Keeping Simplicity Simple

 Everywhere I look, lately, it seems that every aspect of life has become complicated. Advertisements express "fast, fun and easy" and "time and energy-saving"; but, where's the simplicity?

Okay, so you weren't born during those pre-industrial years, and need some examples?  Here's a few to get our thinking process started.  (I wasn't born that long ago either)   :

~Prepared foods, which are designed to make mealtimes "simple" contain a horrendous list of ingredients. Even meals we prepare from "scratch" require so many seasonings, steps, and saucepans. 
~Keeping our homes reasonably clean calls for umpteen different chemical cleaning concoctions, vacuums, washers, dryers, dishwashers, hot water heaters, etc., etc...all designed to make home-making "simple".  What happened to the broom and dustpan, bucket and rag, washtub and soap???
~Communication has been completely transformed during my lifetime. It is not just fast, it is instant, in many cases interrupting whatever we may have been doing, and requiring immediate attention. (chats, texts, tweets, etc) I'm not suggesting that it is all "bad"...but, there is a trade-off...from deviating from the slow, simple methods, such as exchanging handwritten letters, or giving the gift of time for a face-to-face visit. My three "mothers" are computer-less and iPhone-less, thus greatly appreciating an hour-long phone conversation once in awhile.
~Healthcare is ridiculous. (not to mention the cost/&/or insurance that it takes to pay for it!) A pill for every ill, and more pills to counteract the side-effects of the original prescription. Doctors and nurses so rushed to "see" the next patient, that true observation and compassion are sorely lacking...replaced with endless charting, geared to protect the medical personnel from malpractice suits. This is so far removed from the family doctor who made house calls! The sick person stayed home, in bed, where they belonged... Simple.  Sleep, pure water, sunshine, fresh air...these are simple preventatives and "cures" for many ills.

Okay, that's enough examples, lest you believe that I am intent on being negative. If you haven't read it already, and you dare to delve into this realm of "progress vs simplicity" , I recommend reading "Henry and the Great Society". You can read it for free here: http://www.jesuslovesme.org/newWeb/media/PDF_BOOKS/HENRY%20AND%20THE%20GREAT%20SOCIETY.pdf.

What actually prompted my thinking (and writing) is that I recently acquired a mountain dulcimer. (insert BIG, happy face!) As I am becoming familiar with it, and studying the history and various methods that are used to play it, I am drawn more and more to the slow, simple, traditional approach. The more complicated  chords and "finger-dancing", and finger-picking methods produce amazing music, to be sure! But, I have decided that I will employ the most simple "noter and drone" style of playing.

This simple, yet beautiful instrument, has sparked a little "revolution" in my heart. As I go throughout my days, I am looking for ways to truly simplify. Some call it "de-clutter":  ~I plan to discontinue things like Twitter and Pinterest, which I haven't had time to use anyway... (not Facebook, though!!!) ;-)    
~I plan to give away the egg poaching apparatus, and the angel food cake pan, and suchlike specialized cooking equipment.  And, I'll eat more pots of oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, apples and goats' milk.
~I plan to clean house and hair with those proven, inexpensive, safe ingredients: water, baking soda and vinegar. 

And, for entertainment, I will sit in the dawn's light on my back deck, watching the hummingbirds, and playing my dulcimer.

Interestingly, as I searched for those Bible passages that I was sure referred to "godly simplicity" , I found this one in 1 Chronicles 29:17: "I know also, my God, that you test the heart, and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy your people, who are present here, to offer willingly unto you."  
Guess which word is often translated "simplicity"?... "Uprightness"!  Do you think there's any correlation between the two?  I found, over and over, the phrase "simplicity of heart". I want to have that kind of heart toward God...one that is uncluttered, uncomplicated, unfeigned...just like my life.

God bless you, as you find your own place of simplicity.

Make It Count

I must be "over the hill", because I think I'm finally beginning to understand what that really means. 

From the top of this "hill" I can see what really matters: what matters to God, what matters to humanity, what matters to me.

Like a truly "old" person, I find myself shaking my head in disapproval at the ways folks use their time and energy. The things and pursuits which our culture of "self-love" exalts as "all-important" and worth striving for seem to me to be such a waste...so empty and unsatisfying in the long run.

I'm judging myself here. I wish I could reclaim those hours "wasted" in my youth, sunning myself on the beach, or feeling sorry for myself, or sleeping when I could have been serving.

If I could recapture that lost time, I would inquire at the feet of my elders, hear their stories, assimilate the lessons they learned from failures and victories. But, Granddaddy's gone; as are  great Auntie Margie, Aunt Dee Dee, Uncle Ernie, mother, father. I can speak with them no more.

If I knew then what I am just beginning to know now, I would have read more, written more, thought more, communicated more. And, created more.

That last one: create...that's the one that has me pondering so. I've come to a place in my life where creating and sharing feels incredibly vital; but, I hardly have life left enough to do all that is in my heart to do. I am almost overwhelmed with how many lifetimes I would need to be all that I want to be. Already my strength is failing me. It takes longer to do menial tasks than it used to, leaving less time for creative pursuits. Granted, I have participated in "creating" eight more human beings. That counts, in a big way. No regrets there! :-)

What's the point of this little blurb? I'm not sure, other than to encourage those that are still young enough to "make it count". Consider how you use your time and energy and talents. When we are young, it seems as though time is at a standstill. In fact, we spend much of our youth wishing time would hurry up. Suddenly, you will crest that "hill", and begin to race down the other side.

I exhort you:

"Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away." 

(James 4:14)

"You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath."  

(Psalm 39:5)

 "Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow."  

(Psalm 144:4)

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." 

(Proverbs 27:1)

Mother's Day

I'm not one to celebrate a day just because Hallmark says I should. (Just ask my husband or any of my children how rebellious I can be about this subject!)  In my opinion, we ought to show our love and appreciation whenever and however often we are moved to do so.


However, with "Mother's Day" approaching and my dear friend requesting birth stories, I thought this an appropriate time to comply...


I have eight birth stories...twice that many if you include the babies we never met. Each birth has its own unique and incredible story. But, the one that is the most fun to tell is Micah's. You'll see why. First, allow me some space to set the backdrop for his entrance into this world.


When Howard and I first married (at 17 and 18, respectively), we didn't think we ever wanted to have children. To make a long story shorter, we changed our minds, and three years later, Andrea was born. Then, Lauren. Next, Charlotte. And, Patrick.   ~ An eight year gap. ~  Enter Samuel, whose birth was nearly the death of me. By the time I was expecting Micah, I was 39 years old and my body was not bouncing back quite as readily. I was in excellent health, though, had a wonderful midwife, and was full of confidence and wonderment and anticipation.  Somewhere in the last trimester,  my pubic bone felt as though it was separating. Yes, quite painful. My midwife wisely ordered me to stay off my feet as much as possible. No more long walks in the countryside for me! I spent the remainder of this pregnancy making a quilt, start to finish. I call it "Micah's quilt", of course.


As with most expectant mothers, I was concerned if I would recognize "real" labor. My midwife lived almost an hour away, so I didn't want to rouse her in the middle of the night for a false alarm. So, when the pangs began sometime after midnight on July 24th, 1996, I waited to call...until 2am.  Lynn cheerfully answered, as though she hadn't been sleeping; but, said she would take a shower before heading our way. She arrived about 3am. We visited quietly, sharing a light snack, until 4am. At that point, I announced that I had better head to the bathroom while I could still manage to walk. Pit stop completed, I rounded the corner into our bedroom, and hoisted myself upon the bed with Howard's assistance. By now, birth was imminent. Lynn was scrambling to assemble her supplies.  I was scrambling to remove clothing. She turned her back on me for a moment, and when she turned around, at 4:07 am, there was Micah! She said, "Oohhh!" loudly enough that the girls could hear her from the other end of the house.


No muss. No fuss. No intrusion, interference or distraction.  Quick. Quiet.   Ta-dah! 
Every one needs to have one of those! :-D

Micah, at nearly 16 years old, continues to be "ready to go, ready to stay, ready to do my will". He's quick and attentive, alert and enthusiastic, cheerful and encouraging. Was his birth experience an indication of his personality and character? Only God knows.

Moment by moment, task by task...

A list of today's "to dos" was going through my mind, just now, as I was feeding Ethan...and then, I began to muse...


One of my daughters said something to me the other day which spurred my thinking.~

"That is one of the best things you taught us, Mama. To love something ~ and then let go."

And, I thought to myself, "I taught you that? When? How?"
And, then I realized that we are exemplifying and/or teaching something ALL THE TIME, no matter what we are doing.

I spent much of my young motherhood rushing through my tasks in order to get to something "important" that I needed or wanted to do. Rushing through dishes, rushing through laundry, rushing through children's care... so that I could do that thing that "really mattered". How often would that "worthy goal" remain elusive, as another mealtime came and went, creating yet more dishes? How many times did I regard the "menial" chores with frustration, as they "got in my way" of pursuing something "greater". How often did the repetitive demands of the children become a source of irritation?  Oh, to be able view each task or interruption as an opportunity to say, "I care about you"! To purpose to pause from whatever task to listen, to look the "interrupter" in the eye, perhaps to clasp a hand or fully embrace...to teach true love, to teach Truth, by word or by deed!  Those are my aspirations!!!


Here's what I am learning... I don't really remember what those "grand" accomplishments were supposed to be.  Somehow, 33+ years of motherhood have swished by. Really swished!!!  Half of our children are completely grown and establishing themselves in the world, and the other half are half-grown. What they rehearse to me as memorable and important has dramatically changed my perspective on what is truly of consequence in this life.

No matter what task is at hand, if I am tempted to feel hindered or held back from what I think I really ought to be doing, I hear God's voice, speak to my heart "This is your work. This moment."  And, a  wave of peaceful contentment overwhelms me. Each moment can be filled with purpose. Each task is filled with opportunity, if we but pause to consider it.


Here are the keys to making that happen: 

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men," (Colossians 3:23)

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17

"Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:11)

Of Grandmamaness (it's a word if I say so)

I am still getting the knack of this grandparent thing...even though I now have four of those blessings...even though they will be One, Two, Three and Four in 2012.

I find myself contemplating not only the privilege, but the responsibility, that is involved with being "Grandmama". I wonder at the strange, new love for my offspring's offspring. I pray about the type and amount of influence that comes with this title. What effect might my life, my attitudes, and my example have on them?  What will they remember about their time with me when I've left this life?


One thing that I've particularly noticed about myself is the freedom with which I am able to love, nurture, and discipline these little people. And, as I pondered the reason, I think it is simply that, ultimately, they are not my responsibility. They will neither reflect well nor poorly upon me. I cannot be embarrassed by them, as I might have been by my own children, at times. Wisdom of years and experience lends itself to this "free" feeling, as well. I've traveled this path before...it feels vaguely familiar, yet, surprisingly new. Free from the 24-hour duty, I have time to listen, to share, to read. I often wish I was able to be more playful; but, that's where "Grandpa" comes in. I always did count on him for that, even when we were young parents ourselves.


There is a delicate balance, however, as I strive to respect boundaries, philosophies and standards set by their parents. It is my fervent desire never to cross the line which would undermine the course their parents have charted for parenting their children.  I want to be a valuable support to my children...an aid, an assistant, a booster. Since every parent and every child and every home is a unique entity, this requires discernment and prayer, self-control and humility, patience and love.


Much, much love.

Dish Pan Mind

Swishing dishes through the warm bubbles allows... no, it actually promotes philosophical thinking.


I'm thinking of the incredible energy expended by the steady stream of hummingbirds at my kitchen window, just to sustain them for their next trip to the feeder. And, how like them we are in our daily rounds to earn our living.


I'm thinking of the round lumps of soft bread dough rising to their full potential on my stove. And, my sons and daughters being stretched in the process of rising to their fullest potential.


The roar of the little window air conditioner, straining to keep this trailer at a comfortable 83*, is no match for Ethan's "roaring" in his tall chair. He wants to talk. He will talk...someday.


These dishes represent good food eaten together. Not just full bellies, but full hearts, as we share the events of the day and things that matter most.


I had best return to those jars I left soaking and to my dish pan musings.

Twitter-tweets, Chats and Texts...

but are we really communicating?

Language is a fascinating phenomenon. There are approximately 6900 known languages world-wide, not to mention various dialects within each language, as well as lingo pertaining to a particular trade or profession. It is not the words themselves that concern me; but, how we use them.

Are we understandable?

 

The technological advances in communication have been extraordinary during my lifetime. And, yet, I am observing, more and more,  that we are forgetting how to speak and write properly.  Most of the tweets, chats and texts I've seen are choppy, full of abbreviations or codes, and lack capitalization or punctuation. And, that makes perfect sense, when you are typing on a device the size of the palm of your hand (or smaller).  What concerns me is: what if the current generation is actually forgetting how to talk in complete sentences and to think complete thoughts?

Our family enjoys words: Big words, little words, expressive words, unusual words, descriptive words.  Communication has been an integral part of our marriage and our parenting.  We believe in honesty, yet discretion and respectfulness; "say what you mean, mean what you say"; "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"; using words "to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (1 Corinthians 14:3)

It figures that when there is a misunderstanding, it is particularly troubling. Miscommunication can occur for so many reasons: carelessness, false assumptions, and lack of charity are among them.  Communication is a two-way street. It is not only talking, but listening and  understanding.

   

We are familiar with the Bible verses that instruct us in our speech;  

Ephesians 4:29: Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 

Ecclesiastes 10:12:  Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. 

Matthew 12:34:   For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 

Ephesians 5:4:  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 

Colossians 3:8: But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 

Colossians 4:6: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

 

but, what about the way we listen?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 : Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

Proverbs 10:19 : When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 17:27:  A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 29:20: Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

To be effective, communication must have clear speech and receptive listening, whether it be a tweet, a chat, a text, a letter or a conversation.

 

I have been reminded recently of the importance of giving the benefit of the doubt, not jumping to false conclusions, and assuming the best about the intentions of others ... 

" And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:14) "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)

"I Love You"

My 14 year old son seized the opportunity of a fogged bathroom mirror to leave me a love note. Was I overjoyed? Did the sight bring  tears to my eyes? Was my heart moved? Not exactly. My response was something like this: "If you really love me, you wouldn't create more work for me by writing on the mirror."  Of course, I softened it with "That was sweet. I love you, too; but..."

I just stepped out of the shower, and saw his message again, this morning. And, I was moved. I was also convicted. I thought of the mothers whose children preceded them in death, and how those words smeared onto the mirror would be a treasure to them.  Why do we wait until we have lost something to realize how precious it is to us?!  Why would a perfectly smudge-free mirror be more important to me than an expression of endearment from a teen-aged son? It is not!

I won't be in a hurry to clear and clean that mirror any time soon. I cherish those words. I cherish that boy's heart of love.

I love you, too, Micah. No "but"s about it! 

Be Safe!

Doesn't it seem as though we mothers are preoccupied with safety? When it comes to our children, safety, health and happiness rate very highly.

Most of our admonitions are exclamations such as "Be careful!", "Watch out!", "Slow down!"
I believe that God put that protective concern in the heart of parents, especially mothers, for a good reason. We tend to think of parents who don't teach or look after their children's safety as being neglectful.  I am one of those mothers who is prone to think of every possible bad thing that could happen in any given circumstance, and takes measures to preclude it. I don't remember if my mother was this way, or not.  Where I was exposed to the endless lists of precautions, I have no idea. But, I know them all, and teach them diligently. I don't think of it as irrational fear or excessive worry...just...well, just doing my job to protect my loved ones from harm, whether it be physical or emotional.  And then, I hear of one life lost in an accident, a mishap, a moment of distraction; and I am ever more determined never to allow that to happen to my child, if it is in my power to prevent it.

But, if I am honest, I know that it isn't always in my power. "Bad" things happen. Pain happens. Illness happens. Lives are hurt. Lives are lost. 

Even after our best efforts to protect.

As I pondered all of the above, with specific concerns innumerated, I thought of this hymn:

"Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast, There by His love o'er-shadowed, Sweetly my soul shall rest."

How important it is to prepare our children for that haven of rest!  That is the only, the eternal place of safety.  All of us will go down the valley, one by one...some after long lives with few incidents, some "cut down" in their youth...but, eventually, all will succumb to death, one way or another. My Mama-heart cannot protect forever; but I know the One Who does!  I am reminding myself today of the most important rule of safety: John 3:16 

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

It is my God-given responsibility to teach my children not to run with scissors in their hands, not to cross the street without looking both ways, not to take candy from strangers, etc., etc.

But, more than that, it is my privilege to introduce them to the Savior of their souls.

"For in the day of trouble

he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle

and set me high upon a rock." 

Psalm 27:5

I'm Addicted...

The palette of future rag rugs

...to color!

Ethan's "bedroom"

I'm trying to remember if I was always as enthralled with color as I am currently. Perhaps it comes with age...not taking so much for granted. I revel in the blue of the sky, the green of the fields, the amber and pinks of the sunrise and sunset.

Maybe I could blame this obsession with color on Ethan. In his infancy it was assumed that he was legally blind, so I went out of my way to provide him with plenty of visual stimulus.

My latest rug project

Within several years I had begun crocheting rag rugs to occupy the hours that accompanied Ethan's seizure sessions. Whatever the reasons, I'm hooked. (literally!) I seem to always be looking for opportunities to combine and exhibit colors, be it a rag rug, a towel set or a prayer board. 

                                           

A birthday gift for Andrea

 Very closely associated with my fascination with joining colors, are the themes of beauty, light and order. These may seem to be unrelated; but upon  further consideration, one sees the harmony and connection between these. For instance, without light, there would be no color. The order of color is displayed when light is refracted through a prism, or through water. What is more beautiful than a rainbow?! And, God's beauty and light are reflected in the same order every time! I could wax super-spiritual here; but I will allow your own imagination and meditation to carry you where it will. As for myself, I have adopted a  philosophy that seeks to incorporate color, beauty, illuminating light and order into my life and the lives of those I influence. I like to think that it reflects God Himself, the Author of these things.

"One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple." (Psalm 27:4)
"This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." (1John 1:5)
"Let all things be done decently and in order." (1Corinthians 14:40)

Time

I have a little, tattered, blue slip of paper that I have carried with me for at least 40 years. On it are these words:

Time is too slow for those who wait;

Too swift for those who fear;

Too long for those who grieve;

Too short for those who rejoice;

But, for those who love,

Time is not.

(source unknown)

Time is, indeed, a mysterious dimension that can plague and bind us mortal beings. It rushes on when we are not prepared. It seems to come to a standstill when life is the most unbearable.

Have you ever experienced what I call a "time warp"?  That's when some special occasion requires much thought and preparation and anticipation, then, when it's over there is a sensation of disorientation.  Now what? Where am I? What am I supposed to be doing? What is important?

Then, there are those times when you feel powerless and out of control, as though riding an inflatable raft through the rapids of the Colorado River...just hanging on for dear life, waiting, hoping to see how it will end.

In my determination to make Time my ally, rather than an enemy, I have come to several conclusions:

God is love.

I love God.

God is eternal.

I want to live with Him, eternally.

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:21)

Now How Did THAT Happen???

Apparently, I allowed an entire year to go by without posting on this site. Was it an especially busy year? It would seem so.

For me, it has been a year of reflection and assessment and adjustment. After all, I'm not getting any younger. I have been learning to cope with the challenges that come with an older body and mind, while at the same time, spurring on four, energetic boys and encouraging three grown daughters and one struggling veteran-son. I am finding new ways to contribute, communicate, create and express myself.

I'm mindful of the verse: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" in Ecclesiastes 3.

There are phases to life and this year I've sensed a shifting into the next phase.

Grand-parenting is one joyous aspect of this phase! We were particularly remiss in introducing our lovely little granddaughter, Laura Rose Reber, when she joined the family last March. Shame on us. She and Louis aren't quite a year apart. Their relationship is absolutely precious to behold. She dotes on him, imitates him, depends on him; and, he is all too happy to entertain, coddle and protect her. I am extremely grateful for the privilege to have them in such proximity as to touch their lives at least on a weekly basis.

It finally occurred to me that there was no longer any reason why I should not join Howard in regularly donating blood. Please read his eloquent treatise on his "Howard's Harangue" here:
http://howardsharangue.blogspot.com/2008/08/giving-life.html
This has been a rewarding experience, especially since we treat it like a date. :)

Communication has always been of utmost importance to me, hence the addition of the use of Facebook, as well as our blogs. Paper and pencil are still my favorite media; but, it is rare to find someone else who agrees. So, I'm learning to manage my "fellowship" and correspondence time over the Internet.

I have never experienced boredom, to which I so frequently hear young folks refer. I always seem to have more "on my plate" than time permits. The "trick" is to manage and prioritize wisely. It would appear that keeping this blog busy with entries simply fell to the bottom of my list this past year. But, my thoughts have to come out somewhere, sometime; so, maybe "Mama's Musings" will be busier in the future!

A Few of My Favorite Things

The smell of steaming hot bread, just out of the oven...The sound of happy, energetic boys on rollerblades in the sunshine...A wedding rag-rug in process on my lap...Ethan, entertaining himself upright on the floor beside me... Howard on his way home from work, early...Sweet, soft dulcimer lullabies as background music...clear, clean kitchen counters...a kiss from Lauren, just returned safely from a 5-day excursion to Indiana with friend Amber...
ALL AT ONCE!!!

A Tribute

I am married to a man who I am convinced loves me more than any man has ever loved a woman. I should have thought to make this declaration in time for our 33rd anniversary; but it is as true today, and will be as true next year, as ever.
While his attributes are many, this one of loving me, is quintessential. Although not always considered a patient man, his patience for me appears limitless. He has endured my pets, plants, peeves and projects with aplomb, if not applause. He is one of those “incurable romantics” that you hear about, regularly gracing our home with flowers for no reason at all (but his love for me). I am the recipient of many handmade cards, featuring his gift for words, wit, and poetry. It seems that he is always looking for tangible ways to express his love. He has the gift of giving. There is nothing good that he would withhold from me, if it is in his power to procure. My happiness and well-being is utmost on his mind. From our cup of coffee together in the morning, to our shared glass of wine before bed, being together is foremost on his mind. We have Thursday “date night”, Friday lunch dates and occasional special dates. The chat window on our computers daily keeps us in touch during working hours. He is always “there” for me. I can count on him in a crisis or to make a critical decision. He understands me, respects me, protects me. His touch is tender, his embrace unhurried, his heart is sensitive.
No, Howard is not a perfect man; but, he has a perfect love for me. Because of his love, it is easy for me to make the connection to the verses in Ephesians 5:22-33 in regards to husbands and wives as compared to Christ’s love for His church; and in 1 John 4:19 where it says, “We love Him because He first loved us.”
I LOVE HOWARD.

Just a Moment

I am sitting alone at the table, savoring bites of fresh melon from our neighbor’s garden. The air is calm and heavy with moisture from rains past and rains to come.

This is a rare moment, indeed...a cool, quiet morning - IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST, NO LESS! This is the kind of moment when I hear God the best. Everywhere I look - everything speaks of Him: of His creativity and care, of His provision and protection.

What is this? The clothespin on my deck line moved! It is a hummingbird, also enjoying the morning’s refreshment. She hastily sips nectar from our feeder, before zipping off to her business in the trees. I, too, know the moment will soon be over. The duties of the day will press me into action. The commotion of energetic boys will break the silence. The thermometer will rise again.

But, in just a moment, my heart’s faith, strength and thankfulness have been renewed.

“Be still and know that I am God”.

“Be still, my soul”.

I am known in my family for re-arranging things. I get “that look in my eye” and they all know that something is about to change. It’s always for the better, somehow. It gives us more room, better functionality, has better eye appeal. Children grow, needs change, priorities change...

We expect babies to change; but, we are never quite prepared for how fast! Even as I type, Louis is gaining weight, and testing out new babbling and physical skills. What a charmer he is! This photo is already out of date, and it’s only from last month.

Sometimes change is long-awaited for, like Patrick’s return home from the Army. We have anxiously anticipated and prepared for it. What a relief and blessing to have him where we can give him the TLC he needs. There will be many adjustments for him in the months to come as he finds work as a civilian and begins the healing process.

Here are some other changes going on: Andrea is home from Kentucky teaching; but off to Mexico for 8 weeks of teaching English to a community of German speaking Russian Mennonites. From there, she flies to KY for a quick visit before attending her cousin Jackie’s wedding in CA; back to KY to finish her visit; then home briefly before an educational excursion to Israel for 3 weeks in September.

Lauren finished her Spring classes with flying colors, as well as an academic achievement award from her psychology professor. She is taking the summer off to be an Auntie and is currently in WA with a friend who just had her first baby.

I feel like I’ve watched Charlotte leap from schoolgirl to an amazing wife and mother in no time at all! What a beautiful sight she is in her new realm. Do you realize that she and Fred celebrated their 1st anniversary already?!

Samuel is entering into the workforce phase of life. Am I ready for this? When he walks into the room, I have to check twice to see if it’s Howard, his stature has changed that much. He is becoming the man-in-demand by more than just his mother.

Micah tickles me, because he is the male version of me, when I was his age. It makes it so much easier to be patient with him when I remember that. :)

Ethan’s well-being made some changes lately that are not at all welcome, nor were they expected, nor are they fully understood. His “normal” seizure activity has been to have a session of grand mals about every 2 months. Not fun; but tolerable, especially when you consider he isn’t on any medication. Well, June brought an incredible increase in that activity, which was frightening, to say the least. He had an entire week (seven days in a row!) of 3-4 hour long sessions of intense seizures. He is back on a mild form of medication, temporarily, to break the cycle. Hopefully, he will return to his normal pattern and perky self very soon.

Joshua - my baby - is growing up too fast for me to keep up. I find myself constantly wishing I had more time with him, one on one. He and I are learning to seize moments together for deep, intellectual conversation or to read a book. I am keenly aware that my time is running out to hug and kiss this boy and hold him on my lap.

In fact, I think that is the crux of this whole epistle: Redeeming the time, because we see it running out, as surely as our bodies grow weary with age. Changes are certain. How are we going to respond to them? It takes moment by moment discernment to utilize each circumstance, each phase of life to it’s fullest. My goal is to do that in a way that glorifies God.

Creativity: The Power to Create

Create: 1. to produce; to bring into being from nothing; to cause to exist.

(Only God can do that!) "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth (Gen. 1:1)

Create: 5. to make or produce, by new combinations of matter already created, and by investing these combinations with new forms, constitutions and qualities; to shape and organize. (This is within our grasp!)

God created man in His Own image. The Creator created creativity in His creation. He gives each of us the desire, strength and power to create. Each of us has a uniquely creative ability...a gift for combining foods to create a taste sensation; combining musical notes to make beautiful music; combining fabrics of various shapes and colors to form heirloom quilts....and the list goes on. Even those who do not consider themselves "gifted", create conversation, friendships, opportunities, atmosphere, environment, character, faith, hope and love. Again, there is no end to how our creative energy is spent.

This subject has been on my mind for awhile now....actually, ever since I started crocheting rag-rugs. I rediscovered how regenerating it is for me. Okay, you see this coming, so I'll say it: It is recreational. Please visit my Rag-Rugging Reverie site for the complete treatise on this particular form of recreation. www.ragrugreverie.blogspot.com/

My prayer is that each of us would nurture the creative "juices" within us, to the benefit of those we know and love, and those with whom God gives us the opportunity to share. And, may the glory be to God, the Creator.