“…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!