AHHH AUGUST

 Do you remember a time in your life when everything seemed topsy?

When ‘right-side-up’ seemed like up-side-down?

When you could not articulate the constant swirling in your soul?

When life lived in fullness seemed too far away to connect?

This August, life around me seems topsy.

Up is down.

Yes is ‘no’.

In is out.

ReJOYce is reversed, turned around, skewed.

Indeed I rejoice daily but then I read the paper or listen to the news or receive a devastating prayer request.

My heart skips a beat.

The world is so crazy!

Is there no one left in this world who thinks beyond personal gain?

Is satan taking vulnerable people and twisting their souls until dead? Where is the logic?

Where is the step-by-step pondering over difficult situations?

Is there no hint or sign that things could be otherwise?

Is each day so spontaneous that there is no forethought regarding solutions to years-long problems or suggestions for better health before catastrophe happens?

August is a time to linger in the shade with a glass of Ice Tea.  

It’s a time to lazily read a book if there is time to spare each day.  

It’s a month that signals the coming of another school or church year.

It’s a time to plan, prepare, move ahead of the curve so that we are ready for another great season of being, of learning, of rejoicing with others.

After all, being in community is important to most of us.  

How we linger with one another can either be spontaneous or scheduled with well planned opportunities.

August is one of my favorite months because hubby and I take one day at a time.  

If the weather is good we may take a day trip.  

If it is too hot, we eat ice cream.  

If we want to be lazy we give ourselves permission to do so.

On the other hand, it is also a time for me to think of all I’d like to accomplish when the air is cooler, when more people have settled back home after vacation or when most schedules are being set for the coming year.

I love learning and teaching.

Therefore, I must think ahead:  Specific dates and times for classes, resources needed to complete the goals that I set, contingency plans so we leave no one stranded if times and events change. 

Planning ahead is part of our daily lives.  

One adage I live by is, “Make a structured plan and then feel free to deviate from it.”

It’s sort of like building a house.

We dream of decor or the finest kitchen but if the house foundation is faulty, all will collapse.

Life is that way.

If we move through life with little ‘form’ to our days, we may feel like we’ve accomplished nothing even though simply being awake and breathing is truly an accomplishment some days.

However, if we formulate a plan and create simple habits we most likely will have a sense of stability, a strong foundation. 

For instance, each morning I choose to accomplish tasks within a two-hour period.  No matter when I wake up, I focus on these tasks.  

First, I tidy up the bedroom and brush my teeth.

Second, I put on comfy clothes for 30 minutes of exercise.  This could be a swift walk in the neighborhood or cardio on my glider.  This exercise is not an option but a necessity to maintain my health.

Third, I fix my own breakfast that is simple and specific.  [Hubby has already enjoyed his so we later share a mid-morning time of oatmeal and meditations.]

Fourth, I study scripture, read from a theological book and dive into prayer, not necessarily in that order.  Often I begin while I am sipping my early morning tea.  Then I take more time to linger over a variety of options.  I love to study so I have to watch my time.

Fifth, I clean up and dress for the day which could be running errands, a meeting on Zoom, an adventure with hubby, addressing specific chores or ‘all of the above’.  

On gardening days this step may be moved far beyond my “two hours.”  Gardening days are my JOY.  I can linger in dirt for hours.  

Why is my morning so structured?  

Because I have tried to move these habits to another part of the day and I have failed miserably.  

If I do not accomplish the basics in the morning I might as well forget it.  Some days are like that.  I get up too late or have an early morning meeting.  

When I break a habit, even when I cannot help it, I feel a bit topsy, a bit up-side-down.

When the world spins about me in what I perceive to be total chaos, these habits keep me grounded, focused, grateful and joy-filled.  

These habits are part of my foundation, just like that of a little house.  When built strong my inner foundation stands firm even when storms blow hard around me.

Ahhh, August.

I’ve been slacking off a bit this summer.

It’s a time to get back into those habits that ground both body and soul.

It’s time to linger a little longer doing the things I love to do.

It’s a time to rejoice in the fact that I crave my little schedule of habits knowing that I am solidly grounded as the Lord leads me.

There is a passage of scripture that I have loved for years from Philippians 4:11-13  “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being filled and of going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

As I retain my foundation of good habits, I am strengthened for any circumstance and know intimately the One who strengthens me.

Ahhh, August

Ahhh, Life

Ahhh, the Breath of life for both soul and body in these crazy times 

Ahhh, My God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Ahhh, Grateful

Ahhh, Rejoice !!!

JULY THE MISSING PIECE

 July is my favorite month.     

RED, WHITE and BLUE is my theme all summer but especially this month.

I’m taking time to linger in the garden which is amazingly gorgeous this year.

I’m taking time to read and take walks even though the temps and humidity are high.

Rain gives some relief but early morning hours are the best time to accomplish anything outside.

All the pieces of my summer seem to fit nicely into our continuous activities with visitors and friends.

This summer we have had to ‘re-learn’ socializing in person!

I never realized that, for hubby and me, who did not suffer from the isolation of Covid, getting together with people takes practice.

We have to clean up the clutter and figure out what to eat.

Food is central to hospitality.

I make scones and give them away by the dozens but actually fixing a nice meal where we can linger between healthy courses takes practice.

It’s almost like putting a puzzle together and finding there is one missing piece.  This summer I actually took time to form a 1000 piece puzzle on our dining room table [wrong place if you are entertaining].  There was one piece I could not find until I removed the cushion of one chair as I was dusting.  Voila!  My heart, at last felt peace.

A few weeks later I decided to try another puzzle.  Although only 500 pieces, it seemed more difficult.  It had been in the box about twenty years so perhaps the way pieces were cut back then were more challenging?  Indeed, any excuse will do for lingering a little longer with this one.  This time I used a table in our basement rec room so it would not impede any entertaining.  Alas, this puzzle also had a missing piece . . .  which I have yet to find!!!  It’s missing from a less prominent place than  in the other puzzle but each time I look at the puzzle my eye goes right to the empty space.

So, I began to wonder.  Why is the empty space more important than the incredible feat of completing two puzzles when I have not worked any puzzle in years?  Why doesn’t my eye focus on the lovely picture, the intricate placement of tiny cardboard pieces or simply the sense of accomplishment I should feel?

This focus on the ‘empty space’ seems to be a metaphor for life.  Hubby and I give thanks daily for all we have.  We give glory to God for our incredible life, our health, our faith and the protection and guidance we feel as we walk with Christ.  We bubble over with blessings each day as we read scripture together and read a meditation that unpacks a chosen verse.

We have all we could ever want, are busy enough to feel satisfied at the end of each day, and have amazingly good health.

Yet, we have dreams and unmet expectations that still seem to linger deep in our souls.  I’d love to travel to Europe again but there are some very realistic roadblocks that keep us from doing so at this point in our lives.  Overnight trips to familiar destinations seem to be all we can handle right now.  No complaints here.  Just a reality check.  This ‘empty space’ is filled up with travel documentaries readily available to us via the internet.

I think of friends I have not seen in years.  We all live so far away now.

Yet, Zoom and phone calls have filled in those empty spaces.  There are those I may never see and then, unexpectedly, a few are ‘in the neighborhood.’  Last winter unexpected guests took a vacation thousands of miles from their home and we lingered over a long meal together and hours of chat.

There is a book I’d like to write.  Perhaps it’s an unmet goal that I set decades ago.  Although I do not ache over the idea, I have yet to ‘check the box.’  Perhaps I’ll take the time some day but I have so many other goals to reach that are easy and very enjoyable.  I have piles of unread books which I’m tackling . . .  one book a week.  They feed my soul, tickle my intellect and a few even take me away into fantastic spaces.  My greatest challenge is finding enough ‘empty’ space to read each day but I make time as part of my daily schedule.

My greatest source of ‘empty space’ is the garden.  If I find too much dirt between plants I immediately want to plant something.  Our side yard is a result of years of expanded growth.  Every space is filled with colorful beauty, some tall bushes, some small perennials.  Each year is more glorious than the last.  It’s the sunny parts that take more work to keep spaces filled and alive with sun-loving blooms.  

And then there is the herb garden.  Spring shoots expand the oregano far beyond the perimeters of the brick path.  Cutting back bags full of Thyme, sage, oregano and so much more adds plenty to the larder but empties out the overgrowth that covers bald spots.  So, I add an annual for color . . .  which takes ages to grow . . .  then wilts because it should not have been planted in that space in the first place.  Oh well, so I have a ‘bald spot’ here and there.  I breathe deep and give myself credit for maintaining so many beauty-filled gardens.

It’s like maintaining rose bushes in July.  Impossible!  Japanese beetles fly from the meadow below toward the sweet smell of yellow, white and red roses.  Rains pound the white roses to pieces.  Beetles gather in mounds on the red roses.  The delicate yellow roses are the big prize for these appetite driven little beasts.  So, I fill my empty spaces of time popping these menaces into my suds-filled container.  Five here, one there, twelve at a time, fifty in an hour.  Three times a day for about three weeks I’m vigilant.  Then my roses are free to bloom the rest of the summer.  They fill the empty spaces of the garden with glorious beauty.

All in all, I do not suffer from seeing ‘empty spaces’ where I do not want them.  I’m simply aware and try to find solutions when I can.

Otherwise, I breathe deep, linger as I ponder and give thanks that I have such simple challenges to overcome.

The greatest empty space we enjoy now is retirement . . .  sort of.

We are busy helping others grow in Christ, listening to heartbreaking stories, loving people right where they are and helping others to deal with their own empty spaces.

Perhaps the next time I try to complete a puzzle I’ll count all the pieces before I start? I hope not.  That takes all the fun out of the process even if the task does not seem complete in the end.  

Life’s puzzles are what keeps us alive, keep us moving forward, as we seek to find answers or seek peace when the reality tells us we may never find the missing piece.  That’s OK.  That is part of our journey.

And we all know that it’s the journey that is so important.

As has been quoted so many times before.  It’s the ‘dash’ between birth date and the date of death that is our story.  The ‘empty space’ between these two dates is far too small to say anything.  Yet, it’s this empty space that is of the most importance.  

I thank God for the missing pieces in my life.

I thank God that I am still alive to fill in ‘empty’ spaces.

I thank God I can serve our Lord with gladness each day as He directs my journey.

I am thankful that hubby and I are a team who gains strength through the ‘third strand’ of our lives, our triune God. 

Through the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we keep moving through life, empty spaces and all, filling the missing pieces as our Lord directs.  

God is good.

Life is good.

We are good.

And we give thanks every single day for rest, blessings and outreach to others.

I know deep in my soul that the PEACE of God that surpasses all understanding will always fill the  those 'empty spaces' when I am unable to discern the missing piece.

 

JUNE TRANSITIONS

 We usually begin our transition in May but this year I was needed a little longer in Florida.  What a difference a few weeks makes.  June is a great month to 'transition.'

By the time hubby and I packed up for the northern environs we experienced 95 degrees with 95% humidity daily.  I do not mind the heat but the humidity makes one feel mildly limp as we slog through mud.

Almost immediately, upon exiting our train up north, we felt the first joy of our transition from South to North.  We breathed in fresh air even though it was already quite hot in the early hours of the new day.  Far less humidity has made a huge impact on our well-being.  

The terrain of wide freeways and overpasses was not much different than our southern environs but once we left the suburbs surrounding D.C. we entered vast expanses of green, deciduous foliage.  Breeze swept through the aged trees until we entered the much anticipated openness of endless farmland.  Barns, hay, oats, animals and the vast patchwork of green, gold and brown reminded us of the place we’d left seven months earlier.

Even upon entering our lovely abode we embraced new spaces.  Dark wooden floors, comfortable furniture, some over a century old.  Our eyes rested upon familiar artwork as empty counters greeted us.  I’d stored all our old, blue, ‘Ball’ jars in the fridge so the contents would remain edible.  Small appliances, the pitcher filled with wooden spoons, cutting boards, containers to hold fresh produce, our little condiment tray, a Kleenex box and all those little do-dads that lay around were all neatly stored away.  

We found we were slow to remember where we placed our beloved tools for daily living.  We opened each cupboard, drawer and cabinet in the house as we hunted for the familiar.  We are still hunting.  Did we leave that in Florida?  Did we place this in such a safe place that there is no way to find it? Was it that important?

And then the shopping.  We eat very simply but purchasing the basics was a bit mystifying.  Our local farmer was first on our list.  Fresh everything we could find, so cheap and no preservatives, fully organic.  Next, Costco.  We buy in bulk as much as possible but hubby is the real shopper.  He knows what is a bargain and what is best to purchase elsewhere.  We only shop at three to four places but it was the list-making and the decisions that exhausted us.

And so we are now well ensconced in our home-sweet-home, ready to enjoy a little ‘down’ time.  Our heavy work schedule was actually in Florida.  Our ‘vacation’ is in the middle of Lancaster farmland.  Amish mow the lawns, buggies vie for space on two-lane roads.  Farmers plant corn where they just harvested oats and hay.  Tractors, lawn mowers and the clip-clopping hooves of horse-drawn buggies sometimes drown out the melodious songs of a great variety of birds in the meadow at the bottom of our little hill.  

I sit on my back porch and stare out at the vast expanse of farmland as I listen to happy sounds.  Cool breezes make large tree limbs, filled with a variety of vegetation, seem like they are dancing.  Mama birds flit about grabbing endless food for their greedy babies.  How am I to get any work done?  I’m mesmerized!  

It’s still not warm enough to wear less than three layers before noon.  I cautiously peel one layer at a time.  By late afternoon I am ready to wear one layer as we take our daily walk around the neighborhood.  The days are 15 hours long so there is plenty of time to work in the garden each day. 

And then there are the gardens.  We have back and front yard gardens, tiered gardens filled with perennials and the herb garden overflowing with green beauty, flowers, and an abundance of herbs that will keep us going for the next five years.  Sometimes I think I should begin a small business to dry and sell herbs.  Instead, I choose to cut back large bags full of Oregano, Tarragon, a variety of onions and garlic, Russian Sage, Cat mint, Spearmint and so much more.

The rose bushes are heavy with colorful blooms that smell divine as I poke my nose especially into the yellow ones.  Garlic surrounds them so no aphids.  Japanese beetles have yet to pop out of their nests as rain still floods the gardens with soft swigs of moisture.  Our tiers of blooming perennials are so happy that I must cut back reams of foliage so we can see everything.  Salvia, Laurel, Hastas galore, Salvia, reams of Hydrangeas on three huge bushes and variegated leaves of green invite the eye to swirl in all directions.  Blue ‘climbing’ geraniums grow like weeds as they slither between larger bushes.  Winterberry, such a glorious red in the winter, is fat with green berries.  I have much to do simply to enjoy the beauty and trim a bit here and there.  

The garden provides a place of beauty and purpose.  In order to remain beautiful as the summer heat creeps in, we cut and dig and prune as much as possible.  Watering will be our August chore but for now, we simply enjoy.

So, as we transition we also see our surroundings transition.  From the plump and plentiful foliage and yellow, red and blue colors of spring flowers to the dryer stillness of deep summer, we look forward to the beauty of the massive trees that divide the farms.  All too soon we will embrace fall colors, pumpkins, a golden landscape, much cutting back for winter and another time of transition.

I drink in every single moment because time flies faster than I can catch it.  All too soon we will be in the midst of a transition that will return us to the South.  I will joyfully enter into a very busy schedule down there as we share our lives with others.  We do so all year but more-so when we return as ‘season’ begins in the Florida.  

Church activities draw us into the lives of so many who seek more and who choose to grow more in their Christ-Journey.  As we grow, we choose to help others grow.  We can never grow enough, never know enough, never stop in our journey as we transition into the fullness of knowing God in Christ Jesus.  We will never stop our transition while in this transitory place we call ‘the world.’  

I love every minute, no matter where I am or what I am doing.  

God is leading as I simply follow from one ‘transition’ to the next.

May we each enJOY the beauty around us, no matter where we are, and embrace any and all ‘transitions’ set before us.  

God is Good, 

Life is Good 

We are Good . . . through any and all ‘transitions.’

MONTH OF MAY

 The month of may is always a turning point for me: warmer days, more sunshine and thoughts of a change in scenery.

Today the warm, dry breeze waffles through my hair as I sit on our lanai.  We live in the southern part of the United States considered to be in the tropics.  

This suits me quite well all year but hubby craves cooler air about now.  

So, we prepare to pack up and move north for those hot summer months.

This year I was invited to remain in this tropical area through June to help at church.

“No way,” says hubby.  “Let’s create a plan where you can be helpful yet not fully present.”  

Because of the all the technology we embraced during this Covid pandemic, this is totally do-able.  

The church elders said OK to my plan to Zoom as usual.  

Not much will change except for a few preaching assignments.  

This was alleviated by my taking extra opportunities to preach in May.

Instead of leisurely packing, I now prep ‘modules’ in my spare time.  All we’ll have to do is load up the already packed plastic containers, empty the fridge, turn off the water and we are good to go.  

This past year has been busier for me than the past several.  While others have been sequestered, I have been trekking to church several days a week.  Yet, I find time to linger on our sweet lanai most mornings. It’s the rhythm of the seasons that I so love.  That’s why we love changing our environment.  

Down here we enjoy colorful blooms, tall grasses and deciduous trees standing between the never-changing sway of the palms.  All too soon we will enjoy just as much heat but cool nights, scores of perennials planted in tiered gardens and much digging in the dirt.  My gardens up north are lush with variegated green and pops of lush color.  We look forward to lingering outside until the late hours when the fireflies begin to sparkle in the dusky haze of evening and hope the Cicadas will be short lived.

Today I choose to linger on my lanai, writing until my computer gives up steam.  My mind travels through the upcoming schedule of farewell gatherings, meetings and festive worship.  The Lord is on his throne and in my heart as I am led by the Holy Spirit to write words for others to hear.  I love to teach so that I can learn something new to share with others. I find purpose in each day knowing that God is using me in simple ways, a little here and a little there.

As I linger in my armchair, I think of my brother who just completed the most fascinating journey he has taken in his lifetime.  In just six weeks he drove his little 30” tall Lotus Elan from Colorado Springs across the country to the most southeastern point in the continental United States.  He then visited us for one night and continued north to Maine, taking his final eleven miles to the northeastern point of the U.S. on a dirt logging road with ruts as deep as his tires.  

One of several books

He then proceeded to touch the central point of the U.S. on his way back home.  He rested a couple days, tweaked his little car for another jaunt, hugged his wife, repacked and was off again as he went through the lowest point in the U.S. to the most southwestern tip of the U.S. in California. 

Continuing north, he took routes 1 and 101 to the most northwestern part in the Washington Olympics.  He then crossed through Montana and southward to reached the highest point in the U.S. where several joined in his mini-celebration with cheese and crackers carefully laid out on the back of his Elan.  One day later he met another group not far from home to celebrate his trip of well over 11,000 miles.  

Throughout his trip my brother was joined by one or several Lotus enthusiasts: fellow drivers, mechanics who came to his rescue and those who care.  He raise over $17,000 for his annual "Driving for Kids."  Annually, a dozen Lotus Elans gather in another part of the U.S. or England to raise money for these children.  This year my brother simply asked for donations as he did all the driving.  All money goes to Round-up River Ranch in Colorado for summer camp.  My brother took no money for himself.

And so, it has been a wonder-filled seven months for hubby and me in the tropics as I followed each of my brother’s daily blogs for the past six weeks.  

What a ride!

Since today we celebrate Memorial Day, I remember those who died serving our country so that we may dream, have adventures and travel safely.  

Let us be mindful of those who continue to protect our freedom so that we are free to dream, drive, worship and be arm-chair adventurers.  

Because of the dedication of others we remain safe.  

May we fly our flag boldly and tell wonder-filled stories about each part of this incredible United States of America.  

We are ONE nation, under God, Indivisible, with justice for all.  

May this nation remain so as long as I have breathe.  

God Bless America! 

FORTY DAYS THROUGH APRIL

 Forty days and forty nights.

That’s how long Moses communed with God as he was receiving the words for the tablets.  

That’s when the Ten Commandments were given as the beginning of the ‘Law’ for those who fled from Egypt.  

Moses returned to the presence of God for another forty days after he threw the first set of tablets to the ground.

God’s people were so far removed from worship and understanding of the ‘Presence’ that they sinned against God at the same time Moses was in the midst of God’s glory.

God’s people spent the previous 450 years while in Egypt without worship, without sin offering, with only a small remnant who were taught the stories of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Throughout Hebrew history, forty years and forty days have remained significant in the lives of God’s people.  

Other numbers are also very important but today we focus on Forty.

Centuries later, God fulfilled the many prophecies of the Old Covenant through the New Covenant, Jesus Christ.  

We celebrate Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection and ascension of God’s only begotten Son through designated periods of time each year. 

 At the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, before he picked any of his disciples, the Spirit drew Jesus into the desert for forty days to commune with his Father.  

This was a time of testing but it was also a time to fortify Jesus for three years of non-stop ministry.  

In the same way, when we walk through a meditative period called Lent, we also take forty days to separate ourselves from certain indulgences that may hinder our communication with the Lord.  

This is a time to empty ourselves, and gain more wisdom for our own journey with Christ Jesus.

We use the forty days of Lent to walk to the Cross with Jesus, a time we are called to “be crucified with Christ . . .to let go of our own will and gain greater understanding of God’s will for ourselves.  

Forty days of contemplation, meditation, study and worship mingled with our daily schedules and obligations.  

Some habits are set aside while others are enhanced.

Although we walk to the Cross with Jesus in mind and spirit, we comprehend very little if we have not walked through the Triduum, the last three days of Jesus’ life.

Maundy Thursday was the last time Jesus gathered with his chosen twelve.  

Jesus “mandated” that they [and we] love one another as Christ loved them [and us].  

The next day, Friday, Jesus’ disciples would learn what this means.  

Jesus was crucified, taking all our sin upon himself, so that we who believe would never feel the sting of death.  

The next day, Saturday, we empty ourselves out so that we feel the emptiness Jesus’ followers felt when they thought he was gone forever. 

Little did Jesus’ disciples know that Jesus’ death would give them [and us] life forever.  

Little did his followers know they would see Jesus again.

Much to their surprise, on the day we call Easter [which means Spring] Jesus would be raised from the dead.  

Little did anyone know that Jesus would wander among those who were bereft when he died.  

Little did they know that Jesus would spend the next forty days personally connecting with each person or group of people to help them remember all the promises given to them over the past three years.

Jesus lingered with his followers for forty days as he encouraged them to Go, Tell others, and keep the words of good news flourishing throughout the world. 

 

It’s good news to know that Jesus is alive and well.  

It’s good news to know that God’s love and grace are right in front of us for the taking.  

It’s good news to know that I can live eternally if I choose to believe what God has done for me through His Son.

It’s good news to know that all I have to say daily is “yes.”

“Yes” Lord.  

“Yes” I will follow Your precepts.  

“Yes” I will follow Your will for me.

“Yes” I will come to you and ask and seek and keep asking and seeking until I understand that You are my life-line.  

You, Lord, are with me more than forty days  .

You, Lord,  are with me for the rest of my life on this earth.  

You, Lord,  are with me for ever.  

You have a place for me when I am done with my physical body.  

With the Holy Spirit, planted in us at baptism, I we can linger with You forty days, forty years, forty million moments, for ever!  

With the Holy Spirit, You will never leave us nor forsake us because Your Spirit, planted within us who say ‘yes’ to You, is for ever.  

You have  promised to be with us always as we promise to be open to your presence.  

For ever, eternally.

Forty days?

It means for ever!