Hump Day

Wednesday, hump day. Is that the day when the weight of the week reaches the peak and now it is downhill toward a relaxing weekend? Or is when it is the last straw that breaks the camel's back? We never know do we? Faith is that element that sustained us as we survived another week and will continue to sustain us as we strive to nurture and protect those we care about. Today I'm anxious for Michelle, Mark and Alexis. Mark is the parent this week so he and Alexis will drive together to Spokane where Alexis will have another eye examine to check pressure behind her eyes. Michelle will meet them at the doctor's office. My heart aches for the precious granddaughter that looks in awe at her gramoo as I make up stories to tell her. I love her so much. I want so much for God to heal her eyes but what about her heart. What lies behind those beautiful eyes. How broken is her heart as she sees her parents in a much different role than just two short years ago. She appears happy and content and does very well in school so we are grateful. Please, my darling, know that you are loved and that God has wonderful plans for you.

Making lists

1. 1:30pm - make bed and get dressed. Check
2. 2:00pm - mail Direct TV stuff to Carin Check
3. 3:00pm - practice guitar Check
4. 4:00pm - study Beth Moore, "It's tough being a woman." Check
5. 5:00pm - feeling humbled and being thankful for all that God has provided me. Check
6. 6:00pm - pour the wine and drink a toast to all who love me and to Kristi and Katie who read this. Check

One of those days

Yes, I'm feeling sorry for myself this morning. Praying would probably help but I don't want to pray. Maybe because I would feel better and then I couldn't wallow in my self pity. Being alone a great deal of the time is an excuse. If only there was that special person that would say good morning and maybe touch my hand. How did I let this happen! Mostly by being selfish and making everything about me. Even now when I attempt to ease a hurt or show a friend that they mean something to me I'm hoping that it makes me feel better also. I do feel better but there is always that little voice inside that is anticipating. Where is that scripture that explains this all to me. I'm so tired sometimes. No one needs me.

Tears again or maybe still

Tomorrow will be one week since the senseless shooting in Tucson. All week it has been reporting fact, reporting speculation, reporting heroism, reporting sadness. Is it really effecting the entire nation as it is Arizona? Remembering the events of 9/11, I actually watched on TV the second plane hitting the towers. It was New York this is Washington state. I knew no one in New York. My day went on as usual except for constant conversation regarding the mornings tragedy and then constant TV coverage for weeks. The tragedy began a war and then two wars. Violence begetting violence. Perhaps the Arizona tragedy will begin the healing of America and compassion from us who call America home. Tonight the tears swelled up in my eyes again as NBC news reported on a woman who lost her baby son a few years ago and began making ceramic wind chimes she calls "Bells for Ben". She and other volunteers make them, attach a note asking for peace and love and hang them from trees all over the Tucson area. What a beautiful way to remember a loved one plus spread his love throughout the community.
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1Peter 3: 9

'tis the season

Are you up for watching the Lunar Eclipse tonight? I will be standing outside around 11:00 in the hopes the clouds part enough to make it visible. Wouldn't you know that a monumental occurrence would happen in a state where clouds are seldom visible. God willing I won't be disappointed. Just was thinking about what the night must have been like over 2000 years ago. Apparently it was clear as a star shown in the East. Imagine all the good and bad things that have happened in our world and, during it all, the same sky was visible to everyone. Rich, poor, no matter the color of your skin, we are all covered by the same sky. "under God" At this beautiful time of year when we are reminded constantly of "goodwill" I pray we remember that we are all created equal. My prayer for 2011 is, "God help all the nations of our small world to come together to worship you. Let us put aside religious differences and know you are The Lord God who made us all. I'm not as educated as some but simple isn't so bad.

Christmas in Montana

With my eyes closed I remember the sound of tires crunching the snow as someone drove into the yard. My heart would begin to beat faster and I would get goose bumps on my butt. Will this be a good visit or will there be yelling and fighting and cursing again. My hiding place was either the bedroom I shared with my brother or the porch by the backdoor. This particular Christmas I was 8 years old and the visitor was my older brother. Dale was drunk and, I think only came home to antagonise our father. Mom was as nervous and I was scared. She always tried to keep peace between them. Most of the time Dale and Dad would yell and cuss at each other and then Dale would slam out of the house. Dad would blame mom's mother for his bad attitude by calling her every name in the book. Mom would cry, Dad would stumble to bed. For some reason I cannot remember where Jerry, my younger brother, was during all of this. I guess the reason this night keeps rearing it's head at Christmas is because that night Dale brought me 10 funny books as a present. It made me feel so good that he had remembered me. Maybe that was one night I felt loved by someone other than my mom.

'tis the season

"Little children nestled in their beds while visions of sugar plums dance in their heads" Wouldn't it be wonderful if Christmas was just filled with happiness, love, joy, food we don't ordinarily eat, eggnog with 10,000 calories in every sip and family gathered together around a table adorned with a feast fit for a king. But, people are sick, people are dying, people are afraid, people are alone. My giving to those in need in no way causes me to feel the threat of losing my home or my dignity. I know I can't begin to save all those who need just the basic necessities. I can pray that we can all be conscience of the injustice in our society. God is in charge. Jesus came to teach. The holy spirit fills us. We hear this every year but, here it is again. Let us keep Christ in Christmas all year.