Interesting Date

05-06-07

Expanding on that, today, for just two moments in time, we experienced 05-06-07-08-09, (month, day, year, hour, second) . . . . . . . . . . . .
NEVER, EVER, TO HAPPEN AGAIN! Cool!

Just think: Today made history! What did you do on this historic day? Maybe we should think of every day as historic and special. I wonder if we would look at our time here on earth differently, if we considered every day a special day, and every moment to count for eternity.

On the one hand, it all sounds so philosophically right and good. On the other hand, it's way too exhausting to imagine! However, it's worth thinking about, to at least count the days as worthy of our deep consideration. Are we using them in ways that really matter, or squandering them in ways that are totally unimportant and useless for anyone's really valuable benefit? Would it be reasonable to expect that we should do something every day that counts for eternity? Yes! I believe that's a reasonable use of the life God has given us.

Hmmmm . . . makes me stop and think about how I spend my time and my days. Maybe it would be interesting to journal it--to keep a daily written record of at least one thing that was an act of kindness to someone else.

First Baby

My husband spotted it first and called me to come and see. This little baby robin was sitting right at the edge of our patio, just outside Larry's office window. Daddy was not far away, busy finding worms to feed his baby. Larry actually saw the feeding in process, but, alas, I missed out on that part. The little one sat perfectly still, just waiting patiently for its next mouthful, while daddy hopped around the yard finding food and chasing other birds away. Adorable! I just wanted to go out there and pick up the baby and hold it in my hands, but I resisted the urge, and just enjoyed watching instead.

A couple hours later I noticed it sitting under a tree in the backyard. As I watched, I discovered the daddy was still nearby, looking for food. It was making a constant trek back and forth to feed not only this baby in the yard, but also his other babies in the nest. The nest, which was snuggled back into the pine tree in the corner of our yard, was so well hidden that it actually couldn't be seen until the daddy went to it. As I watched closely, I saw the movement of other birds in the nest, and actually saw one little mouth open wide to receive what the daddy fed it. The biggest thrill was watching the daddy feed his baby sitting out in the open, under our tree. That little one just sat there for the longest time, waiting for the next bite of food, and then opening his beak wide to receive his food. I must have spent an hour standing at my bedroom wndow watching this amazing sight!

(Yes, Rebecca, I guess I must be a "twitcher", although my husband calls me an ornithologist. I told him, "With a title like that, maybe I should get my doctorate so I could fix up the birds who get injured." Isn't that what "doctors" do?)

Bullock's Oriole

As of yesterday, this little beauty has begun showing up, along with several other of it's family members, to entertain us with their spectacular show of color while we eat lunch. We've only seen them during lunch time, and each time we run to grab the binoculars and camera. Forget lunch! According to my bird book, we are guessing them to be "Bullock's Orioles". (I don't know who Bullock is, but he's got some gorgeous birds!)

Note to reader, Cary (CML Shearings): The blue/purple color you asked about is in the blue spruce trees. I used "auto adjust" in my photo program, and decided that I liked the color adjustment much better than the way my camera captured it. To the right here is how the picture looked before it was "fixed" and cropped.

May Day, May Day!

Well, here we are at the start of a new month--one of my favorites!
It's so beautiful outside now! I wonder why there is the practice of yelling, "MAY DAY MAY DAY!" when a ship or plane is about to go down. That would indicate that on May Day (May 1st) we should feel some horrible sense of impending peril! However, for me, May Day is simply the beginning of a season of beautiful weather and fun in the sun.

This morning I went for an early morning walk to celebrate May Day. There was a bit of chill in the air, but it felt so invigorating that I wondered why I don't get out and do this every morning. (The desire is there, but the flesh is weak, when the bed is warm and comfy.) As I stepped out into the chilly morning air, all of my senses were instantly awake, delighted with the cool freshness of a new day. There was deep pleasure in the memories that suddenly engulfed me--joyful exhilaration in the instant replay of other moments like this when I've experienced such a rush of rejuvenation.

• Going camping and waking up to the chill of early morning...stepping out of the tent into the cool freshness that makes you feel alive--and ready for a hot cup of coffee at the crackling campfire (already started by my husband before I get up).



• Attending women's retreats up in the mountains...walking outside from the dorm or cabins to the dining hall, eagerly anticipating a hot, delicious breakfast, after savoring the briskness of cool mountain air.



• Sleeping out under the stars, in the backyard (as a child)...waking up covered with the dewy dampness of dawn, after being roused by the chirping of the birds.

I smiled as I took a deep breath and looked around me. Not a soul was in sight anywhere. Only the cheerful chirping of the birds penetrated the stillness. And, I was so glad I had followed through on my decision to start going for morning walks.

Want to join me? We could talk on our cell phones as we walk "together."

New Look

It feels like I lost some weight off my head. (And, no, it's not that I finally lost my mind)! It was hair loss--actually a very welcome change. This is my new look, although I probably won't keep up with all the curls. My hairdresser loves to put curls on my head! It's fun for dress-up now and then, but far too much work for every day.

Are you tired? Worn out?

Sometimes life is just too much hassle, and too much weariness! The daily news is full of trouble all over this world, and absolute nonsense in high places! Sometimes I wonder if there is any common sense left in our judges and lawmakers. I just shake my head in disbelief at the decisions that are made by those who determine how our lives should be lived!

Where is wisdom? Where is common sense? Where is justice? Where is the understanding of right and wrong? Where is conscience? Where is morality? Where is decency? Where is truth? Where is human kindness?

We live in a very strange world now. It seems that everyone gets to choose whatever seems right in his/her own eyes, no matter what anyone else thinks, or how it may hurt someone else.

Even I sometimes fail to live up to what I know is right and good. Sometimes I tire of my own weaknesses and failures. I long to be more like Jesus. I've come to realize that the only way for that to happen in my life is to spend time with Him. He desires that even more than I desire it, and He knows how much I need that in order to survive a way-to-busy life, in a way-to-evil world.

I want not to just survive life in this ungodly world of ours, but to be an example of how He wants us to live -- to be a light in a dark place.

This morning during my "quiet time" (the time I set aside every day to meet with God), I found the key to refreshment when my soul is weary. I've read it many times before, but today it jumped right into my lap and made me go "Hmmmm..."

According to the Bible (The Message paraphrase), in Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said,

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Even so, Come Lord Jesus!

Today my heart hurts--a lot, for lots of stuff going on in my world--our world. Why does such sorrow and pain have to be a part of life? Why can't life be just full of fun and good stuff? Why does it have to include such awful, wrong stuff?

Sometimes I've heard people say that life would be so boring without the difficulties, but I disagree. I long for the good life--without crime, without tears and sadness, without injustice, without immorality, without heartbreak, without grief and sorrow, without pain and problems, without handicap and sickness, without evil and wrong.

Basically, I long for Heaven, where we'll see our Creator and Savior, face-to-face--the One who will make all things right and whole, the One who will wipe away all tears, the One who loves us and never fails us, and will continue to do so for all eternity.

Yes, Lord! Come, Lord, Jesus! This child of yours can hardly stand to wait!

Showers of Blessing

The beauty in our days has become rather moist--downright wet! It rained most of last week, and again today. At least we don't suffer from draught. Thanks for the rain, Lord! There's beauty and blessing in the showers also.

We moved our son's fiance into her own apartment (in Portland) over the weekend. I'm sure she is glad to have her own place once again, although we already miss her cheerful presence around here. Our lower level is beginning to look quite a bit emptier than we've seen it since we first moved into this house two and a half years ago.

Today we took a drive back to Vancouver, Washington (our old stompin' grounds) to run an errand for our daughter. We ended up walking around the mall for awhile, and then having supper at a nearby restaurant before heading back home to the Portland, Oregon area. It's always enjoyable to go back to an area once known as "home".

Not much else to report around here. Life is good. We're enjoying the newness of spring as it grows a little more beautiful each week -- already eager for the constant warmth and sunshine of summer.

Of course, we also continue our wait for the outcome to Larry's job situation. It's been wonderful to have him working at home for the last couple of months, and we both wish it would continue until retirement happens. His three-month trial period is about two-thirds over now, and we have no idea what will happen a month from now. Only God knows, and we wait upon Him for that outcome, simply trusting that He has a plan for our lives--a good plan -- a plan for our good, and not for our harm.

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' " (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)

Beauty in the Days

Life is good, and life is short -- make the most of it!

Don't wait for another day to enjoy it -- start today!

Here in the Pacific Northwest, spring is in full bloom. The flowering trees, bushes, spring bulbs and lots of other flowers are parading all their glorious colors. The trees are already showing off their new leaves, or at least budded out with new baby sprouts. The grass is thick and needing to be mowed a couple of times every week. Today the sunshine was bright and warm (warm enough for summer clothes), and tomorrow promises to be even warmer. I couldn't resist opening all the windows to let the house breathe in the fragrant freshness of spring. Plus, I enjoyed walking around outside barefoot and sleeveless to get my own share of that newness of spring. Truly delightful!

It reminds me of the year (1997) we moved here from California. I thought, "What's all this nonsense I keep hearing about non-stop rain? It's gorgeous here!" Of course, I soon learned that it was an exceptional season of very unusual weather for this part of the country. Now, ten years later, it's exceptional again, and I'm lovin' it! (Maybe our soon-to-be daughter-in-law brought it with her from Southern California.)

It gives me the urge to spend all of my time outside. Forget the housework! Soak up the sunshine while it's here!

Yup, life is good, and life is short -- make the most of it!
Don't wait for another day to enjoy it -- start today!

April Fool's Day!

Home again! We were in Montana all last week (since Saturday, March 24th), visiting with family and friends. It was wonderful! We arrived back home on Saturday evening, March 31st, to greet our son and soon-to-be new daughter-in-law Patti, who is now living with us until an apartment is found.

No, this is not an April Fool's joke! This is truly a dream come true for all of us! Jim and Patti have been friends since college days, many years ago (about 15 years or so), attending the same university and church in Long Beach, California. But, it was only about two years ago that they decided to try dating each other--long distance! Up until this weekend, Patti lived in San Diego, California, and Jim lived here in the Portland, Oregon area. So, for them, this dream has been in the making for a very long time!

It's hard to believe she's finally here, and we're so glad to finally have her with us. She starts her new job tomorrow (Monday), and will live with us for a little while. We've just finished pouring over maps to help her find her way to work tomorrow.

A new week has begun; a new month has begun; a new quarter of this year has begun; and a new adventure in life has begun. Now, I'm ready to go to bed, and get a fresh new start in the morning.

So much is happening in our lives in this new year!
Thanks, Lord, that You are in control of all of it!

A Dream Come True

She said YES!!!

Tonight was the big night (a very BIG surprise for Patti, although the surprise has been in the planning stages for quite awhile now.
Sorry this picture quality isn't the best. (Another one will be posted as soon as I receive another one.) This picture was taken on the beach in San Diego, and sent via Jim's camera phone to my camera phone.Thus begins Jim's new life! Patti is moving up here next week (Thursday, I think), and already has a job to start the following Monday (April 2nd). We're very excited and, of course, so are they! Welcome, Patti!

Let the wedding plans begin . . . .

Just pondering . . .

Ever feel like this?

I've run out of adventure (adventurous thinking).
I've run out of fun (fun ideas).
What happened to joyful Jeannie?
(She got tired and grew old -- or, did she get old and then grow tired?)
Lord, I need newness (new freshness).
I need new strength.
I need a lift from my feeling of being old and tired.
(57 isn't old enough to feel old, is it?)
Lord, I need Your strength; I need Your help. I need You.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV)

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits--Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103:2-5 NIV)

Okay, I will continue to hope in the Lord and He will renew my strength, so that I can run and not be weary. I will praise the Lord and think on all His benefits--the One who satisfies my desires with good things (so that my youth will be renewed).

Now what? What fun and adventurous things will I think of to enjoy today?

Hmmmm . . . guess I'll start with a dish of ice cream -- yes, at 11:00 in the morning)! It sounds fun and satisfying, so why not? It's a start -- definitely a new idea!

Must be Spring!

What an incredibly beautiful day today! It sure does look and feel like spring now, with the crocus in bloom all over the neighborhood (including in our yard), along with some other spring flowers. With bright sunshine and temperatures above 60-F (16-C), Larry and I couldn't resist going out for a walk at lunch time--without jackets! Then we enjoyed eating lunch out on the deck, basking in the warm sunshine. Just delightful!