Its Halloween. It's time to put on our masks and fancy costumes and pretend to be someone we aren't. For some of us, this is familiar territory. We wear masks on a regular basis ~ masks that hide our true feelings, thoughts, attitudes and ideas.
Certainly, one could argue that mask wearing is the grease of social interaction. After all, we can't be telling our boss how much we dislike him or a ticket-writing cop how much we despise authority and think that the process will go smoothly. There are definitely times that we need to interact contrary to our thoughts and feelings. However habitual mask-wearing gets us into all kinds of trouble, and sometimes we lose ourselves in the process.
I want to live "authentically" but I don't want to be driven by my feeling, false thoughts or inappropriate actions. I want to live an authentic faith. I don't want my faith to be based on circumstances, current theological thought, an emotional response to worship music. I want my faith to be based on a personal relationship with God, a relationship that I seek out as eagerly as He does. And I want my faith to be apparent in my every day life. I don't want to wear a politically correct mask to hide a belief that others may find offensive. At the same time, I want my words and actions to glorify Him.
So I'm going to keep mask wearing in its proper place. And I'm going to enjoy the costumes tonight as the little goblins and princesses come knocking on my door.
These are a few of my favorite things ~ my son home for a visit, eating hot soup and oranges by candlelight, reading a good book, kissing my husband, walking through the fallen colors of autumn, writing, looking at my friend's photos of a fresh snowfall, rockin' out to the Police, Boz Scaggs, the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and more of the best music ever on www.pandora.com
Gosh, I'm in a terrific mood! Whatever your circumstances today, I wish you a few of your favorite things to lighten your step and put a song in your heart.
I think that it's kind of crazy that some one has to write a book defending food. That's exactly what author Michael Pollan has done. He asserts that we've become so paranoid about what we eat that we have lost sight of the fact that food is more than its nutritional components. It's about connection and culture and nature. Real food, that is. Not the packaged, canned, fast or fake stuff that gets passed off as food.
This time of year gets me to thinking about the pleasures of eating. We have more dark hours than light, more cold than warmth, and my thoughts wander to the kitchen. I get in the cooking mode but the ingredients must be fresh and seasonal. Even more important is that we eat dinner together by candlelight every night for no special reason other than to celebrate the communal aspect of our meal.
When I was a kid growing up dinnertime was sacrosanct. Dad was home by 5:00 with dinner on the table no later than 5:30. Everyone was expected to eat dinner together and conversation was highly encouraged ~ so encouraged, in fact, that spirited debate often accompanied the mashed potatoes and meatloaf or whatever else Mom cooked up that night. By 6:00 Dad was off watching the news with Walter Cronkite but we sometimes straggled behind keeping the debate going.
Over the years I somehow lost the importance of sharing food on a regular basis. It became about a fast meal and on to the next thing. But I've been rediscovering the epicurean and social pleasures of mealtime. Maybe it wasn't so crazy for Pollan to write his book. Maybe we all need to slow down and be reminded that a good meal enjoyed with others is the "only way to oppose the universal folly of fast life."
It was a cold and blustery night but that didn't keep the Groovies (the "old" broads) and the Groovettes (the "young" chicks) from getting together for an evening of food, fun, conversation, laughs and bonding. We are truly an extended family in Christ, blessed to touch each other's lives in so many different ways. Thank You, Lord, for my Christian sisters.
When I read about the powerful work that Apostle Paul was able to accomplish for God's kingdom, I realize that it wasn't about his efforts at all. Paul stepped aside and allowed himself to be first filled with, and then led by, the Holy Spirit. My error in approach is that I try to be led by the Spirit before I'm filled with the Spirit. No wonder I struggle to obey even though I pray, Your will not mine. I'm not easily led when I want to be the one doing the leading.
My neighbor died last night.
She had a severe heart attack about two weeks ago and after spending a week in the hospital, came home still not feeling well. She lived alone. She died alone.
If it weren't for the help of the wonderful neighbors on our street, she would have had no help or support after her return from the hospital. If it weren't for the neighbors who faithfully went over every day and checked on her, who knows how long she would have been dead before someone found her. The one thing none of us did check on was her spiritual condition.
Who knows where she will spend eternity?
My neighbor died last night. I am thankful that I stepped up to help her. I am grieved that I served her not knowing if I missed the most important help I could have offered her ~ the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I pray that she knew Him.
A squirrel looks at this pile of freshly fallen acorns and sees a stockpile of food.
But God looks at those seeds and knows the life force each one has inside.
It's all a matter of perspective.
Nature has such a way of beautifying death. From man's perspective, death is negative and ugly. From nature's perspective, She's just completing the cycle of life. Whether it's a fallen leaf or an oxidized metal, each one has its purpose; each one has its time.
I know that is true of me, too, except at the end of my cycle, my physical death will open a portal to eternity.
road trip ~ the glory and joy of autumn continued ...
I took this photo of a recycled corrugated sheet metal wall on the side of one of the buildings in Murphys. From the looks and location of it, the building was most likely a shed or garage which has been re-purposed as another cute boutique in a town loaded with cute boutiques and historical architecture. The wall is kind of pretty, isn't it? The interplay of colors, the textures and the wavy surface play like a piece of modern art. Unfortunately, the art was created through the destructive forces of oxidation otherwise known as rust.
People rust. The forces of oxidation rusts our cells. That's why the big push to get enough antioxidants in our system. But we also rust psychologically, emotionally, morally and spiritually when we allow the oxidation of human civilization to invade our hearts and minds. That's why the big push to get enough God in our system. Really! With all the time, attention and money focused on healthy longevity, the best safeguard is Jesus Christ. He's the only one who comes with a guarantee of eternal life ~ and the best part is He paid the price so we don't even need a money back guarantee. It's free simply for the asking ~ and the bonus is His love keeps our hearts and minds from decaying, too.
road trip ~ the glory and joy of autumn continued...
I don't know what you see when you look at this glass but I see sheer beauty. We were sitting outside waiting for lunch, and the play of light and dark in my husband's drink caught my eye. It completely fascinated me. The liquid glowed a deep, rich color and provided an amazing backdrop to the ice cubes. Their alternating amber and clear colors enhanced the multi-layered, visual contrast between light and dark.
And the bubbles! Tiny diamonds danced everywhere as they worked their way up from the bottom of the glass and broke free on top. It was mesmerizing watching them rise and swirl.
I bet God is equally mesmerized watching us break free and rise to the top. He knows the forces of dark are in constant battle in our unstable world, but His love bathes us like sunshine and illuminates Truth. To those who believe and accept His light, He gladly gives freedom from darkness.
road trip ~ the glory and joy of autumn continued...
This is one of the more interesting creatures we encountered on our road trip. Any ideas what he's all about? Here's a hint ~ Mark Twain.
The History of The Frog Jump (as taken from frogtown.org)
In 1865, Samuel l. Clemens (Mark Twain) penned “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, a tall tale of the life and happenings of the gold rush town, Angels Camp (which is right down the road from Murphys). The narrator details a story he heard in a tavern. It is about a frog, Dan’l Webster, who could out jump any other frog, and a man, Jim Smiley, who was the “curiousest man about always betting on anything that turned up you ever see, if he could get anybody to bet on the other side; and if he couldn’t he’d change sides.” ...
The Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee has grown to an event with more than 35,000 attendees. It is estimated that the Calaveras County Fair generates approximately 25.5 million dollars in revenues through hotels, restaurants, retail, payroll and other related revenues.
In 2002 the Frog Jump had more than 2000 frogs participate. The top 50 frogs qualify for the International Frog Jump Grand Finals, which are held on Sunday of the Jubilee at 4:00 pm. The current world’s record was set in 1986 by Rosie the Ribeter. Rosie jumped 21’ 53/4”. The cash prize for breaking the world record is $5000.
And so, my dear readers, frogs are to Murphys, Angels Camp and Calaveras County what cows (at least painted plastic cows) are to Chicago. The live competitors have been honored by a series of frog statues throughout town and are definitely a tourist attraction. (See, it pays to read the literary classics.)
I invite you to watch an actual frog jumping contest at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds. The adult in you will shake your head at the kinds of nonsense we humans find entertaining, while the child in you will be itching to have a go at it for yourself. Enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTJAsZP2iLk
road trip ~ the glory and joy of autumn
We were in dire need of an autumn fix so off we jumped in the car and drove to Murphys, a town that was formed during the 1840's California gold rush. There's nothing not to like and everything to love about this small mountain town. It's quaint, charming and home to 22 wineries and lots of places to eat. (Editor's side note: Murphys has gotten a bit foo-foo of late but we chose to ignore that vibe.)
Once you leave the Bay Area traffic and the flat San Jonquin Valley behind, the low-lying Sierra foothills beckon with their undulating forms and wide open vistas. It's a lovely drive. The sky kisses the vast grasslands and fields, which eventually give way to stately oaks, native shrubs and rock outcroppings. The mountain peaks loom on the horizon.
Eventually the straight road goes serpentine, the speed limits drops, time slows down, and a final turn leads right down the heart of a tree-lined street complete with historic buildings and modern boutiques. We could just feel our bodies relax yet tingle with anticipation as we parked our car, grabbed our cameras and started to stroll.
We were not disappointed, but then we never are. There is something deeply satisfying to the soul to be steeped in the beauty of autumn in the presence of others who equally appreciate this gift of nature. The locals and visitors alike basked in the warm sunshine, the cloudless blue sky, the breathtaking colors. Smiles graced faces and friendly conversation flowed from the lips.
We stopped to talk to a man and throw a ball for his dog. As our conversation progressed it became almost conspiratorial as we shared "secret" spots up the mountain that revealed incredible views to those willing to hike to their locations. He pointed to the vast lawn of the small white house that he bought just so his beloved dog could run freely. It brought tears to our eyes when he shared that she had a hip disease and would soon be rendered a cripple. But she didn't know this and barked insistently for us to engage in a game of throw and chase. We happily complied.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch on the back patio at Grounds. We always do even though we say we are going to try someplace new. And there are so many new places these days, but Grounds never disappoints and it has become a part of our ritual.
While we often stroll in and out of the interesting shops, this time our pace slowed down as we focused our attention to discovering the gems that nature had placed along our path. In my next post I will share a few of them with you. I hope you enjoy the journey.
Editor's note: No trip to Murphys is complete without a stop at the old fashioned ice cream parlor for a single scoop of icecream.
road trip
I realized something about myself but first I must tell you that I am a terrific driver. Oh yes. I used to race sports cars so I know a thing or two about driving. In addition, I'm a wife. Those of you who are married are well aware of the tug of war that goes on when a husband is driving and his wife has chosen to co-pilot.
Back to my tale. Rich and I decided to take a one-day getaway to the mountains ~ to be more specific to the delightful town of Murphys. Just us. No obligations. No plans other than reaching that little spot on the map. The day is pristine. The anticipation is high. The cameras are ready to capture the day.
It was fun driving out as we hadn't been to Murphys in at least two years and we looked forward to seeing familiar sights along the way. The destination was everything we hoped it would be. But oh my, on the trip back I found myself getting annoyed at my husband for his driving ~ because, after all, I am such a terrific driver.
Yep, the day was spent and now we needed to get home for an event happening later that evening. So, of course, I focused on how fast and how well Rich was getting us there. And I was getting annoyed. Move over into that lane. Speed up. Turn here. The usual stuff except this time I miraculously kept my mouth shut! But the miracle went even further.
I heard a still, soft voice in my heart admonish me for my lack of faith in my husband's ability to drive. I found myself letting go of my urge to give directions and just let him drive. I told myself that, indeed, I did believe that he would get us safely where we want to go in a timely fashion. After all, his past driving record proved that he is trustworthy and reliable behind the wheel. I let out a big sigh, knocked back the seat and fell sound asleep!
But before drifting off a light bulb went off inside me ~ I call it my God bulb. God is asking the same faith of me. He is asking me to let Him be in the driver's seat. He has proven trustworthy in the past in regard to my life even when I didn't know it. Why do I keep insisting on giving Him directions? That was the question that kept rolling over in my mind as I drifted off to sleep.
From the editor: I'll tell you all about our Murphy's trip on Monday's blog. I'm taking Sunday off.
I spent the day going through papers, sorting through piles, discarding this and cataloging that. I didn't want to do it and unfortunately I'm only half done, but it sure felt good to finally tackle what I had been dreading. Does anyone else develop paper piles? I swear I start out with the day's mail and it morphs into a foot high stack. Organizers will tell you that you should touch a piece of paper once ~ deal with it, file it or throw it away. They failed to mention that you have to be in the mood to deal firmly and decisively with that piece of paper.
And even worse, once I do deal with it, I've thrown away things I meant to keep or can't find the things I so nicely put away. Maybe I should just dump it every bit of it. After all, if it can sit in a foot high pile for a month without me looking for it, then maybe I really don't need any of that paper after all.
Is there such a thing as Paper Piles Anonymous or Recovering Paper Non-Organizers?
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. ~ (Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV)
God, investigate my life...I'm an open book to you...
You know me inside and out...
Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me,
Cross-examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong -
then guide me on the road to eternal life.
(~ Psalm 130 excerpts from The Message)
Almost twelve straight hours of pouring rain followed by a 3.8 magnitude earthquake in the evening. I would say that yesterday was an eventful day. It's such a blessing to know that God is in control. He says we don't have to worry if we (1) believe He is who He says He is (2) if we believe He can do what He says He can do (3) if we believe He cares about us (4) if we believe that all things come together for His good purpose. It's on days like these that I relate to the "daddy" side of Him. He is my heavenly Father who will carry me on His shoulders and protect me even if the circumstances seem otherwise.
Can we talk? Actually, can I complain about something? Buying shoes! When did buying shoes become so difficult? Not that I ever was a big collector of shoes, but really, it has become quite a hassle to find a pair that fit.
I must admit that my requirements are quite stringent = combination last with double/triple/quad A narrow size 9 that accommodates my arches and compromised left foot. What does all that mean? It means I have a ridiculously narrow foot that no one seems to make shoes for anymore. Add to that mix the recent need to wear custom orthotics for high arches. And compound that with a previously broken foot that doesn't like a heel higher than an inch.
Now take a look at all the killer ~ and I mean killer ~ shoes that are out. They are killer cute to look at and killer painful for me to wear ~ that is if I could even find a pair that fit.
My mother, on the other hand, loves to shoe shop. She has a very normal foot and can buy the best shoes on sale. She always wants to cruise the shoe department. It's not a match made in heaven for me. In fact, it's pure hell.
Guess what we did yesterday. Thanks for listening.
tree saga part 3 continued
Wow, we spent most of yesterday working on the front yard and it's coming together nicely. I planted. Rich built a fence. There is so much more to do but it's beginning to feel like we've turned the corner and it's looking like we had imagined.
I wonder if the Lord feels that way when He's doing a work in us ~ although His patience FAR exceeds mine.
tree saga part 3 continued
Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong color. How can it be so wrong on the new fence when it looked so right on the paint chip? And why does it look like a solid color when it's supposed to be a stain?
Why? Why? Why? Why is it so difficult to get color right? I know that lighting conditions and other factors come into play but I thought I had all those variables covered.
When? When? When? When will our front yard re-do be done?
Word of the day ~ frustration.
I was looking at a fashion magazine when I found myself laughing right out loud. In one of the articles, a drop dead gorgeous woman was telling us her beauty secrets to be ~ well, more beautiful. They showed a series of photos of her with and without make-up and it was very clear that this woman was blessed at birth.
Doesn't it strike you as a bit ironic that a naturally endowed woman, who by no effort of her own but through the kind DNA of her parents, is telling us how to be more beautiful through make-up tips? I mean this woman could wear a paper bag, never ever wear a lick of make-up, put her hair in a scrunchy and make a sourpuss face and she would STILL be more gorgeous than 99% of the female population.
And worse yet ~ we listen to her!!! What is that all about? I will never ever look like her because my genes aren't configured that way.
Don't get me wrong. I'm perfectly okay with that. I just think it's hysterical how we let models and actresses tell us how to be more beautiful when they either have the genetic card up their sleeves or they pay a make-up artists pots of money to look like they do.
Thanks for the laugh!
tree saga part 3 continued
Picking out plants for our new front yard is tough! Oh sure, I have a plan but when I go to the nursery I hear tiny voices saying, "Pick me! Pick me!" It's especially tough since I have a specific color scheme in mind but the pinks and yellows are saying, "Me too!" I've mentally chosen and discarded dozens if not hundreds of plant choices. I've picked up and put down enough potted plants to forgo weight training this week. Gotta stick to the plan.
I'm so thankful that the Lord sticks to His plan. He wants us all. He doesn't carefully study the literature to see which model human he prefers in His holy garden. He takes all colors, all shapes, all sizes, all personalities, all backgrounds, all professions. There is one simple catch, however.
What He asks in return is that we want Him back. We choose Him back, acknowledging that He chose us first. We ask for His forgiveness for our ungodly behavior, acknowledging that His Son already died to covered those sins. We ask Him to be the Lord of our life, acknowledging that He was already our Maker.
Pick me!
With the changing of the seasons comes an irresistible urge to also do some rearranging of my own. Whether the leaves are falling off the trees or re-emerging, I find myself compelled to change area rugs, throw down new pillows, put out different vases and generally refresh and renew the interior of my house. (Add that doesn't count the Christmas decorations!)
It energizes me to have a new visual palette to look at. So every 6 months I put away whatever bits and pieces we have been living with, lovingly store them away and eagerly take out the goodies that have been patiently waiting to see the light of day again. It's quite fun.
Am I the only one who needs a change of scenery to get a fresh perspective on things? It's amazing how a change in mindset can make the whole world seem new and different. I find that I need a mental redecorating periodically, if not daily, to keep God's perspective on things. I want to live that perspective and not just look like I do.
Jesus, unlike the founder of any other major faith, holds out hope for ordinary human life. - from The Prodigal Son by Timothy Keller
An ordinary person, I want
that hope.
The hope that I am
chosen;
the hope that I am
loved;
the hope that my life
has meaning.
The hope of the
restoration of
God's natural order
through the redeeming work of
Christ.
fear not
love
(God's) perfect love casts out fear - 1 John 4:18
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. -Zeph 3:17
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you." - Isaiah 41:13
Early this morning I looked up while reading and was greeted by a most beautiful sight. The rising sun was coming through the windows, hitting a large mirror and being reflected back to me ~ but not reflected in a glaring kind of way. Reflected as tiny rainbows off the beveled edges of the mirror. Reflected as sparkling flashes of light off the Waterford crystal vase. Reflected as velvety red off the roses nestled in that vase. Reflected as warmth off the well-worn wood of the cabinet.
It was a beautiful sight to behold. It made me smile. It made me feel loved by a God who provides for my needs daily. If I had not been still. If I had not been willing to interrupt my self-focused activity. I would have missed this small treasure. It lasted but a few short moments before the sun moved on, but its effect will linger with me throughout the day. Thank You!
tree saga part 3 continued
Did I really say yesterday that all that was left of our front yard project was picking out plants and deck furniture? What was I thinking? We have to build a new demi-fence along the eastern lot line. I say "demi" because it's only going half-way down the length of the property. It's more of a backdrop than a keep-out fence.
So down came the red rose vine that had been twisting it's way through the lattice work on the old fence ~ and with that, every single plant originally in our front yard can now be officially designated a casualty in our tree saga. Death before rebirth.
Stay tuned.
tree saga part 3 continued
I haven't forgotten. I know I haven't been keeping up with my posts on the front yard re-do. We've been too busy re-doing. As small as our yard is, there is so much attention to detail. Angles. Lengths. Heights. Proportions. Materials. Function. Design.
Once the measurements were decided and the design drawn up, we had to rebuild the front retaining wall so our front yard was flat, not sloping towards the sidewalk. It turned out great. Then the base had to be constructed for the deck.
My husband believes in a solid foundation. The base boards are evenly spaced at an appropriate distance from each other and are anchored with concrete. He says a right foundation is absolutely necessary for a solid, functional and attractive deck.
We chose Ipe, a Brazilian plantation harvested hard wood, for the surface. This wood is so dense that the slats are half the thickness of a typical redwood deck. It's also impervious to fire, termites, warping and rot. Indeed, our house will probably fall down and we will be dead by the time this deck needs replacing.
But it's absolutely beautiful. My husband applied two coats of stain by hand to bring out its natural color. Neighbors gathered to watch the process. I kid you not. (But then don't all the neighborhood men like to watch another guy on the street work on a project so they can come by and give unsolicited advice, nods of approval and a prayer of thanks that it's not them doing the work?)
The finished deck. It's now my job to choose the plants and the deck furniture. I'm agonizing over those decisions as much as my husband did over the deck.
This whole process reminds me of Solomon building God's temple. God drafted a design in which everything detail was thought through. No detail was too small and nothing was left out. It, too, had a solid base and a beautiful covering. The result was no less than spectacular ~ not just in the finished product but in its intended usage.
God will do that for our lives, too, if we let Him establish a solid foundation and we follow His blueprints for building. The exciting news is that this construction is intended to last for eternity.
It's interesting watching how God works in our lives. About three months ago I wrestled over a decision to do something that would mean a shift in my lifestyle. I haven't worked regular hours for anyone anywhere for about 10 years now. Oh I've kept my fingers in the work pie but mainly on my time, my pace, my place. This new something required two days a week on-site for six months. It seemed like such a win-win. I would provide my experience in exchange for a new challenge.
So I prayed and His answer was "go for it." God lovingly gave me the desire of my heart only to show me that it's not where He wants me to be! My challenge now is to let Him speak to me about His choice until such time I can leave my choice behind.
