A Month Not Soon Forgotten . . .

If you're a faithful friend around here, you'll know that I've been doing alot of musing recently about our long anticipated move to Cape Cod and my Dad's sudden death the following day.  This is grief therapy in action.

And you guys have been so overwhelmingly supportive and kind.  This is true community in action.  Your faithful prayers matter, your words of solace are like great big hugs.  I feel heard.  I feel cared for.

Thank you seems so very insufficient.

Today I'm turning a bit of a corner as I head off to my favorite month-in-review celebrations over at Emily's and Leigh's where we share the odds and ends of what we're into and what we're learning.

Come along with me, will ya'?

*       *       *

i'm referring ...

my counseling clients to other counselors.  A prayer-fueled, difficult decision for me and not all that easy for them, these wonderful women deserve the absolute best I can give, and right now that means an introduction to other people helpers who will walk with them on the next leg of their journey.

i'm celebrating ...

little Tyler's 1st birthday even from afar.  God has been sending some wonderful nurses so that his mommy and daddy can get out to church and get a bit of respite from time to time.  If you haven't met our 7th grandchild, his welcome-to-the-family video is here ... and you'll understand why this is one fabulous milestone.  Heads up - get the Kleenex.

i'm unpacking ...

far too many boxes and trying to figure out what to do with way too much furniture.  Enough already.

i'm appreciating ...

the greeting card industry and those thoughtful friends who take the time to choose the perfect message and send it my way.  The Friday night small group showered us with envelopes stuffed with memories and photographs and the most beautiful sentiments as we took our leave from New York.  And these days, the rusty green mailbox opens to reveal cards that speak a tender peace to my soul.

i'm learning ...

how to make collages with PicMonkey.  I had a really cool one just about designed for this post, but it vanished into thin air.  Really.  Please tell me I'm not the last person on earth to figure this out.

i'm watching ...

lots of my former possessions go to auction this weekend.  I've discovered the startling truth that just 'cause you once collected and cherished an object, doesn't mean you have to keep it forever.


i'm lending ...

grace to myself, giving myself some space to do absolutely nothing at all.  And when that fails, to go lay down and take a mid-afternoon nap.  And not feel a tinge of guilt about it.

i'm chatting ...

with the everyday people in my new neighborhood ... the cashiers, baggers, librarians, the woman sitting next to me at an outdoor concert, the re-sale shop owner, fellow walkers, a few people at church.  Whoever said New Englanders are standoffish hasn't been to this neck of the woods.

i'm stalling ...

on getting my new blog site up and running.  Right about now I need to write more than I need to make myself crazy.  The thought of wading into any kind of technical detail makes my eyes glaze over.


i'm rejoicing ...
because we finally sold our house this week.  No glitches.  An appreciative buyer.  Thank You, Lord!


i'm savoring ...
Psalm 29:11 - 'The Lord gives strength to His people; The Lord blesses His people with peace.'


i'm heading ...
off to the Adirondacks with Tim, the girls, their guys, and the kiddos for a long-ago-planned week at camp.  It's been two years since we took a vacation together.  Restful?  Hardly.  But I just can't wait.

*       *       *

and saying hi to Kelly  .   Holley  .  Lyli 

A New Home for Daddy & A New Home for Me

I know I'll look back on this season as one of the most stressful I've ever had the privilege to live through.

Yes, a privilege.

Because I've encountered my Savior's startling grace at each faltering step and every jagged breath of the exhausting, tear-strewn path.  

On one sunny Friday I moved, lock, stock, and barrel, from New York to Massachusetts.  And the very next day, before I could even unpack a handful of boxes, my Dad moved on to his heavenly forever home, called oh-so-very-suddenly by his Maker.

After 40 years apart, I thought we were going to do life together for one final season.

God had other plans.

Moving on to live in a new location is a joyful gift, one waiting to be unwrapped and experienced with the greatest anticipation, an open door into the vast unknown with all its great big possibilities and inviting open-ended opportunities just waiting to be explored, savored, treasured.

When all is said and done, I guess we each got to move on to the exact location our hearts were yearning for.

It makes me smile that we both walk on the shores of crystal seas these days.  Even if those golden spaces are universes apart.

God's Word tells me that there's no tears by your heavenly crystal sea, Daddy.  But the tears are flowing freely on this side of heaven.

It's ok.  Because there's one thing we're sharing right about now.

The Holy Spirit of God is closer than the next breath we breathe.  And I would have it no other way.

* telling my story at Kelly's  .   Holley's  .  Lyli's

3 Things I Loved Most About House Church

We said good-bye to The Community at Creekside last Saturday night, the house church I helped birth back in the beginning of 2008.  This peaceful, rather unstructured worship setting has offered freedom and healing and joy to those who have done life with us along the way.

I was recently told that I've changed for the better in the process.  Less driven, less intense, less wounded.  

The Spirit has worked overtime to gentle and calm my soul.  House church's atmosphere has played a role in my healing and growth.  I'm grateful.

What I've loved most?

1.   No committees, no power plays, no posturing and maneuvering, no grappling for control.

After decades in administrative and leadership roles in the traditional church, the distinct lack of rigid hierarchical structure has been a true gift, a lovely relief, a healing stream.  Decisions were made easily, amicably, without alot of fanfare, wrangling, drama, or trauma.  

2.  Weekends morphed into a true sabbath rest.

The release of busyness started late Saturday afternoon in preparation for church at 7 pm.  And the sweet respite, the slower pace flowed right through Sunday evening, a sacred pause that let us recover from the week's pressures and prepared us well for the next five days. 

No alarms jangling to wake us up, no crazy running for the door early in the morning in our Sunday best.  No series of classes, meetings, and programs that we were expected to jam into our schedule.

Just a gently quiet weekend ebb and flow that we quickly embraced.  Sabbath rest at its finest.

3.  A growth in godly character, not numbers.

People sometimes ask me if the Community has grown.  They mean numerically, as in bodies attending.  No, it hasn't.  

And is this a perfect group of people?  Far from it.  We're all saved sinners, remember?

But I have seen a growth in character, the fruit of the Spirit's gentle wooing.  More grace extended.  Patience blooming into full fruition.  Kindness showing up on a regular basis.  A steadfast generosity eager to extend itself to those in need.  Faithful love that became evident in a myriad of ways.

I will miss this little community, Bob's deep insight into God's Word, Wayne and Lynn's joyous energy in leading us in worship.  I'm a bit scared to go back to a traditional church setting.  I've been burned a time or two before and the scars remain, still a bit tender to the touch.

But follow His lead we will, for we know He has a new place for us to call home.

I love you guys.  And last Saturday night, all your lavish expressions of love and affection were oh so gratefully received, soaked up into our just-a-bit overwhelmed souls. The memories of our joyful celebration of God's goodness will linger long after the tears have been forgotten.

And if you're reading this post in or around Poughkeepsie and don't have a church home?  There are a couple of vacant, very comfy seats that just might have your name on them ...

:::

THE TRANSITION JOURNEY ~ AN UNEXPECTED SERIES

In Which This Is All So Very Bittersweet

Dear Linda  : :  Answering Your Questions About the Transition

For Sale . . . Our Much-Loved Haven

The Getting-the-House-Ready-to-Sell Whirlwind

Leaning in the Whirlwind

The Sheer Joy of Kindred Spirit Companionship

Honoring My Clients As I Close Up Shop

3 Things I Loved Most About House Church

Choosing Light-Hearted Responses

Moving On

:::

connecting with 

Kelly  .  Jennifer  .  Holley  .  Lyli

Baby in a Ball Pit . . . and 4 More April Smiles!

April has been such a splendid gift, hasn't it?  Warm sunshine-laden air flowing back into our lives, creation blooming in the oddest places, plenty of reasons to laugh out loud.

And as busy as it's been around here, these weeks have proven to be an overflowing source of gratitude.

. . . baby in a ball pit

Celebrating Easter in the church's ball pit

So many of you have asked how Tyler's doing since I introduced him to you a couple of months ago!  Despite a few hospital visits {including one unexpected helicopter ride}, he's pretty much at home doing life with the gang and bringing joy wherever he goes.  If you missed big sister Kate's 'welcome to our family' video {or you want to catch the post again}, it's right here.  Get your Kleenex and turn up the volume.

And keep praying.  Please?

. . . going back to elementary school

Hall passes await in the music room

Don't you love these fun little hall passes?  Sure beats the scraps of paper we toted back in the day.

We did one Grandparents Day last fall and ventured into yet another foray into the school system just a few weeks back.  Kinda cool to perch in little plastic chairs while stringing beads and building words with wooden squares with eager little ones who are crazed with excitement at your presence.

Or sitting through a computer lab session and quickly realizing with awe that your 2nd grader knows way more about maneuvering around a keyboard than you'll ever hope to.

. . . playing personal shopper

Christmas Tree Shop bargains

I've had a ball pushing carts around a bunch of stores for my mom and for my youngest daughter, both who have been pretty much tied to the house in recent months.  What could be more fun than spending someone else's $ as you choose just the perfect kids' spring clothes, text back and forth weighing the pros and cons of wrapping paper, and scoop up boxes of pretty notecards and individually wrapped tea bags?

Sure beats opening your own wallet!

. . . joanna's story

video

I just love HGTV's Fixer Upper ... we watch it whenever we can.  Wouldn't it be just awesome if Joanna {and Chip!} dropped in at your place and re-did it even just a bit?  One can only imagine. 

If you're a fan, then you'll appreciate this peek into Joanna's soul, her walk with Christ, and her choice to trust Him with her great big dreams.

Good stuff.  Real good.

. . . #75

Bob & Dot celebrating his 75th

Together, we've kicked off a local Celebrate Recovery, co-founded Creekside Ministries, facilitated groups for single parents, and joined forces as a marriage counseling team.  For 13 years, this wise and kind servant of God has been patient with my rantings and occasional moody moments, and has enthusiastically championed my work, opening numerous doors to counsel, teach, lead, and write.

We all celebrated yet another milestone this past weekend with our faithful pastor, dear friend, and my partner in ministry.  Without a doubt I wouldn't be where I am spiritually and professionally without his encouragement and guidance.

{If you want some of Bob's meaty blog posts, they're right here.}  

And his gentle, lovely wife, Dot?  Back in 2007 she said 'yes' to releasing the whole lower half of her home to become Creekside's beautiful home base.  She happily 'lives above the store,' graciously allowing countless women and men to make themselves at home in this safe haven of counseling center and house church.

To say I'm grateful for this wonderful couple {who've been married 53 years!} would be a vast understatement.  Heaps of birthday blessings, Bob.  And deepest thanks, dear Dottie.

{}

And on that happy note, I'm stepping away from the keyboard for a few weeks.  
If you subscribe, you'll be one of the first to know I'm back on board.  I'd like that!

A few top-shelf shareworthy reads are on the sidebar.

Enjoy ... and I'll see ya' later!

{}

doing life with
Kelly  .  Mary  .  Holley  .  Lyli  .  Leigh  .  Emily

In Which I Keep on Journaling My Conversations with God

'Could it be that no one receives the peace of God without giving thanks to God?  Is thankfulness really but the deep, contented breath of peacefulness?  Is this why God asks us to give thanks even when things look a failure?

Authentic thanks is always for all things, because our God is a God kneading all things into a bread that sustains . . . to bring the sacrifice of thanksgiving means to sacrifice our understanding of what is beneficial and thank God for everything because He is benevolent.  A sacrifice of thanks lays down our perspective and raises hands in praise anyways - always.

A sacrifice is, by definition, not an easy thing - but it is a sacred thing.

There is this: we give thanks to God not because of how we feel but because of who He is.

He who is grateful for little is given much laughter . . . and it's counting the ways He loves, this is what multiplies joy.'
~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces

Thank You, Lord, for the movement of the seasons.

Always going forward.

  

I can't wait to see what You're going to do. 

I sit back with eyes wide open, faith strong and solid, 

 sometimes tinged with fear, those whiffs of anxiety coming to call.
Yet still ringed with joy.

  

For You are good, You answer prayer, 

You care about those I love and our endless neediness.

So, I give You this day, these last days of March, the unfolding future . . .

 I release my fears and concerns and all those I love into Your keeping.

For, if it is possible, You love them even more than I, 

and You have all power to affect change in their lives,

 to give wisdom and courage and direction,
to bring healing in all the ways that matter. 

You understand the need for hope and faith multiplied.

Where would we go without Jesus?
Who would we be without You, Lord?

These questions have no imaginable answers.

None.

:   :   :

You'll discover random bits and pieces of my journaling right here.

Sabbath's most refreshing blessings to you, to yours, my friend. 

5 Absolute Must-Haves For When You're Craving Warmth

Everyone's all abuzz over the coming blizzard.  I stop by the little hamlet store to pick up some ice cream {really}.  And as I pull open the freezer case to grab my Mint Chocolate Chip Light, an elderly woman catches my eye.

 

And my heart.

 

For she is truly distraught because there's not a drop of milk in the place.  Bewildered would best define the look on her worn face as she says to no one in particular, 'but I live on it ... I drink it all the time.'

All I could do was give her an understanding smile.  A warm one that let her know I heard her astonished disappointment, the frustration-laced fear.

 

This is winter in New York.

 

I guess if you pushed me to come up with a word for January it would be this.

 

Warm.

 

We're trying to get our bodies, our homes, our cars to a toasty temperature. 

 

I've gathered 5 must-haves that keep this ol' body and soul warmly alive during these gray frigid weeks.  And I can't wait to hear what works for YOU ... 

 

*

 

1.  the boots

I found these gray babies in a great big pile at one of those discount stores. {Their motto and mine?  Good stuff cheap!}.  I chose my color {black, brown, or gray?}, slipped my eager feet into them, and to my delight, they were soft, cushy, and yes, warm.  At $14.99, I couldn't get them in the cart fast enough. 

 

Since then, they have seldom left my body ... I slide them on to run errands, to head off to work or church, to trot out to the mailbox.  And yes, they've kept me company in the house when the heat gave out and we had to wait hours for the repairman to drop in. 

Twice. 

In one month.

 

What's your favorite warm-up gear?

 

 

2.  the kitchen 

In the winter, this room evolves from a pass-through between family room and home office into a place of focused action.  I've whipped up a great big pot of yummy ham and bean soup and another pot of oh-so-good chicken and rice soup, gleaned from frozen carcasses gathered from the freezer.  A sausage and 4 bean chili, not too spicy.  And a favorite comfort food, my mom's spaghetti sauce. 

Chocolate chip cookies have made several rare appearances from the oven, much to my husband's disbelief / delight, even though some were a bit too crispy burnt.  Chocolate cupcakes {thank you, Betty} with minty homemade icing were a labor of love.  Bottom line?  In recent days, there's been plenty of warm comfort food created within these four walls, happily shared with loved ones.

I feel so domestic.

Martha and Rachael would be proud.

 

What's happening in your kitchen?

 

 

3.  the books

I love tucking myself under a warm, old quilt with a book or two.  And a big mug of hot decaf tea right by my side. 

 

I've been making my way through Philip Yancey's Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?.  Slowly savoring deepest truths made simple.  I've already begun Ruth Haley Barton's brand new Life Together in Christ: Experiencing Transformation in Community.  If she writes it, I'm there.  And I finally bought Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces.  These little morning visits with her start my day well. 

 

I've made my way through two John Grisham books in recent days.  And for the introvert in me that needs tending, I checked out two volumes from the library, The Introvert's Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World and Introverts in Love: The Quiet Way to Happily Ever After by Sophia Dembling. 

 

I like when someone gets where I'm coming from, you know?

 

What are you paging through?

 

 

4.  the excursions

What's a weekend without a drive somewhere, anywhere?  Sometimes you've just gotta get out of the house ... and I've discovered over time that for me and my man, some of our most profitable talks have evolved when one person {not me} is behind a wheel, looking straight ahead. 

 

What fun to discover that DQ has opened its windows a whole month early.  Yes, there's something rather odd about devouring something sweet and frosty while trying to stay warm.  But that's ok.  I can't complain when I'm digging into a small Chocolate Xtreme Blizzard and he's balancing a decent size chocolate ice cream cone while steering the car 'round turns and through traffic. 

 

No worries.  I'll work that extra pound or two off when spring comes.

What's your favorite winter ice cream?

 

5.  the conversations

Frigid air outside lends itself to warm, lingering conversations inside by the glow of fireside or candlelight.  Precious time curled up on comfy chairs with dear friends.  Deep, searching musings at book club or Friday night small group.  Chatting over coffee as a Saturday night house church meeting wends its way to a close. 

 

After all, who wants to head back to that outdoor chill when there's cozy companionship to be had ... and encouraging exchanges that spark connection and insight are filling our souls?

 

The conversations as we gather around the table online, in this place, have been rich and full this month as we've bantered back and forth about our words ... or lack of them.  Brainstormed creative ways to breathe fresh life into our homes.  Grappled with the impact of social media on our lives.  And shared quiet sabbath oasis moments together.

 

I'm so grateful.  This kind of connection is what blogging's all about.

 

Your presence here, your willingness to get a bit out of your comfort zone and engage with other kindred spirits?  A warm grace, indeed, as Creekside launches our 8th year.

 

The celebration begins this weekend ... with giveaways right and left and some writings that I think are truly shareworthy.  I just can't wait for you to party with us!

 

I'm glancing out the window.  That cold, flaky white stuff is spinning quickly downward to a waiting earth.  And my heart is warmed by the Spirit's presence ... and your rewarding friendship.

 

 

*

 

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and before you head off, be sure to check over on the right for the most recent

From Hither & Yon : : Shareworthy Reads

 

*

 

dropping in at Mary's  .  Holley's  .  Emily's  .  Leigh's  .  Anne's

Dwell * autumn nesting delights

Oh Beloved Shelterer of our Hearts ~

 

How we praise You! 

 

You have been so very faithful!

 

You've drawn us close to Your loving self and shielded our weary souls in the middle

of the ups and downs that have caught us off guard and left us reeling.

 

Keep on nesting us in the protective shadow of Your strengthening wings.  Give us

the powerful protection we crave even as we emerge to do battle with the enemy, to share

Your Kingdom-spreading love, to live lives worthy of the holy calling You've placed on us.

 

We glory in that sacred dwelling place, the sweet strong refuge that is Your heart.

 

Give us strength to live out that treasured truth as we make our way through

the twists and turns in the road that are sure to lie ahead.

 

And our souls will overflow with gratitude.

 

By Your Grace ~

Amen

 

  

 

 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

 

I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'

 

Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.

 

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart ...

 

If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is my refuge -

then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

 

For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you in in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone ...

 

'Because He loves Me,' says the Lord, ' I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.

 

He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;

 

I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.'

Psalm 91: 1-4, 9-12, 14-16

 

 

//

 

I invite you to share your prayerful thoughts ... and in doing so, you'll put yourself in the the running

for one of the two giveaways of Myquillyn Smith's book, THE NESTING PLACE. 

 

Click here for the details of the giveaway and the links to all the series' posts.

 

Sabbath's purest, kindest blessings to you, dear reader.

 

//

 

image creators & hosts of Creekside Ministries

dwelling with Barbie  .  Lisha  .  Courtney

Glimmers & Bursts

God is so good! 

Can I get an amen out there somewhere?

Our precious Lord is always giving us something marvelous to celebrate, isn't He?  Sure, when times are tough we might just have to look just a wee bit more diligently, but there's always a glimmer, a sweet blessing or two waiting to be discovered and claimed as our own.  Each burst of joy so undeserved comes etched with our very own names, a priceless unique grace-gift straight from His loving heart. 

I can't help but think it gives Him pleasure when we spread the word of what He's doing in our lives.  Even if the gifts are quirky.  Not especially jolly.  Or seemingly not all that important in the grand scheme of things.

I found my name on these graces this month . . .

1.  More than ever, making memories with my parents has been sheer delight.  Yes, even if we sometimes make each other crazy!  Thanks for your prayers for my Mom and for our family as we walk together through her illness.  No pity parties or tales of woe around her neck of the woods.  Her positive attitude and deep-rooted faith brims up and spills over, touching the lives of all who cherish her. 

She's still knitting an array of wonderful little hats for Operation Christmas Child.  Enthusiastically trying new recipes in her trusty crockpot.  Bravely breaking in a brand new computer like a seasoned pro.  And even when weak or weary, she's continues to be intensely focused on the everyday details in the lives of each family member and friend who gathers 'round to visit.

If I ever grow up, I want to be just like her.

2.  A rarity? A grown-up movie that you can take your kids or your parents to, an offering that's not cringe-worthy, obnoxious, or crude. The Hundred-Foot Journey was beautifully crafted, charming, well acted, and more than a bit thought-provoking. You'll walk away smiling, with your borders enlarged, and a fresh appreciation for the creation of a very fine omelet.

 

video

3.  I finally got an e-reader.  I've downloaded a couple of books, a Bible, and a few games but haven't done much with them.  I still want to handle a paper-paged book that smells faintly of library.  I want to sit with my 25 year old Bible held together with layers of packing tape and crammed with margin jottings.  And the real life Bananagrams with wood tiles that you pull out of the scrunchy yellow bag and spread all over the table is so much more appealing than the slick screen version. 

Meanwhile, the man is ecstatic because he won't have to lug a huge tote overflowing with 50 pounds of books whenever we travel.  {He hopes.}

4.  If you've been around here for any length of time, you know I'm a big 31 Days fan.  {I penned these 4 reasons why last fall ... and showcased The Nester's brand new barn yesterday.} But this year, I've had to pass up that invitation to write each and every day for a month.  Instead, I'll be pulling together a little house party, an autumn nesting delights series that will run two, maybe three weeks.  Whatever.  The posts will be short and sweet, some a bit reflective and others just a tad challenging. 

And in honor of 31 Days, I'll be giving away two copies of Myquillyn's serendipitously creative book, THE NESTING PLACE to a couple of readers who celebrate the season's delights with me!  Consider this your official invite to join us.  Please?

5.  My friend Beth just welcomed home her man from his service to our country.  Grab your tissues and celebrate with her.  Because sometimes there .  are .  no  .  words.
 

 video

 

 

>  sharing life with  Kristin  *  Holley  *  Leigh  *  Emily



Summertime's 5 Best Lingering Joys

I don't want summer to end. 

 

Period.

This has been the best summertime ever. 

 

And here's why : :

 the pleasure

Parking lot bench, sidewalk cafe, backyard picnic table, water's edge?  Doesn't matter.  Even the simplest food tastes extraordinary when the breezes are blowing and the sun warms you somewhere deep within.  And watching an owl swoop in close at dusk while we nibbled dessert with friends?  It just doesn't get better than that. 

the victory

This summer's greatest shock?  Rolling out of bed more mornings than not, donning my sneakers, and heading out the door to walk a couple of miles.  This is a 1st.  Ever.  Wish I could say that I've lost 10 5 pounds ... but the reward has been simply knowing that I'm taking decent care of my body.  It makes me smile.

the serendipity

Launching into a rousing rendition of 'Home on the Range' with grandgirl #5 as she rides her Radio Flyer horse like a crazy woman, dressed in a flowing cape and a battered white-brimmed Easter hat perched on top of a Red Sox cap.  Crooning a '80's Top 40 song in perfect off-key harmony, at a moments notice, with my sister.  Singing an ancient hymn with my Dad as we clear the table ... and an unexpected gentle duet of 'Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a Savior' with Mom near the close of another day.  These are memories that will stay close to my heart.  Forever. 

the relaxation

I'm on my 10th 11th book this summer.  If you want me, I'll be on the back porch with my feet up, quietly savoring yet another unfolding saga.

the fun

Life can be a never-ending frustration as we try to fit square pegs into round holes and find that, once again, things usually don't work like we want them to.  So am I the first grown woman to sit on the floor hunched over hundreds of minuscule plastic pieces ... only to discover that within 5 minutes she's become hopelessly hooked on a Lego Friends barn-building project?  That satisfying silent pop as the teensy parts fit together {and the sweet shared moments with grandgirl #2} were just sublime.

Go figure ...

What are your lingering summertime joys, my friend?

 

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*   sharing joy with Kristen & Holley & Leigh & Emily & Lisha  *

A Handful of Lovely Discoveries

 These learnings have become big-time mantras for me . . .

 

1.  Living a pro-active life can lead to a pathway paved with no regrets.  Taking care of any relational / medical / financial / spiritual business before encountering life's inevitable jarring bumps and treacherous valleys enables you to navigate those difficult seasons with greater ease and a deeper sense of peace. 


2.  Kids might be exhausting, but when all is said and done spending time with them makes life sparkle.  If you don't have any little ones 'round about you, you probably won't have to look too far to find one or two who'd love to spend a few hours in your company.  And their overloaded parents will most likely be thrilled that you asked.


3.  Everyone needs a sabbatical from screens in one way, shape, or form.  What might we be missing because our glazed-over eyeballs were stuck to the screen and those weary fingertips were glued to the keyboard?


4.  Everything tastes better when you're eating outside.  A chicken, spinach, and strawberry salad topped with bacon and grated parmesan.   A New York Super Fudge Chunk cone melting all over your hand.  A big ol' hamburger fresh off the grill.  And how 'bout a frosty pitcher of home-brewed iced tea ... sweetened just enough to bring a smile.


5.  Let's quit complaining when someone wants to take our picture.  So what if we've got a bad hair day going on or our teeth are crooked or the lens doesn't flatter us like it did back in the day?  Let's get rid of our futile airbrushed expectations and invite those carefree kids tucked inside our souls to emerge once again ...

 

 



 

 sharing life with Kelli  .  Laura  .  Kristen  .  Holley  .  Emily  .  Leigh

 

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When the Prompt Brings a Smile

Lisa Jo tosses a simple word high into the sky.  And those who love a good prompt to get them writing reach up and grab that word and run with it.  For 300 seconds on Fridays.  As I wandered over to her place just now, I saw that today's offering was the word HANDS.

And I couldn't help but smile.  For the image on my screensaver these days is my mom's hands.  Tender, gentle, just a bit worn.  Soft.  Firm.  Reaching into the damp dark soil, putting the final touches on her new plantings.  This sight, this image, this picture somehow brings me peace.  A sense that all is right with the world.

I honor her today, for no other reason than I love her.  I'm glad to share this photograph, I'm thankful that she is still very much in my life, a faithful presence.  You could say she's a doting wife, the supportive loving matriarch, the dearest friend to many, the guiding star, the knitter of the sweetest little hats for babies she'll never meet.  The one we all turn to for a needed encouragement ... and great dollops of the keenest wisdom, softly spoken firmly.

But all I can say is how much I deeply admire her, and only hope and pray that when I finally grow up, maybe I could have her gentle grace, her kind words, her grateful spirit, and her indomitable strength as she fights the pain her body doles out to her, day in and day out.

For in her I see Jesus.

 

* visiting with Holley

In Which This is Not the Time to Write

This is probably not the day to pull together a post. 

For this is the time, the place to sort through the weekend's myriad swirling emotions, the endless activity.  And process the highs, the lows that swing from grief to joy, apprehension to peace, uncertainty to gratitude. 

These are the precious hours to soak in the quiet stillness, the lilting music of birdsong, gentle wind chimes swaying, the distant spinning whir of laundry appliances joining the chorus song of life.

I begin this week by tidying up.  Clean sheets and towels emerge and playthings are tucked back on vacant shelves while I wait on a most important phone call.  I begin to prepare my heart for the counseling conversations scheduled mid-week with dear clients.

I recall once again Saturday's tender memorial service honoring a life lived well ... and my heart replays many conversations during that sacred gathering.  I recall friendships from decades past that have come to visit us once again, memories awakened. 

My eyes brim. 

And then my mind ricochets over to a crazy mosquito-infested photoshoot with the six little ones, a gentle sabbath walk, a hopscotch board chalked onto the driveway.  Ice cream savored in the hot sunshine's rays, a bag of frozen grated cheese icing an injured foot, and excited young crafters displaying woodshop creations hammered together with Pa.  Images of my daughters cuddling their own children close, an actively swinging hammock, a rainbow of hoola hoops strewn from here to there on newly mowed grass, and the joy of the family table all careen together, making me smile wide.

Shouts of laughter.  And too many hugs to count.

And maybe when all is said and done, this is why I write on the most ordinary of days.  Whether journaling or blogging, God seems to whisper deep as I put pen to paper.  It's there that He invites me to fully recollect and recall, to sort and process well, and to hope and dream the biggest of pictures. 

And from that place I emerge with learnings and peace that overflows and the deepest of gratitudes, even when concerns are deep and tears threaten to fall. 

His Spirit prompts me to remember the glorious sight of a double rainbow filling a very gray sky several dusks ago.  The anticipation of the days ahead beckons me forward.  No matter what those hours may hold ...



*   sharing life with Kristen & Holley & Kelli & {in}courage    *