Storm Clouds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!