Traveling Thoughts

This is what happens when I am traveling and thinking at the same time. These are notes that I saved on my cell phone. I've posted them like I thought them. Grammar beware! I think I was planning to expand on the first thought for a blog entry and I may still. And, obviously the second thought is an extension of the first thought, perhaps a bit more poetic. Both entries were made when traveling down Oklahoma Highway 3.

11/24/2009 4:34 PM

Ever notice how each tree is different? They don't have the same number of branches or leaves. They don't grow at the same rate.

5/7/2010 6:50 PM -

Green, everywhere green. Dark green leaves of the oak tree. Medium greens. Light greens of new leaves. Green grass. Dotted with purple vetch and orange Indian paint brush. Light tan topping green wheat-like plants. Multicolor green obscuring tree trunks. Silver maple leaves casting a delicate green hue briefly in the green sea. Dark evergreens. Lacy ferns. Rare and random rocks. Suddenly the sea of green is broken by an expansive blue mirror, cool and inviting. Where are the reds, yellows, and oranges? Where did the shades of grey go? There is no strict contrast of black and white. Green reaching up to the expanse of sky. Curtains of green hanging in gentle waves. Dresses of green dancing across my vision. Short dresses, long dresses, fluffy dresses, slim dresses. Gorgeous array. Waving arms, singing joyous praise.

(Father God, thank you for the blessings of the seasons. Thank you for the simple yet so complex examples of your creation. Thank you for allowing me to see them. Help me to always be aware of the beauty around me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Dinosaurs, Turkey Bacon, and Toilet Paper

Do you see those words together very often? I never thought I'd see them together in the same paragraph let alone a sentence. But, that is what greeted us this morning. We were TP'd.

Now, I could have been upset and frustrated because of the vandalism. I dislike TP'ing. I don't see the reason for it. I have no desire to participate in such an activity. Granted, it's a fairly minor form of vandalism with few consequences. It's work on the targeted family or person due to the clean up and has little effect on the one doing it.

However, today I am grateful for Dinosaurs, Turkey Bacon and Toilet Paper. It was these items that caused our family to come together. First, we just kinda wondered. Then, we began the suspect list. Next, we started the clean up and questions. Why is someone picking on us? Was it malicious or just a practical joke? And, why did they use Turkey Bacon on the bushes and storm door? Turkey Bacon?

We joked about needing to call NCIS for the investigation. Gibbs will solve the case. Hey, maybe the cat was the culprit. The poor dinosaurs all lost their heads. So did Barbie. Turkey Bacon?

After the cleaning was nearly done, we ended up trying to solve the case at Denny's. We had a long list of suspects. And the true culprit probably isn't even on the list.

None the less what someone else mean for harm, God used for good. Listening to the kids banter back and forth, enjoying a good breakfast as a family, and just having time together was a awesome blessing. Yes, there are still some remnants of paper in the tree. Eventually, they will blow away or get rained down. It's been a good morning.

(Father God, thank you for the blessing of family. Thank you that You caused us to be together. Thank you for the smiles. We are truly blessed by You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Getting Back to Full

I often run my bucket more empty than I should. Bucket of what? Anything. Occasionally, I run my vehicle pretty low on gas. I could easily run out and then would have the added burden of searching out fuel. I probably would have to walk to the nearest gas station. That would require me to expend energy that could be better used elsewhere.

Occasionally, I let my fridge get low on groceries. It requires more thought and creativity to come up with a meal on just a few items than it does when there is plenty from which to choose.

Occasionally, I let my spiritual nourishment run low. Praise God, the Holy Spirit never leaves me so I can't run completely out. But, sometimes the everyday cares of life seem to absorb almost all of my bucket. I have to go back to the well to fill it up again and again. Here lately it seems that I let it get more dry than normal. So, God provided a weekend for my husband and I to recharge. God rearranged some priorities and sparked new interest in filling my bucket.

(Father God, thank You for everlasting springs of life. I am so grateful that I can come to You for all my spiritual needs. And that You will meet my physical needs as well.. Father, help me to grasp all that my bucket will hold. Help me to use each drop wisely. Help me to love with Your love. Remind me to daily come to you to refill my bucket. A full bucket is more easily shared and can meet the needs of many. Help me to keep my bucket close to You and full. Thank You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)