Birthday Blessings

My fortieth birthday began around ten o’clock the night prior. My daughters presented me with a new ornament for Christmas tree…a crystal and pearl bedecked albino peacock. After all, I was already forty years old in New York! My Mom wished a happy birthday as we said our good nights. I awoke during the night to a celebration. I cannot be sure of the time as I checked no clock, but I am pretty sure it must have been around midnight as my Pop was involved. In the past, my Pop was usually first to wish me happy birthday, originally because he was earliest to rise and I was up early to prepare for school. Later, he began the tradition of a midnight Happy Birthday following my first visit home with my new husband and daughter. This night, I dreamed of confetti and ribbons raining upon me and awoke as my Pop whispered, “Happy Birthday.”


I was showered with blessings and messages all throughout my day. My Mom gave me a Christmas bouquet and both my brothers called. I called my Aunt Coralie, for whom I am named (Karen Coralie), and we enjoyed a most pleasant visit. Kayla made me stuffed waffles for breakfast. Chris gifted me my own WII controller set-“mini-sized to better fit your small hands,” he said. Then he built me a pullout for my record player, on which I enjoyed my new Christmas albums. He helped me make a batch of my Pop’s famous fudge before he headed off for a much needed nap, as he had worked the whole night prior.


I received a Christmas card from my dear Aunt Roby. She has been slowing down and had been taken ill recently. I shall treasure this card even more than all her correspondence over the years as I know how difficult it was just to pen, “Love, Aunt Roby.”


We supped on delicious birthday burgers from new local Burger place and I had a yummy dessert of a chocolate covered caramel apple that the girls gave me. Chris and I watched the old classics, “A Christmas Story’ and “Charlie Brown Christmas.” Afterwards, I was delighted to discover twelve more messages on my cell phone! Prior to our “good night prayers,” I visited with Kathy, my good friend since the third grade. I was ecstatic to hear how God is working miracles in her home and family!


Now, a little after ten o’clock, I realize my day has come full circle. As I journal and thank God for an amazing day, I think of where I have been and from where I have risen the past twenty years…the past decade. I bear a few battle scars, but I know that I am also stronger and wiser. I read today that “40 is the new 20.” I don’t know about that.


Someone asked me how it felt to be 40. I do not know what 40 is supposed to feel like, but given the love which surrounds me and the lessons I have learned, I do know it feels pretty good so far.

Happy Fall ya'll!!!

Fall has subtly descended upon our valley and yet it seems almost overnight that the trees have transformed or lost their leaves. Our little Sweet Gum tree which stands sentry in our front yard, has finally been granted to chance to “Change into its Fall Wardrobe.” Normally, the sapling loses all its leaves with first blustery day of Autumn, left to shake in the chill and sag forlornly as if to say,” But I didn’t even get a chance to show my colors.” Salt to the wound I imagine is the surrounding displays of Autumnal kaleidoscopes…

The first rain of the season has blessedly poured and Halloween has been put away. We’ve hung the usual silk leaf garland around the front door. A friend of mine gave me that garland our first Fall in our cottage…it survives the yearly wind storms and now is attached via staples in sections, but it still shines in its entire golden scarlet splendor! I am chomping at the bit to drive out to Hart Park and visit my friends the peacocks and collect leaves! I just last night sipped my favorite Starbucks offering of Gingerbread Latte and have begun planning the annual holiday festivities and projects.

Chris and I have begun our yearly dates shopping for trinkets for the girls’ stockings. This will be the first Thanksgiving since I cannot remember when, in which he will not have to work! We are looking forward to Kayla being home that weekend and all pitching in for a bountiful meal of gratitude and feast! Kylie volunteered to make the mashed potatoes and Chris will roast the turkey after we try out hand at brining. WE have read that this ensures a moist and tasty bird. Of course, we will begin “putting up Christmas!” Chris has the following day off as well so we may chauffeur the girls around as they plan to shop “Black Friday.” God be with us! That Sunday, we will treat Kylie to the new movie, The Nutcracker, for her birthday. We shall reluctantly put Kayla back on the bus the next morning, soon to return for Christmas holiday.

As the air turns crispy and cool, my body sighs in relief…at least eight or nine months before any humidity or heat threatens subjugation! Fall will lead to wintery and icy beauty, which will welcome in a blossoming Spring and early Summer, after which, the weather extremes will begin to bludgeon upon my neurological system like a soft hammer. I relish this time of year when I am at my optimal both physically and in turn, emotionally. I wonder sometimes however, if it isn’t the just the seasons as it is the seasonal that aides my energy surge. Nonetheless, as August breezes begin to cool and I sense that change in the air, I begin to look forward to the next season. Excitement begins to bubble and by the time I flip the calendar’s page to November, it is overflowing!

My mind turns stories round and round as I search for the perfect tale to share with loved ones. I have my Christmas packages completed and they stand awaiting their mailing. However, as I savor the savoring of this holiday season, I will sing off for now and head outdoors to enjoy this blessed gift of a sunny Autumn day and “leaf ya’ll” until God grants us a visit once again! Happy Fall ya’ll!

A Serendipitous October

Chris and I had a most amazing day together in between his work shifts. We walked, we talked, we read. He curled my hair for me while we watched one of his war flicks. Before leaving yesterday morning for his 24 hour shift, he whispered, "I miss you already." I savored that sweet nothing all day yesterday! Now, he is off to work another 8 hour shift before returning home at midnight to work again at 7 tomorrow morning.Here I am at the keyboard, having just watched a movie favorite- "Serendipity." It is one of my favorites, because it reminds me so much of our love story. All couples have a love story...how it all began. Some place to revisit when we forget or begin to forget and take the other for granted. Looking back, I am amazed that it all began one October evening back in 1985. Chris came to visit our Youth Group concert where our Pastor's son's band played. From then on, he continued to attend services and ended up helping the Children's Director and I in Children's Church. As I recall the events that later transpired, we would re-meet two different Octobers. How fitting, that it should be October once again when I revisit our place. Today, I visit out of reverance and thankfulness as it is a grand a story as any wonderful love story! I pray that you will also visit and be inspired if needbe to also visit your own...
                                                             Summer’s End



“I’m going marry you someday,” he said. “I’m going to fly jets like that and I’m going to marry you someday.”


The teenage couple lay head to head in the summer sunshine, looking up at the jet flying overhead.


The young girl giggled but reached for his hand and clasped it. The young stud smiled.


Many years later, the same couple lay side by side in a bed he had built for her, in a house he had all but built for her and outside it rained. A storm had blown in and the deluge poured for days…Much like the storm within the home. There in the bed, he slept but she did not. Her mind wandered back to that day on the beach blanket by the sea and all the promise of summer…


However, all summers end and one must return to school or work. The details differ but the fact remains that summer ends and one must return to whatever they did prior to vacation. Likewise, the honeymoon must also come to an end. Some folks are lucky in a sense that they remain in perpetual state of bliss long after the nuptials and the honeymoon holiday. Is honeymoon just a state of mind? Perhaps, they were naïve or maybe they just knew the secret. Nonetheless, summer ended that year decades ago and now, the honeymoon was definitely also over.


Much as she had broken his heart when she broke up with him that summer long ago, he was now breaking hers. Just as thoughtless as she was to break it off with him the day before his birthday no less, negligence was once again the culprit in reverse. He still said, “I love you” and kissed her goodnight but they seemed like mere actions and words. He worked long hours and she knew she should be grateful that he put food on the table and a roof over their heads. She knew her fears were unfounded, but her imagination ran wild at the lack of communication which had clothed them like a foggy cape.


The more she focused on his faults or deficiencies, the more she also worried that she was no longer what he wanted. Surely, there were younger and more attractive women that would satisfy him. Surely, those women would dote on him and hang on his every word…just as she had in the beginning. When had he stopped looking at her with love and longing? When had she started noticing? Was it after the children were born or before? Was it after her bout with sickness? Was it after he’d lost his job? Was it after they had moved? Maybe they had never been passionate for one another at all? Had it all been just a dream?


They had both been sampling the D word…a nibble here and a taste there. Funny how once bitten, the hunger grew and what was a mere tempting thought seemed to grow and branch out like a choking vine. It grew from one mind to the other and surrounded their home and crept into their every thought. It darkened their windows and desecrated even their love nest until in the heated moment of another argument, it was finally spoken.


“Maybe we should just quit.”


“Maybe we should.”


Having spoken it, there seemed nothing else to say. The quarrel dissipated and they each retreated to their respective corners. Each one knew that turning away and walking away never solved anything, but old habits die hard. Why is it that those habits which destroy and fester are easy to keep alive but it is so difficult to exercise the habits which build and encourage? Why were those habits buried or neglected when those were the very habits which sparked and fueled the fire of love and passion between them in the first place?


She lay there silently and replayed the movie in her mind once more…


He had held her hand by accident the first time. He had reached back for her as they raced to catch up with others in their group. They were running to get in line for the rollercoaster-the one with the loops, which she had never ridden. She wasn’t so sure she wanted to either but she was tired of being afraid. He laughed and she took his hand and she laughed, too as they ran across the amusement park’s black top in search of their friends. He took her hand and did not let go for the rest of the night…almost for the rest of the summer it seemed.


Another summer evening, he reached for her at the bottom of the hill as she tumbled in the avocado grove behind their Youth Pastor’s home. He held her hand as they sat in Bible Study and at the local frozen yogurt shop. He held her hand during Sunday Morning services. This boy, who had seemed set on irritating her from the moment she had met him months ago, now seemed to be smiling at her every time she looked his direction. She had not noticed his bright eyes or charming smile before. She had not noticed his broad shoulders or evenly tanned skin either. She had been too busy ignoring him.


He even made an impression her tough to please Dad when he rode two cities over to visit her in the heat of summer. Despite yelling at him for hopping the fence, which was the only way to get to her front door because all the gates were locked, her Dad still remained impressed with the young man.


Yet another summer evening, she had pushed him away when she was hurting not because he had hurt her. Some inane rationale within her reasoned that she would be better off without him or anyone as things were so tumultuous at home. She had told him she did not want to date him any longer after giving him his birthday present of a small black and white teddy bear which matched the one he had won for her that night at the amusement park. It was only after he walked away that she realized her callousness as it was a day before his birthday.


Not long after, he stopped coming to their little church and save for popping out of the woodwork once afterward, she did not see him for quite awhile. He dropped by one day out of the blue. He seemed more grown and handsome. He told her that he was no longer qualified for Navy ROTC and that he would not be flying jets. He invited her to a premiere of the community film he had been working on after dropping out of High School. They talked for hours as though they had just seen one another the day before. A week later, he stood her up and she did not see him again for quite awhile.


About a year later, she attended a “Going Away Party” in his honor. He had returned to school and graduated and enlisted in the ARMY. Although she was dating someone else, who in fact, was also at the party, they talked for hours as though they had just seen one another the day before. He left the next day for Basic Training and she did not see him again for quite awhile.


About a year later, after her engagement was broken and she had also graduated High School, she wrote him a letter. She had enlisted ARMY and would be stationed in Germany once done with her training. She had acquired his address from his brother and “just wanted to get in touch.” He wrote her back almost immediately and they began to correspond regularly just as they had before…like they had never been interrupted.


About a year later, he showed up at her barracks. He had a weekend Pass and had hopped a train to see her. She did not see him the first time he was there. Her roommate told her about him when she had returned from the Mail Room later that afternoon. She had been escorted by the young soldier she had met on the flight over from Georgia to Germany. Met was a very loose term as they had actually made out under a blanket for most of the eight hour flight. He called her Blue Eyes and she felt giddy. That same day, she had received a phone call from the soldier whom she had dated during AIT. Dated was also a loose term as they had endured a “pregnancy scare” and almost gotten married. She had made a fine mess of things by the time her friend had made his way to see her. They had been corresponding but she was also dating other guys while “looking forward to seeing him some day soon.”


But there he was in her Company’s Day Room and once again, they talked for hours as though they had just seen one another the day before. She made arrangements for him to stay off post with some friends and they made plans to see one another the next day. To this very day, there are times in the midst of their lovemaking that she finds herself in the field which they passed that day. Although they merely walked past it that day, in her imagination they there again, dancing among the flowing wheat and sunshine. Funny she should return to a memory which never transpired.


In fact, the lack of kissing led her to misbelieve that he was not really interested. “How could he not even try to kiss her goodbye when it seemed every other guy only wanted that and more?” that inane rationale whispered in her ear once again. In the end, she discovered she was pregnant and she married another after miscarrying three months later. Following the miscarriage, her fiancé asked her if, “She still wanted to get married?” For a long moment, she considered escape but ignored the feeling and all the warnings of her heart and friends. She mistook his question for genuine desire. She answered yes.


The night before the wedding, she called her friend but could not reach him as he was on maneuvers. She thought it was a sign from fate to her unasked question and she went ahead with the marriage. He returned her call a month later and she told him she was married. Presently, the War broke out…literally. She never knew if he was deployed and if so, if he survived. Her final letter went unanswered and she settled into married life. She was honorably medically discharged later that year. The following May, she returned stateside with her husband and their eldest daughter.


Five years later, with a tumultuous marriage behind her and two beautiful daughters in tow, she went home to her family to begin again. A year earlier, while separated from her husband, she had tried unsuccessfully to locate her friend. Inanely, she thought fate once again answered and she returned to her husband.


Now, she made one phone call and was able to leave a message for her friend. Unfortunately, while acquiring his number, she was also informed that he had married.


She called anyway. Within an hour, he was standing on her front doorstep. He hugged her and met her children before they drove to the beach. Once again, they talked for hours as though they had just seen one another the day before. He had married and divorced as well. He had been back in California for a few months. They had both thought of one another but never thought they would ever see one another again.


History would repeat itself when awhile later she got spooked and stopped speaking to him or returning his phone calls. They had gone to the movies and seen Forest Gump. Something in the story rang true and she found herself so comfortable that she laid her head upon his shoulder. He put his arm around her for the remainder of the movie. She warned him afterward that she might be spooked and “not to take it personally.” There was that inane rationale once again!


“You just do not treat that boy right,” her Dad told her. She knew she was mixed up and needed direction. While rekindling their friendship, she had also renewed dating the old flame to which she had given her virginity and was also dating an older man whom she had met in the personal ads.


“Lord,” she prayed one night, “If you should desire that he be the one, please show me. Please guide me and help me to heed your direction.”


That Sunday, he was standing at the back of the church and some bimbo was standing next to him twirling his tie. I was jealous for the first time in my life. I did not like being jealous, but I took it as the sign from God it was meant to be. I dawdled for a week before I finally had to call him. I do mean “had to” as it was as though I was drawn to the phone in the church kitchen prior to Revival services. This was the one night, he chose not to attend services, having been there the whole week prior when I was not! I left him a message and waited. He showed up after services and we drove to a local coffee shop. Over hot cocoa and French fries, we talked for hours as though we had just seen one another the day before.


That was January. February 21st, a week after Valentine’s Day, he kissed me for the first time. Come May, in front of our whole congregation and God, Chris got down on one knee and proposed with his grandmother’s engagement ring. We married the following April in a garden wedding. As we kissed, blossoms and papery leaves drifted down like angel’s confetti. We honeymooned with our daughters at Disneyland. Chris would adopt them formally in 2000. Our life held promise like an unending summer…


Looking back, we agree that we set ourselves up for failure in a few ways. First, we did not honor God nor ourselves when we moved in together the year prior to our marriage. We had finally found true love but we treated it with tarnished actions. Then, we made the same mistakes that most couples who end up struggling often do. We forgot to keep showing our love and passion. We forgot to stick together. Chris will tell you that he forgot to keep cherishing me.


So we return to the beginning of this story and there we lay in a bed so close in proximity but so far apart from one another. I hurt. He hurt. Neither of us really wanted to split up or divorce but we knew we could no longer continue the way we were. I do not know for Chris, but I recall the day that light dawned for me. I was threatening and throwing the D word around once again and he was just as hateful when all of a sudden, it hit me. “If you divorce him and never work this out, what will stop you from doing so again? Yes, some of the problems you are facing are the same as those you faced with your ex-husband, but that does not mean that Chris is the same man. Chris is not an abusive man. You both love one another but you’ve forgotten.” Isn’t it worth at least working through?” Old habits die hard but thankfully, so do old flames of love. We continued to struggle for a few years more but had made a committed effort to do three things: Seek God’s guidance always, Stop using the D word and love one another through everything.


Many more years later, here we are in that same bed and a new home which Chris is slowly rebuilding. He lies next to me snoring and sleeping soundly. As I type this, I look around our love nest…a bedroom haven which we have feathered. Two years ago, we shopped for bedding together, painted the walls together and we often make the bed together. Directly in front of me are three sayings which I have painted in the panels of our bedroom door because they indeed speak volumes. They read:


“…All because two people fell in love;”


“It was no accident me finding you…Someone had a hand in it long before we ever knew!”


“When the one man loves the one woman


And the one woman loves the one man,


The very angels leave Heaven and sit in that house and sing for joy!”

A Sticky Situation

I spent the good part of my morning watering the yard with a high pressure nozzle. The pecan tree had been weeping sap and coated everything with stickiness. Left unattended and that stickiness will suffocate and shrivel our beautiful rose bushes and leaves a permanent residue upon everything else. I stood amidst the showers, watching the leaves turn a cleaner green and the roof water turned from brown to clear. A seemingly mindless chore, but my thoughts wandered about like children at play. It was in that moment when the misty showers no longer felt sticky that I thought of how God and negativity were a lot like this sap and our garden.

Our thoughts have a certain power upon our mood and our actions. When we allow negativity to build up and coat our “leaves,” we are left with a sticky residue amongst the garden of our heart and mind. Praising God through the struggle, turning to His word for guidance, simply banishing the negative thoughts which hammer us throughout the day…is like that high pressure hose washing away the sap and muck and leaving us clean and refreshed!

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2Corinthians10:5

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

God of the "little things" or Another Lesson from God's Nature

I remain in awe of God's nature! As Kayla and I recently walked a nearby park with my sister-in-law and my young nephews, we were surrounded above by multitudes of dragonflies. I could not help but think that they must be symbolism from God, especially having been afforded amazing opportunity throughout the weekend to love and listen as we visited. I simply prayed,"Lord, I believe these dragonflies mean something. Please help me to figure it out." Later that day, I found a card covered with colorful dragonflies. It is my intention to pen an encouragement to my sister-in-law, using such card.
Awakened early this morning, I set to praying and reading my Bible. As it came time to work on my correspondence, I googled "dragonfly, Christian." I found a website and what I believe is truly a message from God. Dragonfly Ministries is a website which offers encouragement and tools to strengthen our walk with God as women of God and searching for God. Just as the dragonfly absorbs its power from the Sun and reflects and refracts that glorious light into dazzling colors, we may also reflect and refract God's light to one another! It is my prayer that you'll drop by and visit and in the meantime, if you happen upon a dragonfly, know that it is yet another of God's wonderful love notes sent just for you!

May our Mighty God from Whom all blessings flow, guide you and comfort you this week in all your endeavors both great and small. For God is truly a God of power in our big struggles of health, finances and marriages. HE is also Lord of the "little things" in our lives whether they be laundry, toddlers and temper tantrums or simply getting from point A to point B!
"In HIM was life and that life was the light of men."-John 1:4
http://www.dragonflyministries.com/page9.html

SATURATE

As I stand with hose in hand and allow my mind to drift, my soul to search…I am taken back almost every time I water our lawn to my Pop’s words of wisdom. “Karen, you must saturate the grass.” “That tree is thirsty so give it a good drink.” “Karen, the sidewalk doesn’t grow.” These words of wisdom may have pertained to the watering job at hand. However, I can also see now how those same words apply to life and my personal relationship with God and others. In addition to that fact is that I, like my Pop, prefer to hand water our lawn for the sheer pleasure and opportunity it affords me to listen and think.

One need not think very hard to see where my priorities lay at the time just by merely hearing his statements. When I was eager to sprinkle the lawn and get about my own business…or when I gave the same mindless attention to the tree…or was perhaps daydreaming and watering needlessly in areas which would never benefit. Immaturity has grown into wisdom as I now ponder and appreciate what my Pop had to say.

My Mother has recently moved in with us and also enjoys watering and tending the garden. She prefers sprinklers to soaking, but does so with great attention and consistency. Consequently, our yard is blooming lush and green. Similarly, so is her relationship with our Savior. She practices the necessary watering of her spirit when she not only prays throughout her day but takes time to read God’s Word. For when we pray, we are doing all the talking. However, when we read God’s Word and sit quietly pondering Him, we are then listening. No relationship does well for one party to do all the talking and no listening!

God’s Word is alive and it nourishes our soul as well as our body. God’s Word is true and can be relied upon in any situation. God’s Word is faithful and will never fail us. God’s Word and God’s Love are our essence and as the little wooden sign which hangs in my garden says, “All things grow with love.”

Lessons from an Apricot

Lessons from an apricot


We are blessed with a wonderful shade tree in our backyard with an added bonus of producing apricots. Prior to ripening, fruit trees “drop” extra fruit but not always by choice. Despite wicked wind storms this past year, a bounty remained. The apricots are luscious and triple the usual size! I prefer to eat apricots in recipes due to the texture but this year’s crop tastes pleasantly different.

Some mature and fall before we can harvest. As branches hang over the fence line, quite a few are readily available to our next door neighbor. Sadly, our invitation to “help themselves” remains ignored and the fruit falls to the ground and rots. Nonetheless, we have shared basketsful with surrounding neighbors who excitedly accept and devour our gift!

We used part of our first batch to bake a pie so sweet but tinged with a tasty tartness and my Aunt Roby’s pie crust recipe makes any pie a masterpiece!

God’s love is similar to the circumstances of these apricots in many ways. Like the manna of long ago, there was always enough to go around just as our yummy harvest yearns to be shared. Nurturing God’s love within ourselves by sharing and reaching out to others is like lovingly preparing that delectable pie. Genuine goodness is enhanced and opportunity is never wasted. God lovingly continues to offer His grace freely. God’s love is sometimes openly accepted and devoured and sometimes not but God’s love remains readily available.

My snake, my friend

This morning I buried a snake. It was a venomous monstrous python! Actually, it was skinny and maybe measured two feet if it hadn’t been curled in half and squashed. Having discovered it earlier lying in the road in front of our house, I had proceeded to go about my merry way ignoring its existence. But it wouldn’t be ignored. It hovered around the back of my mind like a thorn in my sock. So, I went back outside to investigate. Keeping my distance, I snapped a picture and texted it to a few loved ones. We joked about it for a bit but then I got the notion that I should probably bury it. After all, even a snake deserves a decent burial.
Now, anyone who knows me also knows that I am a little squeamish when it comes to worms and snakes. In fact, I have been known to be terrified of even pictures of snakes! I asked God to help me, grabbed a shovel and armed myself with Philippians 4:13- “I CAN do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.” My neighbor Miss Joy came out to see what I was up to and Mr. Jim rode by on his motor chair. He informed us that it was a king snake-a good snake. “They keep the bad snakes away,” he assured. “Let me know if ya ever find a live one,” he said as he rode away. To which I answered, “Even from your house around the block, you’ll know I found a live one as you’ll definitely hear me!”
Following a simple funeral service complete with a Cross to mark its final resting place, I decided that this deceased serpent needed a name. “Slimy” and “Slick” just didn’t suit him and “Squash” just seemed a little disrespectful. Given the circumstances and listening to that still voice within my heart, I christened it…FEAR. I buried all my Fretful Exhaustive Anxious Restlessness. This morning, I buried FEAR in a shallow grave marked with a Cross. May it rest in peace!

Streams in the Desert

“…In the wilderness shall waters break out and streams in the desert.”
-Isaiah 35:6
Typing this and awaiting my latest photos to upload, I appreciate Internet. Although I savor a handwritten letter just as much now as I did when growing up and my Aunt Roby would drop me a “snail mail,” I long for the opportunity to personally hug and visit my loved ones. I admit texting and emailing and blogging are a poor substitute but find that the lines of communication remain broader on a more daily basis. That said, grab you a glass of iced tea and pull up a comfy seat and let’s visit!
Here in the Valley, spring is slowly merging into summer as the days grow longer and warmer. Daily lessons emerge like the blossoming flowers in the yard and treats are hidden everywhere waiting to be discovered. The month of May literally rained down showers of blessings upon the crops and within our household. An extended rainy season and following a bout with depression, doctors changed Mom’s sleeping meds and she is now getting a restful night’s sleep and her spirits are rising.
We welcomed May with our annual visit to the Huge Rummage Sale sponsored by a local church. Mom and I enjoyed the first day and Kayla and I continued our tradition of returning the final day for a delicious (and cheap- $2.50 for pancakes, sausage and beverage) breakfast and the much anticipated “mark downs!” I always head home with a large bundle of books and the girls enjoy shopping the Big Tent for $3.00 bags of clothing. Amongst the books, I have already given a few away, but am enjoying “Streams in the Desert.” I picked it up mainly for the title and the fact that it was red, but I have been savoring this tiny treat of devotions written by Mrs. Charles E. Cowan. Compiled from the thoughts, quotations and spiritual inspiration which helped to sustain her during her missionary work in Japan and China-particularly the six years she nursed her husband while he was dying. It is beautifully written and I was delighted to find an old newspaper copy of Erma Bombeck tucked inside! I am simultaneously reading HISTORY, HOPE AND HARVEST by Harlin Hines, who was local minister. I cannot be sure but I believe that the business card which is tucked inside my great-grandmother’s Bible is for a church which Pastor Hines preached. What a small but wonderful world!
I also devoured a yummy book titled HEAVEN IN A WILD FLOWER, which has led to Mom’s and my new semi-obsession in obtaining mustard seed. We all know the story of the mustard seed, which teaches us that “faith the size of a mustard seed shall move mountains.” We have found a few packets of mustard greens and in researching have found that it also grows wild here in the valley. However, I am still unsure as to whether or not it is the same plant which the Bible says can grow into a tree (Matthew 13:31-32). Given the fact that we planted a packet and it germinated and sprouted overnight, I believe we are on the right track!
“Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God.” Martin Luther
Throughout the month, we have prepared the yard for yet another transformation. Chris borrowed Mr. Ray’s power tiller and turned up half of the yard. Having bought the first batch of bricks and eight bags of sand, we began our project. Twenty large bricks and twenty-five small bricks later, we knew we were going need a lot more sand! So, I called our “gravel guy” and asked him to please deliver four yards of sand so we would have plenty and leftover for erecting the pool. Over three hundred bricks and many days of hauling and sweating later... Additionally, Kylie toted two and a half yards of the three yards of gravel to the backyard this past Saturday and now the hardscape is finished! An added blessing was when I later called our “gravel guy” to also deliver more gravel; he waived the delivery charge as he was already going to be in our area!
Along the way, my “partner in crime” Mom and I decided that we would level and prepare the area for the pool. So, I thought back to when my brothers and I were children and my Pop built a “mule pull” out of a pipe and 2x4 board with a rope attached. Of course, I thought, “I can do that.” I gathered the materials, revved up Chris’ power drill and proceeded to make a pretty good replica of Dad’s original. However, unlike years ago when I pulled the board around in circles while my little brothers rode, my Mom got to be the mule this time! Chris was very surprised but pleasantly so to find the task done that evening after work and we all enjoyed the pool a bit sooner! Throughout our diligence, our work reminded me of scriptures which call us to “remember what we have been taught” and “two are better than one.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 and 2Timothy3)
As we labored and set each brick into place, I could not help but think of our ancestors so long ago who built Jerusalem “one brick at a time.” (Nehemiah 3) I was overwhelmed by the fact that once again, God granted me the strength to participate and I got quite a bit out of this little body!
June brought with it warmer days and Commencement activities for our eldest daughter Kayla. We enjoyed the festivities which led up to Graduation-Baccalaureate was hosted by the Christian Athletes on campus. Twenty-two students attended to receive prayer and blessing. Although I also prayed for those who were not in attendance, I thought how these particular students would be a little more equipped for their transition out into the world. A week later, eighty students gathered to receive awards and commendation. Kayla was honored as Top Instrumentalist and given a John Philip Sousa Award as well as a small scholarship from Band Boosters. We have also been blessed that financial aide will cover her college expenses! She puts it, “Goodbye North Stars and Hello, Banana Slugs!” Her growing independence and impending move to University of Santa Cruz, is exercising those “faith muscles” in Chris and I.
However, we caught a glimpse of God’s approval during Graduation. We looked down onto the field and amongst the surrounding students who were slouching, texting or sprawling, there sat our Kayla with hands folded upon her gown covered knees; sitting as the proper young woman which we have had a precious honor to raise. Her achievements have been quite grand but even greater still is her strong character and budding integrity. Consequently, as she plans ahead and prepares for her new adventure, we are confident in this: Yes, she may struggle and she may make mistakes. But we know that God has her in the mighty palm of His grace and she walks with him hand in hand. Of course, I breathe this mantra even now as I look ahead and as I did earlier today, when she drove herself around town and returned in one piece!

Reflect and Revive

I was so blessed this morning when my neighbor sent me a text message with scripture from Ephesians 3:17-19...upon reading it in my Bible, I found a devotional prayer which was entitled Reflect and Revive! As I did this morning, I had to share it again...the sentiment and refreshment truly bubbles over! Enjoy and be blessed!
May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I trimph
Only through His power.
May the peace of God, my Father,
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea,
Him exalting, self abasing:
This is victory.
Kate B. Wilkinson

YOU ARE NOT INVISIBLE

SO MANY TIMES, I'VE PRAYED...
SO MANY TIMES, I'VE WRITTEN JOURNAL ENTRIES AND DEVOTIONS ON THIS TOPIC, BUT THIS HAS BEEN SAID PERFECTLY BY THIS TALENTED WOMAN OF GOD!
ENJOY AND BE BLESSED FOR YOU ARE NOT INVISIBLE!

Riverglow-Anniversary 2010

Porterville to Kernville and back again…
After scheduling and cancelling and rescheduling our annual Anniversary Trip due to Chris’ work schedule and Mom’s health, we were ecstatic to be able to get away after all. We had finally settled on one overnight, but were blessed with three nights away by ourselves. Even though Chris worked over a few hours on Saturday, we would not be deterred. The forecast of rain did nothing to dampen our intentions either. The promise of a few days alone with one another, tucked away in a mountain inn, spurred us on. We hopped in the car, (as I had everything packed and awaiting his arrival!) and headed north.
We rolled into Porterville around nine o’clock and ate at the Black Bear Diner. What a place! Besides delicious food, (I even ate all my steamed veggies first!) the atmosphere was comfortable and the décor was fun. Upon further investigation, we discovered that there are many of these diners from California to Washington and Colorado through Arizona. The menu was that of a country kitchen, a vast but simply prepared feast and was printed upon what appeared to be an old newspaper from 1976…too fun! Too full to take advantage of the huge bear claws, we would return in the morning for breakfast on our way out of town. These pastries had to be four of my paws put together and yummy, yummy, yummy!
We spent the night in a Motel 6 just for kicks. I will say that there is much to be said for “sneaking away” to a small but clean cheap motel with one’s spouse. Of course, the small but vivacious beds are also a lot of fun! Accustomed to a firm Queen sized bed, snuggling and rolling into one another throughout the night definitely made for a “Good morning.”
The roads were closed the back way through Sequoia National Forest so we drove up through Glennville into Kernville. Even on a gloomy day, the wildflowers colored the hillsides of the sprawling pastures and fields. Purples and yellows splashed the landscape similar to the purples and oranges of the valley area which we visited last year at this time. I snapped a picture of what looked like a tree full of caterpillars on my way back to the car after photographing a sea of purple. Climbing the scenic mountain road, the winter barren oaks blended amethyst with the pines and the awakening foliage and shadows brought to mind, “For purple mountains majesty.” Smaller versions of the giant Sequoias rose alongside the highway and snow seemed to dollop the decadent landscape like whipped cream atop dessert. Through Alta Sierra and then down into Kernville, we stopped to visit the mother of a childhood friend. I knew I could not visit the area without stopping to hug Mama Phipps!
Our accommodations for the next two nights were furnished by the Kern River Inn. The Bed and Breakfast is located directly across the road from the Kern River. We could hear and see it from our bedroom windows. The hostess, Miss Virginia, serves a different appetizing breakfast each day. Our first morning, we dined upon individual baked egg dishes. Quiche was the main entrée the following day. Most interesting was visiting with the other guests each breakfast…a couple from England and another from Canada. Chris enjoyed a lively conversation with a gentleman who served in the British Army around the same time Chris was in the ARMY.
We walked to dinner the first night and enjoyed a delicious feast of lasagna and angel hair pasta at the local Italian Restaurant. We giggled to one another as we could not help overhearing the conversation of a group of hunters and their wives…one gentleman in particular thought red wine was served in a glass with one’s meal when the menu read, “ in red wine.” He also thought that he had to specify red wine and not white wine in place of red or white sauce. They were in town for a local hunting tournament and I found them fascinating. The mountain village of Kernville is quaint but not primitive. Within walking distance from the Inn, we found everything we needed.
However, we did take a drive up the road a piece the next day in search of Murray’s, which locals claimed to make the best steak and burgers around. We will have to return as they are closed on Mondays during off season. The eighteen mile drive was well worth the effort as we stopped for a smooch on the Johnsondale Bridge! A little shopping before lunch at the Cracked Egg Café and then we grabbed some snacks for dinner and headed back to our room. The weather was turning gray again and the fireplace was calling our name. As we walked through town, we glanced up at the surrounding mountains and it was as though a great hand was sifting powdered sugar as the snow began to blanket the hills around us.
I was surprised at the changes the weather brought to the river which flowed just across the road from the Inn. Clear skies and sun streaming seemed to clear the river of all its rumblings and murkiness from the day prior as I awakened on our last day of the trip. I intended only to step outside on the porch to snap a few pictures, but the river seemed to pull me closer and before I knew it, Chris came looking for me as breakfast was ready.
Before leaving, he and I walked the river shore. I searched as I always do for heart shape pebbles and rocks. I thought I was unsuccessful, but would realize upon uploading pictures to the computer that I did indeed find one. I had snapped a picture of litter along the Johnsondale Bridge, intending to add it to my kaleidoscope project. Next to the beer can lay a perfectly heart shape rock…what a testament to the fact that God’s love is there whether or not we see it at the time!
I recall thinking about that morning by the river how no profound messages were spoken that trip, but I did feel God was all around us. He was like that river…gently and faithfully flowing even throughout the murky and sunshine in my life. He was refreshing and calming as He surrounded us with His peace and softly whispered renewal into our tired bodies. Washing over us like a bath of strength, He replenished our relationship and our individual souls as Chris and I spent precious time together carved out of schedule again this year.
Sun bathed the wildflower strewn hills and granite as we made our way home down the canyon. We stopped every now and again to pick a few blooms and snap pictures. I hoped to capture the awesome beauty of the landscape and wished that I could bottle the sounds and scents. Hugs and smiles awaited us as Mom and the girls welcomed us home.
Upon returning home from our annual Anniversary trip, I pondered how we did not always fathom how important it is to prioritize our time with one another. It is almost crucial to our relationship and there really are no excuses not to as money can be spent and wasted many ways just as easily as saving up for this every year. We do not always have finances to do anything extravagant as the year we went to San Francisco. Our first anniversary was spent dining on our combined family china and depression glass, a meal which Chris prepared for me. Comparatively, we do not always have the ability to go on dates, but we have found that time together even behind closed doors is so important. Just as we must stoke the embers to keep a log burning, so must we make effort to keep our love life kindled. A simple walk around the neighborhood together does much for a tired relationship and a warm kiss hello goes a long way towards making your mate feel missed when returning home. When the girls were younger, finding the time and where with all was a bit more difficult. Chris put it well when he voiced the other night how we were getting to be an “us.” Needless to say, even in strong marriages, valleys accompany hilltops. This was evident the year we spent our anniversary apart…Chris was working out of town, but that was merely a symptom of our rocky relationship that year. It is very easy to forget ourselves in the roles we play as it is just as easy to neglect one another as we strive to be good Christian mothers and fathers, forgetting that we are first and foremost husbands and wives. Our yearly getaway gives us time to ponder and enjoy with one another as the time and adventure heal us, renew us and make us stronger for yet another year together as we go through life hand in hand.

Tales from the Coop

Anyone with a chronic illness celebrates the smallest victories along with the big strides...There have been days when I have not been able to get out of bed and then there are days when I have a seemingly endless energy. Mostly, there are days which I am just overjoyed to function normally and at an even pace, thanking God for His tender mercies. Saturday, was such a day. After Chris and I prepped the yard for new flowerbeds and walkways in the midst of what was predicted as showers but turned out to be a torrential downpour...the sun came out and Mom and I spent the day with a sifter in hand, working in unison to sift the soil within a 3x6 area a bit at a time. Tedious work, but manageable. Calling it a day, we were picking up and heading inside when we noticed the big chickens torturing the little chickens,which had somehow busted through the separating wall once again in their coop. An hour later, covered with hay and dirt and you can imagine what else...I had crawled inside the coop through the back hatch(a small 2x3foot opening) to patch the system which entailed actually lying down amongst the muck. Armed with a drill, screws and scrap wood and my sense of humor, we had it all tied together and secured once again.I teased Chris later that it was a crying shame to roll in the hay and the only action seen was by the drill and boards! I had also climbed in and out over the front more than once to corral and relocate said poultry!
Even as I sat there stinking, I felt a certain victory when I looked back over the past hour and my whole day in fact to see just what this little body had allowed me to accomplish! It was indeed a perfect testament to God's promise that I can do all things through His strength!
(Philippians 4:13) To God be all glory, honor and praise! See ya'll later with juicy tidbits from our anniversary trip!

Anxiously awaiting Spring...

I was so excited to awaken this morning to sunshine after two days of gloom and cold! Of course, I put aside my "indoor plans" and headed outside...Mom pittered here and there in between resting while I got down to some serious 'mosaicing"! Every now and again, a gentle breeze would rain down confetti upon us from the blossoming apricot tree. Our daffydils are still smiling from all around the yard and Moxie sprinted here and there while the chickens clucked and cackled. Speaking of our hens, one of the newest members laid her first egg today...well, her first egg since moving into our Hen House that is! I really should get around to naming these new banty hens...
I just had to stop for a moment and hop online...are you as excited as I am for Spring?! We have had some serious Spring Fever here in the Solomon/Davis household...we spent all of the past two Sundays outdoors and loving every minute of it!
Lying here in the dappling sunshine at the end of the day, perusing my garden magazine and Mary Jane's Farm simultaneously, I recall our short "vacation" of yesterday. Mom and I drove to the outskirts of town to the Fruit Stand and picked up oranges and strawberries fresh from the field and orchard. Just around the corner from there we visited Minetti's ANXIOUS ACRES. Truly a step back in time, we sampled four different kinds of grapefruit and three different types of tangerines, mandarin oranges. When we failed to see that the establishment did not take "Plastic" and we did not have checkbook or enough cash in hand, we were surprisingly delighted when told, "No problem...just drop a check in the mail when you get home."
How's that for good "country courtesy"!? When you come up to visit, we'll definitely have to drop by Minetti's! Tonight, we feast upon pork loin baked in a delicious sauce I purchased there as well...raspberry chipotle!
Yum!
My biggest frustration at times is attempting to find just the right words to convey to you, dear reader, the excitement and experience...the taste, the smell, the feeling of a "day in the country" here in Sonflower Valley!
May God richly bless your day as He has seen fit to have blessed mine.

kaleidotrash

I am very excited to share with you my new "creation." I got to thinking as I played with new program which enables me to kaleidoscope pictures, that these amazing and beautiful photos are just like what God does to the most ugly in our own lives...even trash, poverty and slums are made beautiful by His loving Touch! May you be blessed...

March already?!

It is March...already!!! With good intentions, although we all know where those often lead, I had planned to blog more often. "Many are the plans of a man's or woman's heart but the will of God prevails..." However, my time has been spent in a fulfilling manner taking care of my ailing Mom. She is recuperating from an Emergency Room visit which led to three days hospitalization and many tests. Discharged with a clean slate, she was back to the ER a week later dehydrated! This week has been a blessing though as she eases into a routine and is (finally) eating and drinking well. The pain medicine is (finally) doing its job and she is sleeping better and in turn, thinking and feeling better. Thank You, Lord!!!
I did carve out some time to work on a new media though and am excitingly uploading it soon for your perusal! I await uploading until I have heard from my good friend Lori, to whom I sent a copy as my tradition is to allow her to be the first to view my creations, aside from Chris and girls and Mom of course!
Spring is sprouting here in the Valley and a sweet scent floats upon the air...today is sunny but we have had a good share of rain and more is expected by tomorrow. "Rain in winter means water in the summer," as my Pop used to say. Looking about at the green hills which surround us, I pray that the local farmers are also feeling blessed.
My "daffydils" are smiling all over the yard from below the trees and out of mosaic sinks...Chloe our cat is looking slimmer as she sheds her winter coat...the chickens are clucking happily. We have six new additions this year, although we did not buy spring chicks. A coworker of Chris was downsizing their flock and gave us five banty hens and a huge white Foghorn Leghorn! The rabbits continue to co-reside with the hens and have added to their burrow, which now tunnels somewhere out behind our lot into the alley! A mouse family has taken up residence in the barnyard and can often be seen scurrying about to Chloe's growing frustration!
Kayla receives daily notices from colleges and excitingly awaits that bittersweet Graduation. Kylie is enjoying dance once a week, having found a wonderful instructor the end of December.
There you have it all in a nutshell! Thank you for your prayers for us and Mom and your kind patience as I get back to blogging...again!
Oh, before I end to work on webpage, let me tell you about the "Best BBQ" we have had in a long time...while my Mom was in hospital, she roomed with a lady who was opening a new BBQ place with her husband in the East Hills mall. It just happens to be in the old site where we used to get the "Best burgers" before Joe retired a year and half ago! Just inside the theater entrance. We dropped by last night and rejoiced to hear that "prayers are definitely being answered and business is booming!" If you are in town or up at the East Hills Mall, drop by Mississippi Ribs and enjoy a reasonably priced delicious lip smacking finger licking good meal!!!
And now I am off to tame the webpage for ya'll!

Spring is coming!

As I look about town at the pear trees blooming, it reminds me that Spring is coming! Consequently, just as winter in all its cold and gloom does not last, neither does the gloom of storm of difficulty. Spring is just around the corner as is another day and a better way! As simple as viewing life through a kaleidoscope, is looking at each situation with joy!

The Shoebox

I received this via email and just had to share it with you! May good Lord bless all you wonderful women who are also loving wives.

THE SHOEBOX
A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.

He asked her about the contents.
'When we were to be married,' she said, ' my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.'


The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

'Honey,' he said, 'That explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?'

'Oh,' she said, 'That's the money I made from selling the dolls.'


A Prayer.......


Dear Lord, I pray for Wisdom to understand my man;


Love to forgive him; And Patience for his moods;


Because Lord, if I pray for Strength, I'll beat him to death,


Because I don't have time to crochet!

Deluge

While parked outside the high school yesterday afternoon waiting for my daughters, my attention was caught by the raindrops slowly filling up the windshield. Despite the week long deluge, I was having a particularly “soul parched” day. As I lost myself in the scene unfurling, I realized that the drops seemed to be hitting the windshield according to the beat of the music playing on the radio. I naturally assumed I was imagining until the music sped up and the raindrops followed suit. About the time the chorus began to play, I found myself listening more intently to the lyrics. I was amazed! The song on the radio to which God obviously seemed to be playing a water pouring symphony was called  Rain Down by Christian group, Delirious.

Rain down all around the world we're singing

Rain down can you hear the earth is singing

Rain down my heart is dry but still I'm singing

Rain down, rain it down on me.

Back to the start, my heart is heavy

Feels like it's time, to dream again

I see the clouds, and yes I'm ready

To dance upon this barren land

Hope in my hands

cause it's living water we desire,

to flood our hearts with holy fire

Do not shut, Do not shut, Do not shut the heavens

But open up, open up, open up our hearts

Give me strength to cross the water

Keep my heart upon Your altar

Give me strength to cross this water

Keep my feet don’t let me falter

Do not shut the heavens

But open up our hearts, open up our hearts

do not shut the heavens

but open up our hearts, open up our hearts.

Rain it down on me.

God was there in the downpour. He was there in this storm of pain and difficulty I was sharing with my Mom who I had taken to the doctor’s again that morning. Her body so wracked with pain and I felt so helpless to alleviate it. My heart was full, but God was overflowing in His reminder that He was indeed raining blessings upon us. Consider my Mom and I giggling on way home from Doctor’s as tumbleweeds seemed to be racing us down the street! Truly, even in the darkest storm of trial or pain, God gives us something to marvel or appreciate as a reminder that He is there, He is mighty, He loves and He is in control.
Song video link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjzpKeJgY_s

 

Happy New Year

This past Christmas Season,

We honored a few traditions and embraced a few new ones.

A few bittersweet moments emerged as we looked ahead to next Christmas Season,

When our eldest daughter may be away at college...

Early on, Mom and the girls and I partook in an evening filled with

Memories and light sponsored by local Hospice program.

Chris played Santa Claus and we welcomed unknown and close neighbors into our home

We felt honored and blessed as children came and went…

One who was very shy and preferred to whisper in my ear to tell Santa, but

Was yelling, “Bye Santa!” by the time she got back in the car…

A little while later, a mother and her three daughters visited…

Told us that their cousin had called them and told them, “you have to see Santa…he really is Santa!” Of course, the cousin was the shy little redhead who had just left!

The youngest of these had never seen Santa before, so we felt doubly blessed to participate in her first Santa visit!

Morning dawned one Sunday and we were invited to make a snowman…

Friends of Kylie’s had brought snow back from the mountains the day prior from their Grandfather’s Memorial Service.

They live a few streets over and we had a ball building a snowman in their front yard!

You never know what opportunity comes knocking each day…

Even a chance to fellowship in the snow!

This year, we did not miss nor get rained out of any parades!

Chris met Mom and I after work for downtown’s nighttime parade

Then she and I cheered our girls and their band members on for the

Morning Oildale Parade!

Throughout the month, we celebrated Kylie’s Sweet 16…

She didn’t want any big fan fare but did have a few friends over

The following weekend for a “Cookie Bake” and

Kayla’s turning 18…

Half a dozen friends joined Kayla after school for macaroni & cheese and festivity!

Long gone are the days when we must keep little ones entertained during the party.

Mom and I didn’t quite know what to do with ourselves!

Of course, set up and clean up is still needed!

The past few weeks, Chris and I have learned an invaluable skill of sneaking away with one another.

Now, we weren’t really sneaking away, as Mom and girls knew when we were leaving, but we have carved out time precious needed for one another.

Whether shopping or eating or just driving around looking at Christmas lights,

We were together just he and I.

So as the Christmas Spirit flowed and Christ’s light shone,

We also learned to keep the love light burning!

Looking ahead to the New Year, I am not sure what God has in store.

However, I vow to take Christmas with me and

Keep Christmas with me every day…Somehow.

Happy New Year 2010!