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.)

Farewell, Trace

Yesterday we had to say good bye to our cat, Trace. This adorable little cat came into our lives about 6 years ago. She had the sweetest disposition of any cat I have ever known. She was a little heater while curled up next to you or in your lap. She was most talkative early in the morning.

She was a gentle cat. She never attacked anything other than a pecan. She would bat that pecan all around the house. We found it in some interesting places.

She chose my daughter as her caregiver. She slept with my daughter. Oh, she'd let others feed her and pet her but my daughter belonged to her.

Trace will be missed. Yet, I thank God that He allowed us the time with her. No, we don't know what happened. She got ill quickly. The Vet indicated it might have been a brain issue, tumor or injury. Reflection leads us to believe that she probably had a tumor.

Our hearts are heavy and tears come easily. But, we are comforted by the One who created her and sustained her. How much more we are loved by Him.

(Father God, thank you for Trace. She reflected the awesome design that You put into each of Your creatures. She enriched our lives and reminded us of You continually. Thank You for holding our hearts in Your hands as we grieve. Thank You for loving us. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.)

The Green Mile

The family watched "The Green Mile" starring Tom Hanks and written by Stephen King. It's an interesting story about life as a prison guard on death row set in the 1930's.

One of the things that struck me during the movie was that John Caffey was tired. He had been "given" a gift of being able to see a person's heart when they touched him. I wonder how old he was supposed to be? If Tom Hanks' character had an extended life span, how long had John Caffey had his gift?

I was struck by his decision to stick with the execution. Is that what we are to do? The Bible plainly tells us.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

We are to continually do the right thing. Are you tired? Do the right thing. Are you stressed? Do the right thing. Are you lonely, bored, hungry, frustrated? Do the right thing.

Who are we to say that our time has come to an end? Our lives remain in God's hands. He may still have jobs for us to accomplish. And if we are not here to do the job, someone else will be called upon to do our part.

(Father God, help me to do the right thing according to Your Word and standards. Thank you for the leading of the Spirit so that I might know what the right thing is. Help me to show my family that choosing to do the right thing always honors You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Mundane and Routine

I really hate mundane tasks. I hate those overly repetitive things that require not thought to completing. They bore me. They offer no challenge to living.

Yet, they must be done. Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, cleaning out the gutter - all things that are routine and boring but have to be done or the results are, well, horrible.

But, routine can help us accomplish many things. I'm missing a bit of routine in my life. Since school is out, I don't have anything necessary for scheduling. Therefore, my day is random and unpredictable. I prefer the random and predictable to happen within a routine. Yes, I don't always get what I want and I see an opportunity to exercise some self-control. So, here goes...

(Father God, I need your help today and always. I know that you are an orderly God and not a god of chaos. You know what is good for me. I ask now that you help me establish a routine that accomplishes your good purpose. Thank you for the assistance you give freely and abundantly. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Recipes

I bought a "Cooking Light" magazine the other day. After pouring through each page, I only found about 3 recipes that I'd like to try. I'm a picky eater. I like plain, simple, quick meals. I discovered why I hate making a roast. It takes too long to cook. After more than 10 years of working full time regular hours, I have to retrain my brain to start cooking earlier in the day. This is no easy task. Retraining a 40 something year old brain has its challenges.

Fortunately, God has provided a wonderful husband for me. My spouse will attempt to eat anything I attempt to make. He supports me. He encourages me. And, he is honest with me. If it's not good, he will let me know. This kind of environment has a way of making it possible to attempt something outside the "norm" and occasionally end up with a new favorite food.

Probably not my new favorite, but I won't know until I try.

(Father God, thank you for the spouse you provided for me. Your timing and selection are incredible. I love how he mirrors Your interest and care in the little things of my life. I have learned so much about You from him. Bless him today as he works. Give him straight paths. Guide his thoughts and speech. Help him to honor You in everything that he does. In the name of Jesus, Your son, I pray. Amen.)