Oldie Weekend

      One of the things on our “some day” list is driving across country in a convertible via the historic Route 66. This weekend we attended a car show in a nearby town; dream shopping if you will. The first vehicle Dan spotted was the model of a tractor his Dad owned when he was four years old. He immediately phoned his brother and reminisced. Dan remembers attempting to keep Alan in his stroller while Mom went to check on their Dad in the field. This was perfectly fine in those days. The only way Alan would stay in the stroller was entertainment at the expense of their German Sheppard named Prince. The dog sat patiently letting him pull on his ears until Mom returned. I guess this was Alan’s first convertible; metallic blue as Dan recalls.

      We discovered many “oldie goldies” as we walked through the park. I personally could have done without the overly exuberant band, but the cars were beautiful and the folks friendly. There was something for everyone, pets, adults and children. I picked out my favorite, Dan his. A Route 66 excursion is penciled in on next year’s calendar.

     After the car show we went to a local restaurant for an early dinner. The eatery was in and of itself worth the drive. It was as the town, small. It probably is the main diner in town. The place was scrubbed shinny and clean. The server was friendly and polite as were the fellow patrons. “Wimpy” as we sometimes refer to Dan because of his love of the burger, ordered his usual cheeseburger. I chose the fish which I rarely do. The portions were huge and melt in your mouth delicious.

     The old days while filled with warm memories, are not necessarily better. There were hard times then as they are today. It does seem in our parents’ era mutual respect and a strong sense of character was more prevalent. It is good to look back and bring the best of our past into our present. Maybe we could start with a convertible?

     But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no: for whatever is more than these comes of evil.
Matthew 5:37

Melancholy

     I have been in a bit of a melancholy mood this week. Not really depressed but maybe a light shade of blue. I have struggled with feelings of not belonging, always a sense that I never quite fit. There is something inside of me like a clock wound too tight; constantly striving to please but somehow never measuring up. I find myself, once again, contemplating a broken spirit. Perhaps there are yet those areas not completely healed but scarred over.

     Dan suggested the cause could simply be fatigue. In fact that is very often the culprit. My most recent endeavor has been painting the wood work in the house. It has been very slow going. Not only is it a tedious task, my body rebels and frequently stalls out. My mental flag has never flown full mast but as of late, there have been many white flag days of total surrender.  Once the floors were done, the worn trim was glaring. As the trim gets a face lift, I notice how the ceilings look dingy. To the ceiling observation, Dan simply silently retreated to his office.



     And so it is with life. As we grow in our spiritual walk, God brings out all the dinginess a bit at a time and gives us a fresh look. Once He cleans up one area, He in His mercy and kindness moves us to another. I have asked Him if this week was from fatigue, insecurities or is there yet something else He is calling us to put aside. It possibly is a combination of the three.



     There is no conscious reason to feel blue. No concerns out of the ordinary to fret about. I thought of two dear friends who have recently lost spouses. Others dear to us are struggling with other serious difficulties. As I pray for them in their situations, I ask God to always remind me of my many blessings; even the melancholy because I know He continues to work in me.

     One afternoon this week there was a knock at the kitchen door. Our friend Ed appeared with a homemade pie and a small gift. He just wanted us to know he loved us and was thinking of us. The pie was chocolate of course. God don’t mess around! I love these Heavenly messengers unaware.

     Tonight was our monthly “SIS” meeting. It was my turn to provide the meal.  I am always more than happy to boil and burn something up for them. I was grocery shopping on an empty stomach which was my first mistake. I heard a small child ask her mom to bake strawberry cupcakes. That sounded like a great idea so I baked some for our desert tonight. When I realized I had not included chocolate in the menu, I made another dash to the store. Showing up at a “Sisters in Survival” meet and eat without chocolate –now that is something to be concerned about!

    Be confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Carpe Diem

    

      

    Carpe diem is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace. The phrase is part of the longer Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero – "Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future", and the ode says that the future is unknowable, and that instead one should scale back one's hopes to a brief future, and drink one's wine."* Horace’s view of life could be perceived as dismal and void of hope.

      We have made a decision to seize our days. Too many times we have caught ourselves dreaming of some day. We have decided the time is now. We have mapped out a plan. Our lives have become encumbered. We are weeding out people, commitments and things that are draining us physically, spiritually and mentally. Deposits have been made, airline tickets booked, and rocking chairs placed on the front porch. Some day has arrived.

      Not only are we in the process of renovating and cleaning the clutter from our home, we are doing the same with our lives. We have made a choice to forgive and let go. The bitterness and unforgiveness of others cannot hold us hostage. It has been said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. That goes both ways.

       Our life here on earth is brief. If it were all we had to look forward to, we would be in a place of despair. Thankfully, we look forward to even a greater life after this earthly tour.

       We are blessed with wonderful friends and much family. Time is too precious to waste. With the guidance of our Father, we hope to use it wisely. For three days in a row we have dined with friends. While we love these times together, we may have to form a plan to meet and move our feet opposed to the current meet and eat. Well, maybe when the weather is cooler.

“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” ~ James 4:14



Wikipedia *

Smart Glasses

     I don’t know about you but I just hate selecting new eyeglasses. Regardless of what I pick, I am never happy with the end result. Since eye wear has become an expensive piece of jewelry; I feel I must live with my decision for at least a year.

      There were several ladies shopping along side me. We were sharing each other’s opinion when a sweet older gentlemen spoke up. “Why don’t you ladies ask a man’s point of view? Don’t buy glasses that clash with your eyebrows. Everyone knows this.” After making recommendations for each of us, to our surprise, he left alone. All of us, including the optician were thinking he was with one of us. Maybe he just dropped by for a rest. Or maybe he was an optical angel sent our way to shed a little sunshine. Whatever the reason for his visit, he did brighten our day.



     Asking my husband his opinion on eyeglasses is much like asking how a garment fits. I asked and received his opinion. “You look smart.” Now one could interpret this as fashion smart or book smart. A wise man gives vague and ambiguous answers. His Momma did not raise a fool.

     For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

Casting for Recovery...Continuing Saga!

I'm not nervous...you?

Posing with the 'big one'....

...that got away!

Here little fishy...fishy....

I mean I look gooood girlfriend~

Does my butt look big?

Big smiles..

Big kiss

Our OWN rods!

Competitors!

Flying monkeys!

Yeah me! Winner of Pink Toilet Seat after run off with Menopausal Mary!Morning glories...

Red fox

Tears and hugs....until next time~

 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.  Psalms 84:11

Friends and Faith

     We were delighted to have friends from Washington visit us this week. Although we have kept in touch, it had been almost a decade since we had seen them. They now have a precious seven year old son. He introduced himself, “Hi! My name is Jakob Israel with a “k.” It was love at first handshake.

     While visiting with our west coast friends, we heard from dear friends in Louisiana we had not seen for a while. Two sets of friends not only from opposite ends of the continent but opposite in their stages of life and personal convictions.

     Recently a new couple entered our lives. We know they will be long term dear friends as well. A commonality of service instantly bonded us.


     One friend has decided to abandon his conservative values because he now believes the problems of this world can be laid at their doorsteps. He went on a long dissertation on this subject with feet propped near my Going Rogue book by Sarah Palin.


     There was no need to debate the position with him. Dan and I share the mutual conviction each individual is responsible for social and moral dilemmas. If there is something to complain about, we need to seek out how to make it right. We believe the Bible instructs us that the ills of the world is from vanity and selfishly following our own paths rather than humbly seeking God.

     A true friend is one that feels the freedom to call without judgment. I received such a call from a precious one this week. It is an encouragement and a blessing when one has enough confidence in your friendship to expose their hearts. 

      It is said that opposite attracts but like endures. Often we find ourselves at odds with each other and our friends. The constant that endures is our common faith. A friend ended our phone conversation last night, “We are forever connected.”


     Dan and I are opposite in many ways. Often I am clueless as to how he thinks. I am sure he often wonders why I do not think. I squeeze the toothpaste from the top, he from the bottom. Usually he simply adjusts the tube to his standard. A few nights ago I heard laugher from the bathroom. On investigation I hear, “Honey, usually you squeeze from the top, but today I think you strangled it!”

    Thank you God for friends, old and new, happy and hurting, laughter and enduring faith that keeps us forever connected!





     Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" 1 Peter 5:5 (New International Version)