Find Rest

 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. ~Psalm 62:5

I can hear some of you now: "Didn't she just take a blogging break?  Why is she choosing to take another one so soon?  Is everything alright?"

Rest assured, my friends, everything is absolutely fine.  But it's October.  The weather is blissfully cool, and the air is vibrant, fresh and crisp.  After an interminably long and hot summer, where there wasn't a day when I didn't feel drained and defeated by the heat, I want to fully embrace this fall season with all the attention and celebration it deserves.

So, my plans are to spend as much time as possible outdoors, reveling in the autumn sights and unique colors.  Who knows?  Danny and I may take some day trips here and there to fully savor the delights of this season.

The long and short of it is, though, I want to devote my attention fully to immersing myself in this season of the year.  I won't be blogging for the next several weeks.  I will try to visit all of your blogs as I can, but please don't think I'm ignoring you if I don't leave comments.  I value each and every one of you, and will keep you in my prayers while I'm "gone."

May you all embrace the wonders that autumn brings, and welcome the rest God provides when we take time to reflect and pray, and give thanks for His continued blessings.

Amen!

Give God the Glory

 

There are different gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ~1 Corinthians 12:4

When we take our summer journey with Virginia to the mountains, after she has spent a relaxing, rejuvenating week with us at home, we are not surprised that she knows how to use the camera on her phone to record her memories.  Rest assured, her mom, Sarah, and dad, John, strictly limit her internet access, and that's a relief for us.  But she is more than welcome to practice her photography skills whenever the urge hits.  Danny and I are glad she shows an interest in it.

In previous blogs, I've praised Virginia's precocious artistic abilities.  As Paul writes to the Corinthians, we all have gifts, but we are to recognize that they are distributed by the same Spirit.  Although my aunt was a gifted artist, I didn't inherit her talent.  Yes, I was passable at drawing, and enjoyed doing it in my youth, but it wasn't one of my gifts.

My daughter, Sarah, amazingly shows artistic talent early on as did her husband, John.  It's no wonder, then, that Virginia is their natural beneficiary.

Here is the photo Virginia takes while we are at Big Sky Lodge in the Nantahala Mountains.

This is her painting half-complete.

And here (ta-da!) is the final product!

At the risk of sounding like a doting grandmother, I don't know how many 12-year-olds out there could do any better.  Virginia's eye for perspective and colors is way beyond her years and experience.  I'm thrilled that she is developing this extra-special gift from God!

And as a cherry tops a sundae, here are two other paintings she does recently - one of cat, Henry, without a background and after the background is added.

Just wow and just wow again!

Thank you for indulging me is this post full of praise for Virginia, but I can't help but celebrate as I see her using her God-given talents to give Him the glory.

Amen!

Roots Take Hold

 

Consider how the wild flowers grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ~Luke 12:27

I spring forth unexpected

A wanton, lowly weed

Adorned in yellow

Not the color of cowardice

But of sunny survival

I bloom where I'm planted

And thrive against odds

For I'm content to call home

Wherever God intends 

For my roots to take hold

And when I go to seed

I am grateful still.

Amen!

How Different, How Alike

 

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ~Galatians 3:28

How different we are

Yet how alike 

In loving the same

Precious persons

With no exception

We deeply care

In every moment

Miss them when

Time demands absence

From one another

We wait anxiously

Until we feel loving touch

Soothing voices calling

Renewing, so we know

We are never alone

Our loved ones manifest

In our one-another love

And that's a comfort divine.

Amen!

When my daughter, Sarah, sends me these photos of their dog, Finn, and their cat, Henry, I am reminded of how my cat, Jordan, and my dog, Maggie, bonded in such an unconventional and unexpected way years ago.  Tradition tells us that cats and dogs simply cannot and do not get along.  That is not proved in my life experience.  I'm convinced that when love is shared, in the animal kingdom and in the human realm, there are no obstacles we cannot overcome.

In today's contentious and divisive society, this is a powerful lesson we all need to learn.

Queen Elizabeth II

 

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master's happiness!'" ~Matthew 25:21

The past week brought with it an unexpected turn of events that have plunged the world into mourning.  Queen Elizabeth's death at 96 years of age, though not entirely unexpected, marks the end of an era highlighted by the civility, duty and devotion she displayed to her country in love and selflessness, throughout her 70-year reign.  There is no monarch, past or present, who can hold a candle  to her longevity and exemplary dedication and service to her country and to her God.

The passing of the beautiful Queen also stirred up memories of losing my own mother, who was born in 1928, just two years after Elizabeth's presence graced this world.  I'm propelled back in time to the wonder and strength, faith and fortitude of the greatest generation, the one passing away before our very eyes as the days progress at a speed beyond our control.  We deeply miss our loved ones who promoted the values of common decency, truth and responsibility which all of us should don as the mantel of our life's purpose.

As the entire world mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, I am reminded of her well-known quote:  "Grief is the price we pay for love."  Yes, your Majesty, indeed, it is.  And you were loved as greatly as you loved others.

Rest in peace, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, and share joyfully in your Master's happiness.

Amen!

His Invitation

 

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he might stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. ~Psalm 37:23-24

Invitation offered.  Will you accept?

Placing one foot before the other

Dedicated to journey unknown

Mysterious to you only because

The Lord knows your path, destination

Way before your decision to accept

Becomes undeniable reality

Take that first step, followed by

Another and another, in faith alone

When all else fails and fades away

His invitation will ever remain.

Amen!  

~

My friends, my family really needs your prayers.  With the children back at school, my daughter, Sarah, was able to secure a job at a grocery store that is within walking distance from their home, and her training has been going swimmingly.  Unfortunately, youngest daughter, Alexandra, came home from school on Wednesday with a diagnosis of Covid - highest temp at 104 before Tylenol and a cold bath.  I have every confidence that this little one will pull through, but Danny and I worry that this glitch in Sarah's schedule could effect the future of this most needed job for her.  Please pray for understanding on the part of her new employers and for restoration of health for precious Alexandra!

Thank you, and blessings to all!

Do you need prayers for friends and family?  Please let me know in the comments.

My Little Big Girl

 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. ~Psalm 62:5

My little big girl

So grown and yet so young

Innocence surrounds you still

Despite world's influence hung

About your shoulders, weary

Before their time is near

To face the wiles of growing up

In spite of doubts and fears.

God is with you through it all

His grace, your joy, to find

In unfettered, dreamless sleep

That leaves the world behind.

Amen!