment of stir-fried vegetables, make-your-own salads on a bed of mixed greens and hot rolls with butter. Mr. V. provided the dessert. He went way beyond the call of duty - his choice was a big hit! Two family members can’t have sugar – he took that into account so he shopped at a sugar-free bakery near his home. He brought the biggest cream puffs we had ever seen! And they were sugar free! He bought chocolate for the girls and peach for the guys. We had a hard time deciding how to eat them. Forks? Or, fingers? When forks didn’t work, we decided the only way to eat them was with our fingers. There was much laughter around the table, especially when we got a bit of the cream filling on our noses and chins. You would have thought we were just kids again!

And would you believe – the best gift of all? The men cleared the table and did the dishes!

Late that afternoon, as we hugged each other and said goodbye we all commented that it had been a good day. We won’t forget this one. Not ever.

My kids and grandkids weren’t able to be with us but I had sweet greetings from each of them. My son came and took me to lunch on Friday and we spent some time together before he headed home. I am blessed. So blessed. And one happy mother!

My Mother

2011-05-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

This Mother’s Day weekend I spoke at a Mother’s Day Brunch in a neighboring community. My dear, little mother was able to go with me. I introduced her and told the ladies in the audience that I wanted to tell them about my mother. She didn’t know what I was going to say. At first she wondered but once I started sharing the following words she was a proud mother, sitting straight and tall and smiling with pride. Pride in me. Pride in a job well done. Here is what I shared. The words are not mine alone – I adapted them from a reading I found some time ago.

I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs or toast. When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess, my supper was different than the other kids' also. I had to sit at a nicely set table with the rest of my family and practice good manners and participate in pleasant conversation around the table.

My mother insisted on knowing where I was at all times. You'd think I was on a chain gang. She had to know who my friends were and where we were going. She insisted if I said I’d be gone for an hour that I’d be gone one hour or less--not one hour and one minute.

The worst is yet to come. I had to be in bed at a certain hour each night and up early the next morning. I couldn't sleep till noon like some of my friends. While they slept, my mother actually had the nerve to break the child-labor law. She made me work. I had to clean my room, do dishes, make my bed, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things. I really think she laid awake at night trying to think up things just to make me miserable.

She always insisted that I tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, even if it killed me - and it nearly did.

By the time I was a teen-ager she was much wiser - and my life became even more unbearable. If I spent the night with a girlfriend, can you imagine she checked on me to see if I were really there? I never had the chance to elope to Mexico. That is, if I'd had a boyfriend to elope with. I forgot to mention, while some kids were dating at the mature age of 12 and 13, my old-fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 or 16. Fifteen, if I dated only with a group of friends from church and we went to a church youth group function. My mother was a complete failure as a mother. I actually graduated from high school and attained some higher education. I never committed a crime or was arrested. And who do I have to blame for the terrible way I turned out? You're right, my mean mother. Look at the things I missed. I never got to march in a protest parade, take part in a riot and a million and one other things that other people did.

She made me grow up to become a God-fearing, educated, honest adult. With this background, I tried to raise my two children. So, I stand a little taller today and I am filled with pride when I say that my children used to call me mean, too. Because, you see, I thank God, He gave me the meanest mother in the whole world.

And that’s why I am who I am today.

Thanks, Mom – I love you!

adapted from Bobbie Pingaro (1967)

The Light

2011-05-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

Psalm 119: 105

A Special Place

2011-04-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to introduce you to a new place to visit in blog land. A special place! A place where you can read the story of my little vintage trailer - Daffodil. She has a blog. Her own blog. Stop by Daffodil’s Journey to follow her adventures in words and photos. Share the journey she has begun to take from life as a little bud all the way to full bloom. And beyond. You will see her before – during – and after the transformation. She’s waiting to meet you and hopes you will stop by soon.

A Story To Live By

2011-04-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

(This story written by Ann Wells in the Los Angeles Times touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you today. There’s a lesson to learn here – a valuable lesson.)

My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. ‘This,’ he said, ‘is not a slip. This is lingerie.’ He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite’ silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with with an astronomical figure on it was still attached. ‘Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least eight or nine years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion.’ He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to me. ‘Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you’re alive is a special occasion.’

I remember those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad shores that follow an unexpected death. I thought about them on the plane returning to California from the Midwestern town where my sister’s family lives. I thought about all the things that she hadn’t seen or heard or done. I thought about the things that she had done without realizing that they were special. I’m still thinking about his words, and they’ve changed my life.

I’m reading more and dusting less. I’m sitting on the deck and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden.

I’m spending more time with my family and friends and less time in committee meetings. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experience to savor, not endure. I’m trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I’m not ‘saving’ anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event – such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia blossom.

I wear my good blazer to the market if I feel like it. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out twenty eight dollars and forty nine cents for one small bag of groceries without wincing.

I’m not saving my good perfume for special parties; clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses that function as well as my party-going friends.
‘Someday’ and ‘one of these days’ are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it’s worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now. I’m not sure what my sister would have done had she known that she wouldn’t be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted.

It’s those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew that my hours were limited. Angry and sorry that I didn’t tell my husband and daughter often enough how much I truly love them.

I’m trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is. . .a gift from God.

(I would love to hear how you make ‘special’ things part of your everyday life. I’m making changes in the way I do things – I’m not waiting for company to use the ‘good’ dishes; I’m 'doing' my face and hair each day as if I am about to meet the President or go to high tea in London; I’m greeting my sweetheart at the end of his busy day with a so-glad-you-are-home smile and a neat appearance, and a sweet fragrance. There is so much more we can do to use the things we save for someone or something special – and, too often, we never use them at all. Let me hear your thoughts, your plans and how you make the everyday special. For those you love. For yourself!)

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

I live, I live because He is risen;
I live with power over sin.
I live, I live because He is risen;
I live to worship Him.

Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus!
Because You’re alive, because You’re alive,
Because You’re alive, I live!

Song: ‘I Live, I Live Because He Is Risen’
Words and music by Rich Cook

She's A Lady!

2011-04-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

You may remember that Daffodil, my little vintage trailer, was a guy’s hunting ‘rig’ before I bought her. As such she saw things she won’t be seeing again. One of those things was this sign that was hanging on the wall inside.

The sign has been removed. After all, she is a lady!

At The Cross

2011-04-17T00:23:00.000-07:00

Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me

Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now

You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me

You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done

And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me

Song: 'At The Cross'
Written and sung by Hillsong

A Last Minute Find

2011-04-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever decided – at the last minute – to go back and look again? And when you did, you found just the perfect thing? Something that made your heart sing? It has happened to me more than once – and it happened again just a few days ago.

Last week my sweetheart, my dear, little mother and I were in a Goodwill not too far from home. We stopped there on our way home from lunch out together. We had pretty much finished browsing and shopping when I realized I had not looked at anything on the back wall of the store. The linens, bedding, curtains and things like that are on rods mounted to the back wall. I didn’t really think I needed to look there but, as is the case most of the time, I was afraid I might miss something. And this time I was right!

My eyes scanned the colors and patterns of everything hanging there. I looked ahead and saw something that caught my eye. I may never know why, but it did. Except now I know it was meant for me! It was an afghan – a beautiful, heavy afghan with a hand-woven look – new, just out of the package. I could tell from the fold lines that were still very fresh. And the tags that were still attached. Something was embroidered in one corner and when I saw it I knew the reason I felt the need to go back and look. This is what I saw:

I could hardly believe it! I was planning to put an afghan in my little trailer. My little trailer named Daffodil. Here it was. Right in front of me. And such a good price. I couldn’t leave it there – I had to bring it home! And I did!

A few days later I found the yellow quilt I had hoped to add to my trailer. On clearance. Here’s a sneak peek of the quilt with my new afghan on top. Don’t they look good together?

Do you see a theme happening here? Flowers. Daffodils. A garden. A garden filled with kindness. That’s what I want for my little, vintage trailer – to be a place of kindness and grace. A place of retreat and rest. She will – and I know she will bring a harvest of love.

Willamette Falls

2011-04-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

My house is a very short distance from a major river in Western Oregon. The Willamette (pronounced will-a-met, the 'a' is like the 'a' in apple) River. If you are in my hometown and ask for directions to the Willamette River you will be directed down Holly Street – right past my house. Holly Street ends at the river. Less than ten miles downstream from my home the river makes an abrupt change. A major waterfall attracts visitors and residents alike. Willamette Falls has been an attraction for hundreds of years. Oregon City, the first incorporated city in Oregon, was built on the banks of the river near the falls. Many years ago the highway department built a nice viewpoint and you almost always see someone stopped there to look at the falls. The falls seem to draw attention no matter the time of year or the weather. In the summer much less water goes over the falls than in the winter. So far this year we’ve had enough rain to make us wonder if the falls will change much at all this year. A recent visit to the falls amazed me – the river was still very high and there was so much water flowing over the rocks below. It was almost enough to make you question whether or not it’s really a waterfall!

Willamette Falls is a natural waterfall that is shaped like a horseshoe. It’s the largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest and the second largest in the United States behind Niagara Falls. It is the eighteenth largest in the world by water volume.
You can read more about the falls and its effect on Oregon history here.
Early power plants produced electricity to light the streetlights of nearby Oregon City. Not long afterward it also pumped enough electricity over fourteen miles of wire to light fifty-five street lamps in downtown Portland, twelve miles down river. The T. W. Sullivan plant was the first major long distance hydroelectric power plant for commercial transmission and distribution of current in the United States. It is still in operation. This historical marker tells some of the history at the viewpoint beside the highway.

I love the view of the falls from down river a ways. I always enjoy the beauty but I often wonder what it was like before we began to settle here and build all around it. It must have been amazing! There is a fascination and a bit of mystery that surrounds the mighty falls. At times it almost seems to stand still as it rages on toward the sea.

A favorite view of mine: seen from the other side, on a sunny day, looking across to Oregon City with Mt. Hood in the background.

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

2011-04-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day in our family. Our dear, little Miss H. is one! A year ago we welcomed her into our family – and into our arms and our hearts! She is a little sweetie pie and lives life with a happy smile. She is a special gift from our Heavenly Father, we know. A year ago she seemed so tiny.
The year has gone by much too fast and she has grown and learned so much. She walks now and when she sits down she claps her hands and celebrates.

We can’t imagine what life would be like without our precious little girl. She has added a special, new ‘something’ to our lives.

Thank heaven for little girls
for little girls get bigger every day!

Thank heaven for little girls
they grow up in the most delightful way!

Those little eyes so helpless and appealing
one day will flash and send you crashin' thru the ceilin'

Thank heaven for little girls
thank heaven for them all,
no matter where, no matter who
for without them, what would little boys do?

Thank heaven... thank heaven...
Thank heaven for little girls!

We love you, Miss H. Papa and I can’t wait for your party on Saturday. We have lots of hugs saved up. Just for you!

The Key

2011-04-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago, in anticipation of the arrival of my new, little vintage trailer, I ordered something special from etsy.com. Every trailer has a lock. And locks need keys. And keys need key rings – so they don’t get lost. Having a key ring is a good thing but, hey, who wants just any old key ring? Not me! I wanted something special. Something that would shout at me: ‘Here are your trailer keys, ma’am!’ A talented lady has an Etsy shop filled with key rings and earrings all about vintage trailers. (She makes other things, too.) You can visit her shop here. Look at these cute, little teardrop trailer earrings.

These necklaces caught my eye. Aren’t they sweet? See the little yellow trailer?

These little trailers all have ‘wings’ on them (at the top on the back). My trailer is a style that doesn’t have wings so I emailed Joy and asked if she could make a key ring without wings. She quickly responded to tell me she could do that, so I ordered them right away. A few hours after I sent my order she let me know that my order was ready! And she sent a picture so I could see it. I could hardly believe her fast service. My order was in the mail the next day and arrived a couple of days after that. I could hardly wait to show you! See what I got for my trailer keys? It even has a bottle opener. And I got some earrings to match!
One of these days we will repaint Daffodil – we’ll give her a facelift, of sorts – and she will look much like the little trailer on her key ring. Someday Daffodil and I will be ready to go on an outing together. When we do she will be showing off her new colors and I’ll be wearing my new earrings. And I’ll tell you all about it!

(Caution: don’t go near etsy.com unless you are prepared to become addicted. Consider yourself warned!)

Daffodil Dreams

2011-04-11T04:39:00.001-07:00

Recently I told you here about a dream of mine that was about to come true. It has happened – my dream did come true! My little, vintage trailer is home and I am proud to introduce you to her. She has come home and now she is part of our family. Over the next few months she and I will spend an incredible amount of time together. At first our time will be spent in close-up and personal moments (and hours!). Time spent getting acquainted with each other. Then, one day in the not too distant future – I hope! - she and I will ride off into the sunset (or sunrise or noontime sunshine or rain – whatever the weather) together for some fun and friendship with other gals and their sweet friends.

I would like you to meet. . .Daffodil!

She is a nineteen-sixty-seven Williams Craft vintage trailer. My very own! She is fourteen feet long. Just enough room inside for me to have a place to call my own. A girl-y girl haven. A place to make all mine. She isn’t in her prime yet – she is about to blossom and break out in full bloom one of these days!

I had hoped to have a trailer with windows that were big enough to let a lot of light in – windows that would bring the outdoors in. I have windows! Lots of windows. Even more windows than I dreamed possible. The kitchen window is on the front and there are windows on each side at the back. And one big window all across the back. The windows wrap all around the back!

See my sweetheart’s new green ladder reflected in the window of the trailer? He thought I might need to use it. As soon as we brought her home I gave her a bath. A much-needed bath!

Don’t I look lovely in my sweetheart’s rain pants? And his big, clunky, warm boots that are a couple of sizes too big for me? He wanted me to stay dry. And warm. Now I need a whole new wardrobe for things like this. I’ve already spotted rain gear for ladies in the loveliest soft aqua-green color. And boots? I need some cute boots. Girl boots! Why? Because I’ll be doing this again. I know I will.

We have a lot of work to do on this little gem. From time to time you can look in on our progress as things move along. I’ll show you some of the pretty things I’ve gathered and some of the projects that are planned along the way. I’ve been dreaming daffodil dreams! Dreams of what this cute, little trailer can become as she blossoms and unfolds. That’s what Daffodils do, you know!

Faith

2011-04-10T05:27:00.001-07:00

I believe in the sun, even though it doesn’t shine,

I believe in love, even when I’m alone,

I believe in God, even when he is silent.

(carved on the wall of a concentration camp)

An Unexpected Find

2011-04-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I shared about my trip to Camas Antiques with my friend, Mary and I promised to show you something I bought while we shopped together. There were several things I hoped to find - and I did find some of them (to be shared another time). But the first thing I saw absolutely captured my heart! I just couldn't walk away without it.

We had hardly begun to shop when I looked into a booth across the way - and my heart almost stopped. It was SO me! She knew it and I did, too. I tried to walk away and ignore it while I shopped on. In fact, we were at the front counter about to pay for our finds when I went back one more time. Just to look. And to tell myself I really didn't need this. But I knew I would regret it if I left it there. And I haven't been sorry that I decided to carry it to the front, pay for it and bring it home with me. No ma'am. Not for one minute have I regretted my decision!

This is what I saw. And what I brought home to my kitchen.

These vintage canisters don’t look like they’ve ever been used! They are in perfect condition. And I love it. They have added such a sweet ‘something’ to my kitchen.

One of these days I plan to make new window coverings for my kitchen window and the patio door in the adjoining dining area. The fabric I have put away for the valances is yellow – and blue – and white! Perfect, wouldn’t you say?

The flowers on my new canisters are just the touch of Spring I needed to add to my kitchen. Every day. All year long. Now it feels like the sun is shining in my kitchen no matter what the weather is doing outside my window!

A Special Treat

2011-04-04T17:57:00.001-07:00

The chance to meet and spend time with a blog friend is such a special treat. Last week I got to meet another blog friend. Her words and photos always inspire me and I couldn't wait to meet her. Not long after we met I knew what I had sensed every time I read her blog - we are truly kindred spirits. It was wonderful, and we had such a good time together. I only wish it could have lasted longer. Or, that she lived closer to me so we could do this often!

Last week Mary of Mary’s Meanderings (and her hubby) passed through my area on their way to a conference. We had arranged to meet, have lunch together and then make a trip to Camas Antiques – a favorite place to shop with friends. If you’re ever in my area I would love to take you there.

What fun we had together! We discovered so many wonderful things and enjoyed browsing together. These vintage gas lanterns captured my imagination. (Hmmm, wonder if I need one of these in a certain little, vintage trailer?) These lanterns have been ‘electrified’. Little bulbs under the mantels give off a soft glow.

This old lantern would make a great night light. In the background you can see a little light that was made from a vintage grater.

There were a lot of things to see in a short time but we tried to see it all! I liked this cute lamp made from an old coffee pot. And the wicker thermos and the cute birdhouse made from recycled wood caught my eye.

Time went too fast and it wasn’t long before we had to goodbye. While we were together we exchanged gifts – gifts given from the heart of one friend to another. Mary’s gifts to me were so sweet. Chosen just for me!

I love this little pillow – it hangs where I can see it often every day. It reminds me how I should answer when I hear God’s voice!

Mary knows that I love pretty plates and she chose this one for me.

Memories of the time I spent with Mary and her hubby will stay with me forever. It was a day that blessed me in ways I never thought possible. The bond of friendship was formed in our hearts and I’m so thankful for every moment we had together.

(Tomorrow I will show you something special I bought that day at Camas Antiques!)

Finally–Immediately

2011-04-03T08:02:00.001-07:00

Lord

You said so gently

So persistently

‘Give me your weariness

And I will give you rest."’

I did – finally.

You did – immediately.

Then, Lord, I marveled

That I had waited so long.

Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

from the writings of Ruth Harms Calkin

Another Dream Come True

2011-03-29T00:25:00.000-07:00

In the middle of the plans for my new, little vintage trailer to come home I was blessed with another dream come true! For quite some time I’ve longed for a vintage-style bike like the one I enjoyed so many years ago. Nothing fancy. No gears or handbrakes or fancy-ness! Just a bike I could get on and ride! Over the last months, maybe more, I’ve watched Craigslist, talked to bike shop owners, browsed through bike departments in stores along the way. Often I found exactly what I liked but the advice of family and friends didn’t fit what my heart knew was right for me. Finally, I have exactly what I waited for!

A couple of days ago I decided to check Craigslist for bikes. Again. To be honest, I wasn’t certain I would find anything new since the last time I had looked. But, I was wrong! Oh, so wrong! There she was – the one. Exactly what I wanted. I knew this was worth checking out. One phone call and we had an appointment to see her. The moment we arrived I looked at her and knew this was what I wanted. Within a few minutes she was in our SUV and we were headed toward home.

Dear friends – I’d like you to meet ‘Daisy’.

Isn’t she beautiful? And she rides like a dream. A dream come true. Soon I plan to add a basket on the front and perhaps some prettiness along the way, too. Oh, and I have a pretty bike helmet, too – light blue with soft yellow and white plaid!

So, my friends, if you stop by to visit and I’m not at home, please don’t worry. I haven’t gone far. I have places to go and people to see!

Today I am meeting a blog friend from far away. She is passing through town on her way to a conference and I get to meet her – and her hubby – today. We’re going to lunch and on a bit of an antiquing excursion. Oh, no, not on my bike! We will go by car and have such fun. I’ll share more about our time together soon.

On Hold

2011-03-28T07:27:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I told you I had a dream that was about to come true. That was true then – and it’s true now! I’m still waiting! Plans were in place for my dream to become reality a couple of days ago and I was anxious to tell you all about it. It was hard to wait. But it didn’t happen. Plans had to be changed. For just a bit. Postponed. Still on track but not final yet. I don’t know the exact day my dream will come true but I’m going to tell you more. It wouldn’t be fair to keep you in suspense any longer. Here is a clue. An idea. A little hint until the final reveal can be shared.

I’m buying a little, vintage trailer! She doesn’t look exactly like this but she will be yellow and white. And cute. A girl place.

We had planned to bring her home on Saturday but that didn’t happen. So, I’m waiting patiently until she arrives. It will be soon, I know. I can’t wait to introduce her to you! In the meantime, I will continue gathering things and making plans to help her become the wonderful retreat she longs to be. I will share more along the way – I want you to see it all. There’s so much to share!

Dreams

2011-03-25T00:19:00.000-07:00

If you don’t have a dream,
how are you going to
make a dream come true?
Oscar Hammerstein

I have a dream that is about to come true. I will share soon. Very soon. I promise!

Spring Thoughts

2011-03-24T07:59:00.001-07:00

Flowers leave some of their fragrance
in the hand that bestows them.
- Chinese proverb -

Mercy

2011-03-20T00:29:00.000-07:00

Give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalm 107:15

Like Father, Like Son

2011-03-17T22:31:00.001-07:00

From time to time I’ve shared photos of my son. The son who makes my heart sing – the son who was a precious gift from the Father above (and still is!) I don’t think it’s possible that a mom could more proud of her son than I am of mine. Watching him grow from birth to manhood has brought such joy to my heart. Now watching him be a father to his own children gives cause for pride. To see his love for them and his commitment to spend time with them and watch as he trains them to grow up to be young men who love and serve God often brings tears to my eyes.

I’ve shared photos of my son before. Photos taken during family times and on holidays and photos he sent from afar. This is one of my favorites.

It was taken about three years ago. Of course the boys have grown and changed. The little guy, Mr. H., is past three now. He is quite a busy boy. A few days ago he decided to draw a portrait of his father. Mr. J. sent the work of art in an email. He wrote:

‘H. wanted to draw a picture of me,
so I had to stand while he was drawing
and this is the portrait he made.’

I couldn’t wait to share it with you – don’t think it looks just like my son?

(I wonder if my son got colored contacts since I last saw him. I don’t remember his eyes being blue and orange! It seems to remind me of a portrait Mr. H’s daddy drew of his own father quite a few years ago. Or was it just yesterday?)

Listening

2011-03-16T08:00:00.001-07:00

‘Listening to the still, small voice in your heart
will make hope into a reality.’

Love the sound of His voice in my heart.

Listening. Waiting.

Quietly.

from ‘The Hidden Power of the Heart’
by Sara Paddison

Living Water

2011-03-13T08:09:00.001-07:00

Have faith in me,
and you will have life-giving water
flowing from deep inside you,
just as the Scriptures say.

John 7:38

Scripture: from Contemporary English Version
Photo: Snoqualmie Falls – Washington State

Making A Case

2011-03-09T08:08:00.001-08:00

Well, just a little play on words there! Recently we were given a few things that belonged to my sweetheart’s father. Among the old photos and other treasured belongings was a little, old case. When it was handed to my sweetheart he told me about it.

This little case was my dear father-in-law’s shoe shine kit. It still holds all of his supplies – just the way he left them.

I would love to ‘adopt’ this little case and do something special with it but I’m not sure my sweetheart is ready for the contents to be removed. I’ve made some suggestions but nothing has been decided yet.

What would you do with it? Would you repair it? Restore it? Do something different with it? Just wondering.

Gratefully,
~Adrienne~

Faith

2011-03-06T07:50:00.001-08:00

‘Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want.
It is the belief that God will do what is right.’

from ‘He Still Moves Stones’
written by Max Lucado

Legacy

2011-03-04T00:51:00.000-08:00

I have shared before that I am a chaplain in care centers, assisted living residences and retirement communities. I have served as a Hospice chaplain and I also minister to people in adult foster homes and private homes. On my sidebar you will see part of my chaplain badge and notice that I minister through Love Your Neighbor Ministries, an organization of chaplains in healthcare settings.

This evening I will be part of the team who will share our ministry at a banquet. I’ve been part of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ group of people who have put all the details together. I was asked to be in charge of all the music and that was a simple task for me. Music is an important part of my life and ministry. And I have the privilege of joining two other chaplains to share a bit about our ministries.

Not long after I became a chaplain, the director of Love Your Neighbor Ministries asked me to write an article for the newsletter, sharing how I became a chaplain. Today I want to share that article with you.

Following In My Father’s Footsteps

When I was a little girl I often tried to walk in my father’s footsteps. His footprints seemed very large and so far apart as I jumped from one to another in the snow. Hard as I tried I could never take such big steps! Years later as a young adult I realized that I had finally grown tall enough to walk in his footsteps.

Over three years ago [now eight] my father went to be with the Lord after nearly sixty years of ministry. My dad, Jim Thompson, was a chaplain with Love Your Neighbor Ministries for the last eighteen years of his life. Before he became a chaplain my mother, Carol, served as secretary to Dwight Kinman, founder of Love Your Neighbor Ministries. As I learned of the needs of people in healthcare settings I was deeply moved by the loneliness and abandonment of many elderly people in nursing homes. At times I joined Dad in his ministry, often during the holidays. It was a special treat for me to go with him and play the piano and sing.

Several years ago I began typing Dad’s ministry newsletter. At first it was a special way I could be part of his ministry – I was glad to help, but through the years I began to notice a change in me. As I typed the newsletter I wondered, ‘Who will minister to these precious people when Dad can no longer do it?’ I prayed that God would prepare someone to meet the need when Dad could not be there. My thoughts continued to change and one day I found myself saying, ‘Oh, Lord, I wish I could fill the empty place that will be left when Dad is not there.’ It seemed like an impossibility – I am not a preacher like my dad; I do not teach Bible Studies like he did; I have a different personality; I had to work fulltime; there’s no way it could happen!

A few months before God took Dad home to Heaven I read new statistics about the elderly in our world and predictions of future growth of the older population. I read how churches can minister to the needs of the elderly but I realized that the needs are not being met. I began to sense a deep desire to minister to the elderly, to shut-ins, to people in healthcare crises and those with illnesses that confine them at home for long periods of time. As I watched my parents deal with health issues that kept them at home for many weeks, sometimes months, I noticed after a short time that people stopped calling, sending cards and letters or coming to visit them. I became aware of the loneliness and the feeling of isolation that can accompany times of illness.

God has blessed me with a ministry of music and has given me many opportunities to play and sing in my church and other places. I began to sense that God had something else for me to do with my music gifts. As I asked Him to show me what He wanted me to do, I became aware that He was leading me to play and sing for the elderly and people in difficult health situations. During Dad’s last week with us I had the privilege to sit beside him and sing the old hymns he loved so much. That experience changed my life! I sensed God calling me to minister in music to people in similar situations. Not long ago God opened the door for me to follow His leading into that ministry.

One day as I shared God’s leading in my life with Dave Compton, Director of Love Your Neighbor Ministries, he told me about an area that had no chaplain – when he described the area I realized it was where Dad served as chaplain. He challenged me to consider the possibility of filling that vacancy. When I told him that I am not a preacher like my dad, or a Bible Study teacher, he replied. ‘You don’t have to fill your father’s shoes but you can follow in his footsteps! That is what God has led me to do. I left my fulltime job in the business world to begin a new ministry, serving the Lord with music that touches the hearts of the listeners and draws them to the Savior. Once again I will follow my father’s footsteps – not only those of my earthly father but the footsteps of my Heavenly Father who goes ahead of me and leads me one step at a time.

(Now each week you will find me leading Bible Studies, singing the old hymns with the dear folks in care centers and assisted living facilities, praying and visiting with them. They have become so precious to me – they are friends I may never have known if I had not followed in my father’s footsteps!)

Gratefully,
~Adrienne~

Wishful Thinking

2011-03-02T14:37:00.001-08:00

Thinking and dreaming and planning for summer – and a chance to get away with my little cabin-on-wheels.

It’s never too soon to plan, is it?

Just wondering!

Gratefully,
~Adrienne~

Poor Mr. Snowman And Other Thoughts

2011-02-28T09:18:00.001-08:00

My sweetheart and I traveled to Washington State on Friday to attend the district conference for our church. The conference was great and we had a wonderful time with friends old and new. I had hoped to walk around the beautiful conference center and bring back some photos but that part of the Pacific Northwest had more snow than we did at home and it was cold. Bitterly cold. The sidewalks had been cleared and de-iced but the side paths through the forest and along the shores of the lake were covered with snow. I decided not to venture very far into the cold or off the cleared-off sidewalks. Our room in the lodge had a lovely view of the lake so I wandered outside just a bit to capture the afternoon sunshine on the lake.

Someone braved the snow and ice and walked down to the dock. They left footprints all the way.

Do you see what I see? A yellow slide. My favorite color – but, no, I was not tempted to get closer. And I certainly didn’t think of giving it a try. No, not me!

Someone had built a seven-foot-tall snowamn near the sidewalk leading to the chapel. The weather was taking its toll and he seemed very tired.

My sweetheart decided to go over and keep him company!

Just before we left the conference center to head home we stopped to say farewell to our new friend. We were sure we wouldn’t see him again. At least no any time soon! He was so tired and we felt bad to leave him there all alone.

Once there was a snowman,
Who stood outside the door,
He wished that he could come inside,
And run about the floor.
He wished that he could warm himself,
Beside the fire, so red,
He wished that he could climb
Upon the big white bed.

So he called to the North Wind,
"Come and help me, pray,
For I'm completely frozen,
Standing here all day."
So the North Wind came along,
And blew him in the door,
And now there nothing left,
But a puddle on the floor!
-author unknown-

I’m home again – safe and warm – and grateful for the time away. Time to refresh my soul and spend time with friends. Old friends, new friends. Real friends. Snow friends.

Gratefully,
~Adrienne~

Simple Truth

2011-02-27T06:04:00.001-08:00

The Lord has shown you what is good.
He has told you what he requires of you.
You must treat people fairly.
You must love others faithfully.
And you must be very careful to live
the way your God wants you to.

Micah 6:8
(New International Reader’s Version)

Heading Out

2011-02-24T22:34:00.001-08:00

My sweetheart and I are heading out of town today. We will be travelling north to represent our church at the annual District Conference. We'll be home tomorrow evening – if we don’t stop at too many antique and thrift stores on the way home! We are looking forward to time away from the routines of daily life but, more than that, to the friendships new and old we will enjoy. The conference center is in a beautiful part of Washington State and I hope to sneak away a bit to get some photos around the conference center on the shores of a beautiful lake.

With A Grateful Heart

Stop! Thief!!

Unpredictable!

Blessed Quietness

A Word For The Year

A New Year’s Day Prayer

Truth Be Told!

The Grandma With The Dog

It’s Christmas Night

Christmas Wishes. . .

Approval

The Light Has Come

Would You Believe. . .

In All Things

Autumn Leaves

Work Can Be Worship

The Heart Of The Matter

‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.’ Psalm 139:14

Winds Of Change

He Giveth More Grace

Faithfulness And Truth

Something Beautiful

The Best Kite Of All

The Source Of Light

Kites In The Wind

Gathering of Friends Remembered

Gathering Of Friends

Catching Up With Myself

Your Name

Something Strange Is Going On

We Will Not Forget

Finds and Treasures

A Quiet Vacation

Blessing and Praise

Beachcombers

Friday Finds and Treasures

The Way Of Life

I’m A Dreamer!

Reflections

Life Prayer

Gifts From The Heart

Storm Clouds

A Little Visitor

A Look Back

Respite In A Special Place

Waiting

Yellow Roses For An ‘Old’ Lady

A Touch Of Class

Blessings

Seen In A Nearby Place

Garden Talk

New Determination

My Anchor Holds

Now we have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul -it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it...

Hebrews 6:19

An Uninvited Guest

My Source Of Help

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

Maybe. . .

Home Again

Roughing It!

Happy Wanderers

My Father’s Ties

Garden Color

My Garden Assistant

Ancient of Days

Honor

Gratitude

While She’s Sleeping

Assurance

On Hold

Sneak Peek

Priorities

Mother’s Day Memories

My Mother

The Light

A Special Place

A Story To Live By

Happy Easter

‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.’ Psalm 139:14

Now we have this hope
as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul -
it cannot slip and it cannot break down
under whoever steps out upon it...

I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!