tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64189006060798241972024-03-05T02:42:20.340-08:00Pinecones in my pocketAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-34501256806425237712015-05-23T19:45:00.000-07:002015-05-23T19:45:12.988-07:00Shrouded<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Then their eyes were opened,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and they recognized Him,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>but He disappeared from their sight.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>So they said to each other,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Weren't our hearts ablaze within us</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>while He was talking with us on the road</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and explaining the Scriptures to us?"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Luke 24:31-32</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wrapped in tragedy,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
grief,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
despair,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A thick fog of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
crushed hopes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and broken dreams</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Conceals the very one they long for.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The words of the Lord,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cast</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the breath of The Word,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They catch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A blinding glimpse of the glories,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just beyond the mist.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-78659202030933810112015-03-21T20:25:00.001-07:002015-03-21T20:26:02.578-07:00Into the Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVlo-BzC6wTFSPNZRLLs6Jl_pVZJ-D8ZBD5l3_uMWJQscCa0zpRZS-drXlN9bxBAdN3q1BsX9mrEJ9pfPHsYpm-vMyRkEmW0l0UQTIDsQ5IjygScWtqOFfqocguk1kqvwkfuumamYdJ4/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVlo-BzC6wTFSPNZRLLs6Jl_pVZJ-D8ZBD5l3_uMWJQscCa0zpRZS-drXlN9bxBAdN3q1BsX9mrEJ9pfPHsYpm-vMyRkEmW0l0UQTIDsQ5IjygScWtqOFfqocguk1kqvwkfuumamYdJ4/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Lord</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is my light</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and my salvation -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whom should I fear?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Lord</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is the stronghold of my life-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of whom should I be afraid?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 27:1</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When we hide, we hide in darkness. We huddle in crevasses, cowering into tight shuddering balls, childishly pleading that what we can't see, can't see us either. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It feels like shelter, this darkness, but it's just as much a trap. it hides the dangers well, this prison of our own making that we stumble and grope our way through.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
David embraced the light.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
No hiding,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
no fear,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
he rested,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
in the fortress of The Lord.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-11982505139350426592015-03-20T21:32:00.002-07:002015-04-18T12:36:27.379-07:00Level Ground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbVw6hiC3cfXwZGvj6jkDsq9T0Tllhi6izBU0wjYemsRkLBNRitr6jsTZakpuohkg-POjWctIOc0g0q0akSw2tZI-7Y1gWMd1b0czAL5rMtXu4xiqHjL8yGvJIzs51DhQvOhEmmcOC0k/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbVw6hiC3cfXwZGvj6jkDsq9T0Tllhi6izBU0wjYemsRkLBNRitr6jsTZakpuohkg-POjWctIOc0g0q0akSw2tZI-7Y1gWMd1b0czAL5rMtXu4xiqHjL8yGvJIzs51DhQvOhEmmcOC0k/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My foot stands </i><i>on level ground;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will praise the Lord </i><i>in the assemblies.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Psalm 26:12</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In confidence,<br />
<br />
He stands. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Accused of treason, hated by the king, hunted by his armies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What begins as a prayer, as a desperate plea, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that his God,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would acknowledge his innocence;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ends as a proclamation of confident faith.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He opens his life before the Lord, to declare his pure and innocent heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He stands, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
apart from the grumbling and plotting of hypocrites </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He stands </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the house of the Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He stands </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on level ground.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No chasms, no stones, no precarious hills,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the strength of the Lord,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He stands.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-12886713294092449332015-02-09T17:40:00.002-08:002015-02-09T17:41:18.168-08:00Rescue<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Your offspring</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> will be foreigners</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>in a land that does not belong to them;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>they will be enslaved</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and oppressed</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>400 years</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Genesis 15:13</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Abraham,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Isaac,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jacob and Esau.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jacob became Israel,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The father of Joseph.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Joseph was sold into slavery,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rose in prominence,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And lead his family into Egypt.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He was Abraham's great grandson, I guess. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what had the family been told? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What did they understand?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When they made that trek into Egypt, was there any thought beyond the hope of escaping the famine?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Did they come to consider Egypt home?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Did any one of them sense they were embarking on the 400 years of oppression?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Would they,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Could they,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have done anything different if they had?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Do we ever glimpse in a startling solution,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
the snare that it just might become?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Or are we all too willing, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
to sink into cushions of comfort </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
without ever wondering what they might have been put there to hide?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-20171050229296734792015-02-07T19:00:00.001-08:002015-02-08T17:20:00.962-08:00Winter Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2vefvZbf4c8Z0n8eTletUO-T-dS85q_FnoczQjWvlHzqye64c1DhbWgXZTkJ8u2qx9yfvdoCRosdrT4DfuKcL1s5UEW1N57Nga5zFfQTp-n_4hYI_RoZk9KC1WDyf5I7mLiP77I4p6s/s1600/IMG_1237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2vefvZbf4c8Z0n8eTletUO-T-dS85q_FnoczQjWvlHzqye64c1DhbWgXZTkJ8u2qx9yfvdoCRosdrT4DfuKcL1s5UEW1N57Nga5zFfQTp-n_4hYI_RoZk9KC1WDyf5I7mLiP77I4p6s/s1600/IMG_1237.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunshine,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Warm air,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shadow striped path,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
along the still icy river.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I dare hope for an early spring?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I dare stuff hats and gloves back into the depths of the closet?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course not. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's February,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And only just at that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The temperatures will plummet,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The winds will blow,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The obligatory late winter snow storm,<br />
<br />
will show up around spring break.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forget the future.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just inhabit today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Accept it </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the tease,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the promise,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the gift </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that it is. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-2613259298803556182015-02-05T19:33:00.000-08:002015-02-05T19:34:20.609-08:00Book Store <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NDlBKjjH0n5MGqGUTwLObQ6LowDeAaXyVgltAis09UzHi5p5_EuvIy-5Kvzj1STtX8V1JyTOa4rz-06a69u8a_2YfGSkRudgumfG1HCy9SzbU4h1reNdLkpxsP4JWwUpj1c25Zl58bw/s1600/IMG_1226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NDlBKjjH0n5MGqGUTwLObQ6LowDeAaXyVgltAis09UzHi5p5_EuvIy-5Kvzj1STtX8V1JyTOa4rz-06a69u8a_2YfGSkRudgumfG1HCy9SzbU4h1reNdLkpxsP4JWwUpj1c25Zl58bw/s1600/IMG_1226.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Books,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Books in rows,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Books in stacks,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Books engulfed in an ocean of words I want to sink into and melt as they wash over me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope they never fade away,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These refuges of printed of words of depth and wisdom, and inspiration.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Most are probably nothing of the sort of course. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There's celebrity gossip, and formula romance, and the latest miracle diet.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But somewhere, hidden like pearls in the sands is magic,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A book that will become a life of it's own,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Words that will meld into the fabric of my own voice until I almost forget that they're not.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I want to stay here until I find it,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I want to stay here until I create it. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-9379516973342936112015-02-04T17:29:00.001-08:002015-02-04T17:29:12.149-08:00Athletic TuitionA segment on the news tonight outlined the costs of college athletic recruiting; meals, travel expenses, even private airplanes and helicopters, to impress and lure the dazzled young high school seniors. <br />
<br />
Thousands of dollars, on neatly displayed spreadsheets, compared the budgets of various schools and conferences. What, exactly, was their point? That some schools are more committed than others to drawing the best? That expenditures are proportional to results? That the entire system is out of it's mind? <br />
<br />
I was too horrified to listen closely to the point they were trying to make. Even my husband's suggestion, that maybe the numbers included the scholarships for the athletes wasn't much of a comfort.<br />
<br />
Just where did all this money come from?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I think I know. <br />
<br />
Where was the follow-up story on the explosive growth of college tuition?<br />
<br />
What about the one on the back breaking debt of the students who went to college for an education; the ones who weren't offered million dollar professional contracts when they graduated from school?<br />
<br />
Sports programs generate income too. I get that. <br />
<br />
Sports done right can teach team work, commitment, and responsibility. Those are excellent and worthy goals.<br />
<br />
But, I can't help wondering, as my children scrabble to get started on their lives, as they scrounge for groceries and rent after siphoning most of their check to the student loan companies, just what is all that money really paying for? <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-68317669152153839082015-02-02T18:47:00.000-08:002015-02-02T18:53:01.099-08:00The Integrity Trap<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But Abram said to the king of Sodom,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I have raised my hand in an oath </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>to Yahweh,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>God Most High,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Creator of heaven and earth,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>that I will not take a thread</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>or a sandal strap</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>or anything</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>that belongs to you,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>so you can never say,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I made Abram rich."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Genesis 14: 22 - 23</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It seemed a gesture of good will. After a battle, a retreat, and the loss of all possessions and people, Sodom was rescued by the servants of Abram. "Give me the people," the king requested, but the spoils he offered to Abram. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It seems more than fair. It seems even gracious to my inexperienced modern ears, like a grateful expression of thanks for the gift of Abram's help. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Maybe Bera had no right to make any demands at all. Maybe he should have expected no more than to become the subjects of Abram, as one who has been conquered in battle. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Abram certainly seemed to hear no gratitude in the offer. Instead, he perceived it for the trap it probably was. What was Bera really giving up in the deal? His city had been under subjection for twelve years anyway. A newcomer, an outsider, with a relatively small army, has startlingly emerged in victory. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With Bera's "gift" he becomes stronger, well-known, a force to be considered; and he owes it all to Sodom. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a gift not worth the cost. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Abram turned down the gift, the pressure, the slithering tentacles of control.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The original honest politician.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Too bad we can't find a few more today. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-90612286549005587592015-02-01T18:23:00.000-08:002015-02-01T18:23:54.887-08:00Abram's Gift<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will bless</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>those who bless you,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I will curse</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>those who treat you with contempt,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and all the peoples on earth</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>will be blessed through you.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Genesis 12:3</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not sure if that would be empowering or terrifying. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The thought of the entire laser focus on heaven's attention resting on my every interaction could be an anchor of hope in the midst of endless opposition. It could also be a crushing weight of responsibility. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't know how Abram felt about it, but I certainly don't always earn the blessings of those I touch. Maybe I deserved some contempt that day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Would it change my interactions, to be given that promise? Would I consider, day by day, whether my grouchy mood could lead someone to react in a way that would bring the very wrath of God upon them? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That promise was to Abram, to the nation he founded, it was never personal to anyone else.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yet, the principal is there. I can't control the choices others make in reaction to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But I can sure control the choices I make, that provoke those reactions in them. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-11124727645434496182015-01-29T15:42:00.004-08:002015-01-29T15:50:32.763-08:00January SlumpMy old friend,<br />
<br />
is a new teacher.<br />
<br />
We haven't actually talked in a good 25 years, but I see her occasional posts online. <br />
<br />
I've enjoyed following her excitement of mid-life graduation, nerve churning interviews, and the giddy anticipation of a new job, a new year, a classroom all her own. <br />
<br />
It's been a couple of years now, maybe a little more. My own life has spiraled along in its own round of classes and names and challenges, and it's hard to remember exactly how long ago she started. <br />
<br />
Long enough, anyway, to move beyond the newbie confidence at the end of a long week of:<br />
"I'll figure it out and get it right next time,"<br />
<br />
to the winter slump of:<br />
"Am I really cut out for this?"<br />
<br />
It's January. <br />
<br />
Nobody's cut out for this.<br />
<br />
It's the time when we sit around at lunch counting the years to retirement.<br />
When we struggle to remember those first long ago classes that we're sure never acted like this.<br />
When we gaze in despair at lackluster papers and wonder if we've taught a thing all year.<br />
<br />
It's cold,<br />
<br />
it's dark,<br />
<br />
it's endlessly gloomy.<br />
<br />
The occasional tease of a lovely day, makes it almost worse when it all crashes back again.<br />
<br />
So, are you cut out for this?<br />
<br />
Yes, of course you are. <br />
<br />
The question alone is the cry of how much you care.<br />
<br />
The sun will come back,<br />
<br />
The days will warm,<br />
<br />
The children will shock you with a sudden insight, that proves they were listening all along.<br />
<br />
You'll know that this is your life,<br />
<br />
when you can't believe you get paid to do this in September...<br />
<br />
and nobody could pay you enough to do it in January...<br />
<br />
but you do it anyway<br />
<br />
Because these are your kids. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-18267016611440121242015-01-28T19:30:00.000-08:002015-01-28T19:32:14.478-08:00Heavenly Rewards<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDinTRHnhtPZLFxiVvFFQrXNqFwyYlfUkzwizY4plAVyWUp-koNghCHk74JfBOpg5EUFDYnzhlkHxuSENdg1zmj0mii7lwXTWyF8TDahBzYS9dZvQpBlLtdsPt-zMOvRnWxB8T8Y-nmIU/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDinTRHnhtPZLFxiVvFFQrXNqFwyYlfUkzwizY4plAVyWUp-koNghCHk74JfBOpg5EUFDYnzhlkHxuSENdg1zmj0mii7lwXTWyF8TDahBzYS9dZvQpBlLtdsPt-zMOvRnWxB8T8Y-nmIU/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Do not be afraid, Abram,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am your shield;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>your reward will be very great.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Genesis 15:1</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What visions would dance in the minds of someone given that offer today? A very great reward. A bank account over flowing with cash? A shiny hot-shot car? Mansions, and yachts, and vacation homes? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not even sure how any of that would translate into a prehistoric world. Certainly nothing of the kind seemed to be on Abram's mind. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In utter confusion, he couldn't even imagine what kind of reward he could receive since he had no child. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Children, family, a sparkling night sky expanse of descendants; that was the worthy reward. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-64925420724856169052015-01-27T14:52:00.001-08:002015-01-27T14:52:34.913-08:00A Promised Land<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwiP3J28hap8_Jh9BiyJXpGxVn39FhPcNTDVNyXU9PUmjERPNRqbb3PvSS3lpaynRCIxak4YFTbAKoU0pMTTus77CxxafUQE0ZVr9_l68H_G7C5XpqM1uMGoJmmoMaUKDVAPuUgai5lA/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwiP3J28hap8_Jh9BiyJXpGxVn39FhPcNTDVNyXU9PUmjERPNRqbb3PvSS3lpaynRCIxak4YFTbAKoU0pMTTus77CxxafUQE0ZVr9_l68H_G7C5XpqM1uMGoJmmoMaUKDVAPuUgai5lA/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Get up,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and walk around the land,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>through its length</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and width,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>for I will give it to you.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Genesis 13:17</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Prying a student from her favorite seat is like tugging at a rubber band. It's not even really so much that she wants to sit next to her friend, although, of course, that's part of it. It's just this insatiable tug of habit. It's natural, it's comfortable, it's where she feels she belongs. The resistance vibrates within her for days, before she finally settles in. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Life itself, becomes a luxurious prison. We surround our selves with what has always been. We tunnel through habits of space and routine. It's comfortable, it's where we feel we belong. We never even look to see what's out there, much less get up and walk around. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What would it mean to get up, even just once a day? What would I see if I looked, if I walked around an unfamiliar land and cherished as a gift. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-5272740215516970112015-01-19T18:50:00.000-08:002015-01-19T18:50:32.182-08:00Prayer Chain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKmsmfL1A4lwsB7gL01cNrp0EwxziUJ5N7SPKnzW6NHDOXyQ1e02Axp9cs6EQ1HYivjQvZGznyPsc8w-wSPalttnAhRHUOftmOOBxJImdaxR5zXd2BnL3CWf3d8jIDQP8035jVdhq7qc/s1600/10933854_10203763311308188_1375149858135083081_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKmsmfL1A4lwsB7gL01cNrp0EwxziUJ5N7SPKnzW6NHDOXyQ1e02Axp9cs6EQ1HYivjQvZGznyPsc8w-wSPalttnAhRHUOftmOOBxJImdaxR5zXd2BnL3CWf3d8jIDQP8035jVdhq7qc/s1600/10933854_10203763311308188_1375149858135083081_n.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sister-in-law is learning to crochet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loop by loop,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a baby's blanket,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thick and soft and warm,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
flows beneath her hook.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A hope,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A prayer,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A promise, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For our tiny new-born nephew,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And his topsy- turvy heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A vision unfurling,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of clutching fingers,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of baby giggles,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of peaceful nurturing sleep</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A tangible expression of rock-solid faith,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the One who guides the surgeon's touch,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who gently untangles </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
every wayward strand. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-71471364712392497352014-12-23T19:44:00.003-08:002015-01-19T18:54:47.766-08:00Bremerton Ferry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdhyphenhyphenpQKq7_KlfDmT4rKvY9U835NLPmEINR9qtrYoB5y3cpfaPf-_z1e0_0DxRIfnSHyU2NczxoCM3F3EIxvhugDg4gcV2i4_ESBtLwNgSAXmjrGX03zWpSsGCZuZO_Wo0JoiSn8td5Lc/s1600/Washington+State+Ferry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdhyphenhyphenpQKq7_KlfDmT4rKvY9U835NLPmEINR9qtrYoB5y3cpfaPf-_z1e0_0DxRIfnSHyU2NczxoCM3F3EIxvhugDg4gcV2i4_ESBtLwNgSAXmjrGX03zWpSsGCZuZO_Wo0JoiSn8td5Lc/s1600/Washington+State+Ferry.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've decided I need a ferry in my life. <br />
<br />
It was all rather a shock when we went to visit our son near Seattle last summer. <br />
<br />
I knew he lived on a peninsula. <br />
<br />
I knew he had to take a ferry to come and go with any efficiency what so ever. <br />
<br />
I even knew we would have to take the ferry to get to his house. <br />
<br />
Somehow, though, I had a small ferry in mind. <br />
<br />
A quick trip across the bay ferry. <br />
<br />
A maybe fifteen minutes if we timed it just right ferry. <br />
<br />
The conversation when we got off the plane didn't quite go as expected. <br />
<br />
"We're here. We just have to pick up the rental car and we'll be on our way. If you want to meet us at the dock, we'll go get some dinner."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"You won't be here in time for dinner. The ferry leaves in fifteen minutes."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Oh. Well, I preregistered the car. Surely it won't take too long." (Seriously? You'd think I'd never rented a car before.)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Aren't you at the airport."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Yes"<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"The airport is a good hour from the terminal."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Oh. Well, ok. I guess we'll just catch the next one then."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"That's an hour."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"An hour?"<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"And the trip is over an hour."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"An hour???"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yes, an hour. And that didn't include sitting in the line waiting to drive onto the ferry, then sitting in the line waiting to drive off. It seemed interminable on that first ride. <br />
<br />
People really do this every day? <br />
<br />
I couldn't imagine the planning to meet the schedules, the enforced captivity, the constant tension of lost control. An hour, each way, for every casual trip into town. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For that one hour, there was absolutely nothing I could do about time. I couldn't hurry the captain, I couldn't pass a slow vehicle, I couldn't rush to meet a schedule. It was all completely out of my control. <br />
<br />
Control.<br />
<br />
The ultimate fantasy of modern life. With our phones and messages and voice mails and all day every day contact, just who is really in control?<br />
<br />
All through that week, as I floated day by day, twisting through the inlet, back and forth, I relinquished all thoughts of control.<br />
<br />
For fifty-five minutes, all I could do was talk to my family, read a good book, take a quick nap, or just stand on the deck and watch the mountains float by. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What a wonderfully peaceful way to live. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-500186386864825012014-08-01T18:53:00.000-07:002014-08-01T18:58:04.512-07:00Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zZQN0QBMlm4wbMyp6fDM4sn8kRhJ5aqu4NToZcP8LNnzDlSJO-NG-QrcvfKM22US4roAmkXM74XiZ1_KIuTN0bbSXVMq-UO2_qzN0aK0bDJyB8EsY3b0vMXN_Qf8mPIGAizhL0E95YY/s1600/10592947_2812202946724_9089824377931182532_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zZQN0QBMlm4wbMyp6fDM4sn8kRhJ5aqu4NToZcP8LNnzDlSJO-NG-QrcvfKM22US4roAmkXM74XiZ1_KIuTN0bbSXVMq-UO2_qzN0aK0bDJyB8EsY3b0vMXN_Qf8mPIGAizhL0E95YY/s1600/10592947_2812202946724_9089824377931182532_n.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I opened my FB page and found the most horrendously awful picture of myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My eyes are droopy and bagged,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
from the not quite sleep of a night on the ground in a tent,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They're bloodshot and watery,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
from the smokey flames of the campfire surrounded by family-friends,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My hair is a scraggly, tangled mess,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I packed that hairbrush,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know I did,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Didn't I?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Somewhere?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My face is red and chapped,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
from outdoor,<br />
all day,<br />
hours of biking,<br />
and hiking,<br />
and scrambling through rushing streams.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm laughing,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm happy,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm clutching a bundle<br />
of wriggling,<br />
bouncing,<br />
irrepressible, life.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really love that picture.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-8970516597846907712014-06-17T07:45:00.000-07:002015-01-19T19:09:54.333-08:00Battle Plans<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Then he prepared a great feast for them,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and after they ate and drank,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>he sent them away and they went to their master.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>2 Kings 6:23</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It opens like a classic movie finale. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The embattled hero, Elisha, stands alone with his one trusted friend. Surrounded, out numbered, out gunned, they wait in the valley, it's always a valley, with heads held high. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The terrified servant declares it's the end. The calm and confident Elisha reassures him; God will never let them down.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Suddenly, silently the mountain tops bloom with the multitudes of allies engulfing the conquerors. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With war cries echoing off the hills, they swoop down into the battle, conquering the enemy, celebrating their victory, and cheering as the hero gets the girl and the credits roll. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, almost like the movie. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
No war cries, no massacre, no girl; Elisha just quietly leads them into the city as the hosts of heaven watch from the hills. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He protects them, he feeds them, he lets them rest, then sends them on their way.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A unique battle plan to say the least. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wonder what they thought. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Where they afraid to eat the food?<br />
<br />
Did they cringe at every sound, waiting for the swing of the sword?<br />
<br />
How far along the path home was it before they really believed they were going to be spared? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How did they ever explain it to their king?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Whether in gratitude or confusion, or total humiliation, I doubt they ever forgot that day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They would live, forever in the shadow, of that one encounter with God. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-160053520851209222014-06-16T07:02:00.001-07:002014-06-16T07:02:57.763-07:00Push Back the Leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Uv45_pTjeyu8xYe1ChabuFNfQtj7M39aAsOyXRMhruJa-53Zt3Fkc93AVJ0NK3-PTOjXnAXSbv-TprdyeQOftVbuKU241SukHrVOWxkqZYR_6rYC3mu_iBY1MQQO4EV8NuCzg5xJc4w/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Uv45_pTjeyu8xYe1ChabuFNfQtj7M39aAsOyXRMhruJa-53Zt3Fkc93AVJ0NK3-PTOjXnAXSbv-TprdyeQOftVbuKU241SukHrVOWxkqZYR_6rYC3mu_iBY1MQQO4EV8NuCzg5xJc4w/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On a weekend still cool enough I turn back for my sweater, the first tinges of summer heat brush the air. Strawberry season drifts to it's close, brief and hidden in the tumultuous turn of the seasons. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It looks rather discouraging at first glance. Long green rows are dotted with bubbling children, scatterings of dark, soft, overripe berries, and plants that weightlessly dance in the sun. The farmer points us to an abandoned section with a smile, a box, and a lifeline;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Don't be afraid to push back the leaves. If they were easy to find, they've already been picked"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
True to the promise, they're there. They hide in the shadows of the thickening leaves and the mounds of earth. I scoot through the stiff hay layering the ground between the rows, nudging my cardboard box with it's softly rattling tumble of loot. I lift layers of leaves, and gently push aside tangled stems and vine rotted fruit to find the hidden gifts. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Brightly glowing in their first touch of sunlight, they're a hint of the miracles waiting to be found if I just take the time to look. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-46662409304783892422014-06-12T05:36:00.000-07:002014-06-12T05:47:20.441-07:00Lifted Eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJYCTmVGzQCcCCyI_11-FozBXxMqFf-Q5nnP_CYPWebwohnQ6N5WmIIEHg0njEZvA4WBdUWk6xl1MElknlf-XhznZPhmA8Q1QEkSpSJch9N65LBHSwBMf1Df3GXNbEsuTmJU8eV1E6JA/s1600/IMG_0936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJYCTmVGzQCcCCyI_11-FozBXxMqFf-Q5nnP_CYPWebwohnQ6N5WmIIEHg0njEZvA4WBdUWk6xl1MElknlf-XhznZPhmA8Q1QEkSpSJch9N65LBHSwBMf1Df3GXNbEsuTmJU8eV1E6JA/s1600/IMG_0936.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I will lift up my mine eyes to the hills...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Psalms 12:1</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hiking the rain softened trail, it's easy to be lost in the stones beneath my feet. Step by step, I skip to a more secure boulder, and swing my legs over a fallen branch. The soft morning air brushes the wild flowers that dance at the edge of the path. Stopping for pictures, stopping for breath, I lift my eyes to the beauty that almost overwhelms me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's a pleasant walk, within the radius of my arms. I could stay here quite happily, engulfed in the trees and the flowers and the sounds of the birds. Yet the glory lies just outside that self imposed bubble. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How often do I forget to stop, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
to lift my eyes, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and to embrace the gifts that surround me?</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-82465419389944178962014-05-04T06:42:00.002-07:002014-05-04T06:42:24.828-07:00Thou Fount of Every Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyr41mkt83jfhU2I4qhlOrMFv_bEThg1cC2uMFeXKsRm9lBVsk4NrnJYeEM9rQampEJw2WSm0M3Jnlz1M7ibIGSORPsy2q7vat8G-WPq8sHPz4MTnZLFMKq_-cJFn1MiFAUvBohsWlbY/s1600/IMG_0842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyr41mkt83jfhU2I4qhlOrMFv_bEThg1cC2uMFeXKsRm9lBVsk4NrnJYeEM9rQampEJw2WSm0M3Jnlz1M7ibIGSORPsy2q7vat8G-WPq8sHPz4MTnZLFMKq_-cJFn1MiFAUvBohsWlbY/s1600/IMG_0842.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bagpipe hymns,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On lavender trails,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Haunting over waters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From a wrought iron bridge.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings of sunshine,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings of warmth,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings unnumbered </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of a day off in Spring.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-65547460320972152472014-04-01T15:44:00.000-07:002014-04-01T15:44:23.376-07:00Storm of Power<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>They were fearful and amazed, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>asking one another,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Who can this be?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>He commands even the winds and the waves,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and they obey Him!"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Luke 8:25</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wonder which one scared them the most. They were frightened by the raging winds and swamping waves, certain they were about to be pummeled to the bottom of the sea. But at least it was natural, expected, a normal part of the life they led. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What exactly did they hope Jesus would do when they woke him? They'd seen him teach, and heal, and even raise the dead, but there's no indication they really expected him to stop that storm. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Maybe they just wanted company in their fear. Maybe they wanted reassurance that it would all pass over soon, that they would survive to continue this mission they'd abandoned their lives to.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What they got was the instantaneous hands-on power of God. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It wasn't a sign this time, a gift bestowed on a stranger in the crowd It was the personal, immediate, force of heaven, for their benefit alone, in the voice and touch of their friend. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That was terrifying. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Who is he?" they asked in fearful awe. After all they'd seen and heard, they didn't know the answer. After all this power, they didn't still.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When, after all he's done, will we? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-4784410430065140842014-03-31T18:07:00.001-07:002014-03-31T18:08:31.615-07:00The Sower's Seeds<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A sower went out to sow his seed.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Luke 8:5</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How many fields would a sower sow? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Over a lifetime of sowing and harvesting and sowing again; of an endless cycle of backbreaking effort and anxious waiting, how many times would he model the words of Jesus?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In reading the parable, I always think of a single planting, of a one time shot or you've missed it gift. But is that really how his listeners would have heard it? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Did they see a farmer, laboring on a distant hill as Jesus taught? Did they watch him trudging up one row and down another, flinging the hopes of his family across the soil? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They would have seen him in the light of a lifetime of work, of father passing on the land to son, of good years and bad and the endless renewal of hope. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If the seed is continually sown, then the harvest is new every season. It's not enough to hear a single call, to check off a box and move on. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The sower's seeds, forever fresh, demand a fresh response. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-79734190713352264672014-02-20T05:18:00.001-08:002014-02-20T05:18:11.661-08:00February Morning<div style="text-align: center;">
It's raining. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Through soft thick clouds, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
drifting on a hint of Spring. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snow has dissolved into puddles, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
skipped like pebbles across the ground. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stark, bare trees, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stretch and yawn </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into the quiet gray morning. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A roll of thunder, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
more promise than threat, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hints that winter </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just might, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be losing it's grip.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-78961732164798304272014-02-17T06:12:00.000-08:002014-02-17T06:13:01.838-08:00Love in Four Dimensions<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>...may be able to comprehend </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>with all the saints</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>what is the length, and width,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>height and depth of God's love...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ephesians 3:18</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Four. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's four dimensions. In a three dimensional world of rumbling carts and lowing sheep, the calling of merchants and ring of hammers, God's love is proclaimed in four dimensions. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Time, the forth dimension. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's cliche today. The science fiction staple we throw around like we really understand it. Time, the enduring depth of the love, of the plan, that stretches across centuries lost in the mists beyond our grasp. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A sudden geek moment in the middle of the sermon, wondering at the time-bound author who never knew his words were reaching me; at the tiny infant sleeping in my arms who might someday do the same. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-88976416970326832992014-02-05T10:19:00.001-08:002014-02-05T10:22:59.420-08:00Never<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsSp4YjZzCLYjAKtLtIPPvG53TYCN_aH0tTZ-czltcrGO5LOP9KOqWzS2vSRATpc8mn6RZHBlDY6njLleKCiiEwUQwvIjNivEIrl4iG07va56eiygElgVNfveAIJ5ja2K0uoEW60TUqg/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsSp4YjZzCLYjAKtLtIPPvG53TYCN_aH0tTZ-czltcrGO5LOP9KOqWzS2vSRATpc8mn6RZHBlDY6njLleKCiiEwUQwvIjNivEIrl4iG07va56eiygElgVNfveAIJ5ja2K0uoEW60TUqg/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh No, You never let go,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i>Matthew Redman</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another snow day, another wind chill advisory, in a winter that seems destined to cling tightly to the shivering earth for weeks to come. I set out wrapped in scarf and hood and my heavy left-over Alaska coat that seems to inspire as much entertainment as envy. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't care. It's warm. It lets me out of the house and into the crisp fresh air and billowing fluff. The streets are scraped to damp asphalt now, but the sidewalks are still barely distinguishable from the buried yards they huddle against. I stay on the deserted road until I reach the park then plunge through the drifts to the trail. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's marked already, with the runners of a single sled and the darting prints of a small animal. The trees are frosted in white as expected, stark and bare against the steel gray clouded sky and the silent air.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Except for one. At the top of the hill, where the children play, it stands alone. Tired, brown, crisp-wilted leaves clutch its branches in defiant pride. Against all storms and wind and cold, they won't give up, they won't let go. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's cold now, even through my heavy coat. The winds are picking up and the temperature dropping. I head back home, Matthew Redman floating through my mind on the icy walk and a down slope fall. Through storm and trial and barren branches, God will never let go.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418900606079824197.post-30300994614625989622014-01-19T19:26:00.000-08:002014-01-19T19:26:16.464-08:00Winter ShowersSnow thick sheeting,<br />
<br />
Plate glass windows,<br />
<br />
Cafe buzzing,<br />
<br />
With bubbling<br />
<br />
Miniature<br />
<br />
Basketball team<br />
<br />
Was it supposed to snow today? What do we even mean when we say that? Apparently it was since it is. <br />
<br />
Unexpected, unpredicted, outside my plan for the day. <br />
<br />
The very definition of life. <br />
<br />
I can scowl at the lowering skies as I dash to my car,<br />
<br />
Or pause to laugh at the kiss of snowflakes on my cheeks.<br />
<br />
The choice, as we endlessly intone to the kids, is mine. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13445137701672933790noreply@blogger.com0