Month: January 2025

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Art, Challenge, Faith, Family, Music

Amazing Musical Family

On PBS we saw a documentary entitled “Seven Lives of Music.” It was absolutely amazing! Here is a 31 second tiny preview.

I was so enchanted I ordered the book their Mom wrote entitled “House of Music.” It had rave reviews on the cover and did not disappoint. Can you imagine raising seven highly talented, perhaps gifted, children? She also covers the topics of racism, inclusion, prejudice and sacrifice.

Then I began listening to their son Sheku who plays cello on Amazon Music. As a child his first cello was “1/4 size”! I am a sucker for cello music. Here is a short clip of him, 2.36 minutes. The song haunts me. I suppose I had heard it before but this one makes me stop and breathe deeply.

It was wonderful to read how others helped provide for the needs of this amazing family. An education and career in classical music is not inexpensive by any means. One clothing designer was so taken by Sheku’s talent that he provides designer suits and accessories for his concerts! Sheku was even invited to play at the Royal wedding. The 9 minute program below is from when they were featured on the American TV program Sunday Morning. It is quite enlightening as to how they go about their extraordinary, down to earth lives together! Having read the book I was tickled to see the inside of their home. Single income folks with Dad traveling all over the world with his job.

This book is an amazing story of family support, perseverance, and choices. They even include how they made it through the pandemic and the ways they were affected by the murder of George Floyd. If you are looking for a good read buy this one or get it from your library or order a used copy. There were times when Kadiatu (the mom) wrote above my head when discussing the challenges of various classical pieces, but I enjoyed it none the less!

Many comments on YouTube spoke about weeping over this song. The arrangement is their own. Redemption Song by Bob Marley.

Enjoy this huge treasure at the touch of your electronic fingertips!

Posted on in Aging, Challenge, Faith, Humor, Praise

Yikes!

If you want to take your mind off your situation, try tearing up your office! We have talked for a year or two about replacing the nasty contractors white carpeting in our office and putting in vinyl flooring instead. It is difficult to roll our office chairs on this rug. And the rug now has stains of various kind on it.

Bob decided the beginning of this year was ideal to have it done. We went to the hardware store to pick out flooring. They arranged for someone to come measure with his handy dandy electronic measuring device. It took him maybe 5 minutes total?

They shipped the flooring to the house and put it in our garage. Later, via email they told us it had to come to room temperature in advance of installation. We asked Grandgirl Ellie, who is super strong from her gym workouts, to come help move it. She gladly did.

Our snowbird neighbors have been letting us use their empty garage throughout this storm. We are doubly grateful now since we need a place in our garage to put all this STUFF! So far, sounds simple, right? The closet floor is a major storage area for us with many tubs of items including two cases of printer paper. All of that needed to be cleared. (We rolled the larger case of paper to the garage on an old chair with wheels.)

Just the closet floor things here

We set up tables in the garage for the books. And I mean books! We have a lovely Amish built bookcase, but we had to empty it for the installers to move it out while they work.

Lamp and fans had to move, too!
Did I mention there are cookbooks, too?

There are two printers to dismantle as one was dying and we went ahead and bought the new one. As you may know, I call my husband “Mr. Tidy” because his living area is always tidy, including his desktop. My desk, on the other hand, is likely to be 3-6 inches deep with stuff.

So I will be busy and distracted the next few days. Might not get all the blog entries written between today (Saturday morning) and the times they usually post. This is my note from home.

Nothing like a huge mess to make you realized you do not need to keep some of that stuff! The new flooring will be wonderful! The dismantle and reassemble, not so much. But I am truly grateful for the distraction and the results will be great! So glad we do not have to remove the photos from the walls. That would be an undertaking, indeed!

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Just do it, Nature, Poetry, Rest, Trust, Yield

Dispersal

After I got first booklet of writing finished I started on poetry booklet. Then I remembered I had not posted any poetry lately. Here is one I really like. 

Dispersal to Convergence ©1997 Molly Lin Dutina

As the sea anemone 
does nothing of itself
only opens to the water 
flowing over and about it
then closes - 

So you are to rest 
existing now as My being 
-less focus on all doing

I am always washing over you
with truth, with love
you have only to pull in
your dissipated energies
from dispersal 
to convergence

Focus on this stillness,
these deep inhalations 
	of My Presence, 
		of My Power,
			your restoration place.

Let splashes of water
be your call to join Me
resting in convergent Love

So try to remember this resting stance next time water splashes on you at the sink! Take deep inhalations. Join God resting in convergent love.

Blessings!

Posted on in Aging, Faith, Humor, Music, Rest, Trust

Humor and His Hand

Walking the dog I sometimes listen to podcasts and often the NPR news. On a podcast recently the presenter was telling about talking with her granddaughter about mastering the hula hoop. The child said every time she tried it just fell to the floor. Grandma asked her how she finally got it to work. the child responded, “I pursed my verance.” I love that!! The child had been introduced to the concept of perseverance even though she could not pronounce it! She pursed her verance. Hoping this finds you pursing your verance, too.

My sister was telling her daughter about giving a baby shower on an upcoming date. Her grandson was listening to the conversation and finally asked, “Grammy, how do you give a baby a shower?” Don’t you just love it?!?

On the news there was a report that the march to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was held early in Washington DC because of all of the activities surrounding the inauguration. They quoted one speaker saying,”We will not let King’s dream die. We will go forward when we put our hand in the hand of the Man.” (Of course, I did not catch the speakers name.) Whew! That was like an old time flashbulb went off in my mind. I had not heard that song for many, many years. I offer it here for your encouragement. The speaker hit me just exactly where I am living this moment!

Lyrics by Gene MacClellan likely written 1970

Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself, & you can look at others diff’rently
Put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee

Every time I look into the Holy Book, I wanna tremble
When I read about the part where a carpenter cleared the temple
See those buyers and the sellers were no diff’rent fellas
Than what you & I profess to be
And it causes me shame to know that man is not what he should be

Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself, & you can look at others diff’rently
Put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee

Hey, my mama taught me how to pray, before I reached the age of seven
When I’m down on my knees, hey, I’m close to heaven. “
My daddy lived his life with 2 kids & a wife
& you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do
But he showed me enough of what it takes to see you through

This is what he used to tell me…

Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Ya got’a take a good look at yourself, & you can look at others diff’rently
Put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee

Posted on in Aging, Book quotes, Faith, Illness and Health, Just do it, Listen, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Trust, Yield

Did I Take Enough Care?

Many years ago I found this statement and put it into cross stitch. “Self Care is not selfish.” This was crucial for me as I ventured into healing from a family of alcoholism and criticism. A friend who was enrolled in Weight Watchers loved it and needed to hear it, too. I eventually threw it in a drawer and come across it from time to time.

Saint Francis is quoted as saying at the end of his life that he wished he had taken better care of Brother Ass. That was his name for his body. He participated in many methods of extreme ascetic practices. I never did that, but my Brother Ass could have used more tender loving care. I tried to cling to Paul’s verse, but was never good at it for very long.

but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 RSV

On the other hand, I live in America and am overfed and under exercised. I can give you whole lists of reasons trying to justify my lack of consistent exercise, but that is not my point. Did I take enough good care of myself? Probably not.

Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others. -Parker Palmer

This heart health crisis shows me that no, I did not do all that I should have to take care of myself. I worked hard on my emotional health, psychological health, spiritual health, but more than likely my physical health went by the wayside. Yes, I adapted healthy recipes and tried not to feed our family things known to be unhealthy. But physical self-care for me? Not much of a priority.

Brother Lawrence taught me that “Useless thoughts spoil everything and much mischief begins there. We ought to reject them as soon as we perceived their impertinence and return to our communion with God.” So I speak with God about these failures in my past and accept forgiveness. Then move back into communion with Him: speaking to Him, my heart open towards the Trinity. Guilt and shame only get me stuck in the muck.

All we have is now. That is why it is called the present. The present moment of seeking the Holy One, staying with thoughts of compassion, love unconditional and infinite, intimate knowledge.

I am already making dietary changes from regular brewed coffee ( I love it!) to espresso or tea. I need to find a tasty decaf coffee at the store. From regular tea to decaf only. (What do I do with those Starbucks dollars in my account? I can hear my husband saying he will use them to buy desserts or sandwiches there!)

You know your own weakness, be it not enough exercise or too much caffeine and/or sugar. Are you giving enough thought to your own self-care in all aspects of your life? I am praying you find a balance for each one. Below is a chart from the Mayo Clinic to help you get started. It does not show the grams of carbs. I won’t get started on that! I left off the part about energy drinks. I do not use them, but they are loaded with caffeine on purpose!

Coffee drinksSize in oz. (mL)Caffeine (mg)
Brewed8 (237)96
Brewed, decaf8 (237)2
Espresso1 (30)64
Espresso, decaf1 (30)0
Instant8 (237)62
Instant, decaf8 (237)2
TeasSize in oz. (mL)Caffeine (mg)
Brewed black8 (237)47
Brewed black, decaf8 (237)2
Brewed green8 (237)28
Ready-to-drink, bottled8 (237)19
SodasSize in oz. (mL)Caffeine (mg)
Citrus (most brands)8 (237)0
Cola8 (237)22
Root beer (most brands)8 (237)0

Embrace the gift of today with open communication with the Lord, a clean slate, sins recognized and forgiven, moving on in the present with the Presence and into a bright future.

If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 15:8 NRSVU

Posted on in Collection of Quotes, Faith, Illness and Health, Just do it, medical treatment, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Surrender, Trust, Yield

Jonathon

in Edges of His Ways Amy Carmichael writes of the relationship between David and Jonathon. told in 1 Samuel 23:16.

Then Jonathan went to his house, and David abode in the wood with God. Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. 1 Samuel 23:16
Amy wrote, “God make us all His Jonathans. There is a great hunter abroad in the world. Like Saul who sought David every day, he seeks souls every day; never a day’s respite, always the hunt is on. Although the words stand forever, “but God delivered him not into his hand,” yet sometimes souls tire of being hunted, and like David they are in a wilderness in a wood. Then is Jonathan’s chance. But notice what he does; he does not so comfort David that he becomes necessary to him. “He strengthened his hand in God.” He leaves his friend strong in God, resting in God, safe in God. He detaches his dear David from himself and he attaches him to his “Very Present Help.”

This is a great description of a healthy relationship. No unhealthy co-dependency here! Jonathan points David towards God. Jonathan no doubt continued to pray for David once he went home.

My friends and church family have surrounded me during this discovery of poor health. They have provided me with prayer, assurances that I may contact them at any time for any reason. They have included Bob in their prayers, concerns and best wishes. The strength they have given us has been amazing and humbling.

Below are a few of the Bible verses I am using to remember that there is no plan set in stone yet. The March results will determine what is next. The doctor visit and consultation will determine who I decide to go to with these developments.

Hebrews 3:1 reminds me to FIX my eyes and my thoughts on Jesus.

Ephesians 6:11-18 is adamant about putting on the whole armor that God has given me. I am to be tenacious about praying in the Spirit.

I first learned this verse many years ago when I was given a melody with it.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 KJV

If you have read this blog for very long you know I often write about Romans 12:1-2. By His mercies, I am to present myself a living sacrifice before God. By His MERCIES I am deemed a holy and acceptable living sacrifice to Him. He will transform me by the renewing of my mind. I will be enabled to discern what is the will of God, good and acceptable and perfect will.

Romans 11:33 comes up occasionally in song and I am usually sent scrambling for the reference. O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways! Riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. He is not ruffled by this news.

Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen. My life, to, is from Him and through Him and to Him! As teh saying goes, “He’s got this!”

Even with all this encouragement there are times I am fearful of the future and uncertain where all this is going. I am told in Hebrews 4:16 to go to my Father BOLDLY.

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Frequently Isaiah 35:15a comes to me:

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
In returning and rest you shall be saved;
    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

No, I am not to race about in panic over this. “Returning and rest; quietness and trust.” Sitting with this verse I was fine until I stumbled again over that word trust. As I thought it through though, why not trust God even in this situation? Who else should I go to? There is an old Vineyard song that asks the question “To Whom shall we go?” It is based on the a Scripture verse. Wish I could find that song!! It might even be in this house on an old CD!

Then Isaiah 26:3 came to me: You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are set on You, because they trust in You.

Yes, I need to set my mind there, with the Lord. Leave my mind there, no wandering around. My heart is His. I truly believe that. So rest, stay quiet like the admiration for Sarah in 1 Peter 3: 3-4, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

By the way, I got my hair cut 6 inches in case I need surgery. I was going to cut it anyway as it has been getting tangled at night. Severely dilated aorta, possible wall motion abnormalities, some aortic regurgitation. Possible previous MI. Sort of makes me want to puke. I will trust instead, at least for this five minutes!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Art, Faith, Music, Special Event, Thanks

Yes, Again

Gratitude places you in the energy field of plentitude. Glow with gratitude and see how awe and joy will make their home in you.

MICHAEL BERNARD BECKWITH

The above quote is from Grateful.org. https://grateful.org/ I am so impressed with this organization that I am going to take their training to lead a gratefulness group. Hoping that is a way to reach others in 2025.

On Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2025, Bob had purchased tickets for us to hear the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #3 at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. This was the second time he made a way for us to hear it in person! This man spoils me!!

This is the view from our seats in the first balcony.

Only a few musicians warming up

The first piece was described some where as the “most beautiful awful piece you would ever hear.” As the man next to me said it was mercifully short.

Then they set the stage for the Rach 3, rearranging chairs and rolling out the grand piano. The excitement in Music Hall was palpable!

Special piano placed next to the conductor step.

Bob got this photo of the pianist, George Li, as he took one of his many bows.

Two encores and he blessed us with the melody below.

I had never heard his encore in my life! I tried the music app Shazam and it could not identify the score. It was so moving, and I was so grateful to be included in this performance, I just closed my eyes, listened, and let tears run down my face.

Evidently Yuja Wang played this at the encore of one her performances. Now if I was totally unfamiliar with it, how did I find out what it was? Well, I was parched after the first half of the symphony and stood in line to get a bottle of water. It was a very long line as only one counter was open and only one woman was working it. So I struck up a conversation with the two guys in line behind me. One young man had waited 20 years to get to hear the Rach 3 in person. He was as ecstatic as I was. I made him promise he would not wait another 20 years before he attended a performance of the Rach 3. Eventually I asked them if they knew what George Li had played at the encore. These guys had put it into their music app and the title above showed up. (This technology fascinates me!) None of us could pronounce it so I asked if I could take a photo of the phone screen and look it up later. They said certainly! So that is how I can share it now with you!

The last half of the symphony was Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3 . Cincinnati has a love affair with Copland. I was delighted with the varied instruments in this piece. The program lists them as 3 flutes (incl. 2 piccolos), 3 oboes (incl. English horn), 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, E-flat clarinet, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, anvil, bass drum, chimes, calves, crash cymbals, glockenspiel, ratchet, slapstick, snare drum, suspended cymbals, tam-tam, tenor drum, triangle, wood block, xylophone, 2 harps, celeste, piano, strings.

Those men in percussion were SO busy! Some of the instruments were actually played with real hammers and mallets! One of the drums looked as if it was played with a club topped off with red tennis balls. And I wondered how the orchestra members hearing tests came out after years of sitting near the percussion section or even playing in the percussion section!

I do not remember ever having seen a contrabassoon! It is so large it actually sits on the floor on a skinny little leg. Watch closely in this very short, fast video and you will see how it rests on the floor.

I had a delightful time on that Sunday afternoon. Knowing I was to face the Cardiologist in just a couple days deepened my gratitude. The music still haunts and calms me. What a treasure to get to go witness all of this in person.

If you are totally unfamiliar with the Rach 3 here is a link!

You might recognize the melody from the film and Broadway musical Shine! Wikipedia summarizes: Shine is a 1996 Australian biographical psychological drama film directed by Scott Hicks from a screenplay by Jan Sardi, based on the life of David Helfgott, a pianist who suffered a mental breakdown and spent years in institutions.

Posted on in Aging, Faith, Illness and Health, Rest, Surrender, Yield

Pause to Reflect

Life is a gift that is given and will be taken. How we choose to spend our time here is our gift to life. It is our way of saying “thank you life” for the gift.

IMUETINYAN UGIAGBE

Recently, I have had reasons to pause and reflect on this saying. I have a new ongoing health crisis that is now in the “wait for next test results” stage before finalizing an action plan. That is why I did not post much last week. I went some place between shock and disbelief. Here is the story.

Last autumn the Internist heard a heart murmur that had not been there before. He ordered an echo-cardiogram to obtain a reference point. It was scheduled for January 3.

During the test the technician was very professional. It was indeed strange to see my beating heart on the screen! At one point he moved the wand and seemed startled. He asked, “Do you have a pace maker!?!” I replied no. I asked “What did you see?” He said just something that was not supposed to be there, and continued the testing.

The results came on “My Chart” a couple days later. They reveal several heart problems. If the measurement is correct, the most alarming is a”severely dilated ascending aortic of 4.9 cm”. The Internist called promptly and referred me to Dr. Miles, who read the Echo and is a friend of his. Just so happened the cardiologist would be in the same office complex the next week and had openings. I said to sign me up.

I began reading up on heart conditions. True, my Dad died of progressive heart disease but that was in the 1960s – an eon ago in medical advances. None of it sounded good. My Internist told me not to panic. Easy to say, much harder to accomplish. I read to educate myself, not panic myself, but get some clue as to what could happen and where this might go. There were discussions in our house if it was a dilated aorta or an aneurysm. Dilation can lead to aneurysm.

When I finally met with Cardiologist (along with my husband and sister) my first question was is this a dilation or an aneurysm. He answered in no uncertain terms “Aneurysm.” At that visit my Blood pressure was higher than I had ever known it to be: 178/104. Oh golly. The week before at Internist office it was 134/77. Obviously I was very scared at this appointment.

Cardiologist added a beta blocker to my medications. He wants by BP at 120/80 to which my sister laughed out loud and said “Good luck with that!” His preliminary assessment is to get a Cardiac MRI with and without dye. There are only a few places in Cincinnati to get those. Mine is now scheduled for March 6. If the original measurements are correct and nothing has changed he may adopt a wait and see approach and run more tests in 6 months. If the measurement reaches 5 cm or more he would want a surgeon to take action.

The action would not be a stent. It would be total replacement of aorta. (I keep asking myself, ‘Is this MY body they are talking about?”) The means open heart surgery, compete with all the by-pass machines, etc.

Shock. Startled. Unbelieving. Roll it all in one and multiply. You might get an understanding of why I could not write much last week.

My problem is in the one indicated by light yellow block, largest vessel in the human body.

My blood pressure has stayed high. Not as high as in the office, but too high for me. Bob suggested I go into Internist office and have them check our home machine. (It NEVER reads correctly on him, always too high.) It checked out within a few points of the office traditional cuff. The internist called in a bit and doubled one medication I have been on. He said if it it did not drop over the weekend to add another tablet of the same kind. So I am up to 3 of those tablets now. This morning it was not as low as cardiologist wanted, but so much better at 123/99. I took the reading after only 1/2 cup of coffee. Doc just suggested I reduce caffeine as that can have an effect. Need to report results to him in a few days.

My daughter insisted I get a second opinion. She believes the first opinion is too aggressive. I have an appointment after the MRI with a cardiologist from a different hospital system. Bob thought I should see her after the MRI so she has all the latest info.

So now we wait. My dad died of heart disease. My mother of high blood pressure. Neither of them had an autopsy so we are not certain the final causes. I have a great support team of friends and church family. The Lord keeps providing scripture verses to help me stay calm. I had actually just upgraded my subscription to the Calm app and now have access to all kinds of materials for my benefit.

When I was first facing this I thought about the idea of getting an editor and publishing some of my writing. I was prompted to look at Microsoft Word again. It used to have a way to publish a booklet. Now there are templates you can use! I got to work with a booklet template, copying and pasting what I had already edited myself into pages. I had it ready for a first printing and could not get the thing to print! Went back the next day, still not able to print it correctly. Eventually Bob said to put it on a flash drive and let him try on his computer. I did, he did. I read him the printing directions I had downloaded. The margins said to set it at 2.54 cm. I had never seen and could not find a cm setting. Bob said, “Oh that is one inch.” Internally, I gasped. That makes this aneurysm two inches if they measured correctly. I think normal size is one inch.

At first what came up on Bob’s screen looked a mess. I was so relieved the original copy remained on my computer! Then he got it to print. With the margins changed, I had so much editing to do regarding page numbers, etc., but what a tremendous relief! When I had the first draft printed I took it to him and said, “Here. If something catastrophic happens to me, at least you can say I got it printed!” He is certainly my editor in chief!

The good news is I am considered a good candidate for surgery. (WAIT! Didn’t I just do this last January?!? Yep, shoulder repair.) We will learn results from the MRI sometime in March. I am on the waiting list if there is a cancellation earlier. There are restrictions though to prep for the test. “Nothing by mouth 4 hours in advance. No caffeine 12 hours prior.”

I have not told everyone I know as it is just too much to keep everyone updated. So please, do not be offended if I did not tell you. I am in a place of dizzying news and that is not counting the medication changes!

What do I need? Prayer of all sorts! If I come to mind, please pray. If you hear of someone with heart troubles, please pray for me, too. Bob and I are facing this in different ways, so pray for us to stay always united! Pray and pray some more, please.

Posted on in Challenge, Collection of Quotes, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Obedience, Poetry, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Yield

Rumi and Church

During a church discussion this theme arose without the poem below being read. Bob and I had not yet watched the movie in reference.

One woman mentioned how the movie Moana in 2016 was a guide to her when in a distressful situation, again I was convicted with the certainty that God will use anything to help and guide us. I spoke of the power of Radical Acceptance, a book by a Buddhist psychologist. When I read portions of the book later in the week and this poem, the pieces fell into place.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Radical acceptance, can mean entertaining unexpected visitors. Rumi says I am to meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Things happen to all of us that are unforeseen and can knock us out of our orbit. Do we resist like a stubborn donkey? or yield to the reality of what is and move forward? I cannot say I am able to meet the unexpected at the door and laughing, let them in. But I will learn to with God’s help!

At this website https://fivefortheroad.com/lessons-learned-disneys-moana/She writes the theme of Moana is self discovery and finding your way. She goes on to say family is so important, it’s okay to fail, follow your heart, and be brave.

I would add that whoever or whatever shows up at your door, do as Rumi says and entertain them all! Find your way through any upheaval with the help of the Lord. He is a Good Shepherd and knows every situation before we do, and He is not surprised or taken aback by anything.

Unlike me, I have an unruffled Father!

“In returning and rest I am saved, in quietness and trust will be my strength.” Isaiah 30:15a adapted. Keep still.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Nature, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Yield

Braiding Sweet Grass

Ever since we traveled repeatedly to the areas of New Mexico I have been interested in American Indian life and lore. Actually, as a child my parents took us to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and that began my fascination. As we passed through Oklahoma and the plains states I became more aware of the Native Americans.

I recently came across this book Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. To me, she has such impressive titles to her credit! She is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. This is her second book. I saw it first in a national park bookstore. I was able to obtain it recently through our local library.

When we were in New Mexico I bought some braided sweet grass. It has several ceremonial uses. I have started to use it in the house only during spring and summer when we can have the windows open. I think it would be such fun to grow my own sweet grass and braid it. Have not explored that yet.

This section of the book links the lore to the science discussed in the video segment below. It just delights me!

In the old times, our elders say, the trees talked to each other. They’d stand in their own council and craft a plan. But scientists decided long ago that plants were deaf and mute., locked in isolation without communication. The possibility of conversation was summarily dismissed. Science pretends to be purely rational, completely neutral, a system of knowledge-making in which the observation is independent of the observer. And yet the conclusion was drawn that plants cannot communicate because they lack the mechanisms that animals use to speak. The potentials for plants were seen purely through the lens of animal capacity. Until quite recently no one seriously explored the possibility that plants might “speak” to one another.

There is now compelling evidence that our elders were right – the trees are talking to one another. They communicate via pheromones, hormonelike compounds that are wafted on the breeze, laden with meaning. …. The trees in a forest are often interconnected by subterranean networks of mycorrhizae, fungal strands that inhabit tree roots. Robin Wall Kimmerer

Once on a PBS show I learned about this fungi in the soil that makes it possible for trees to communicate with one another. https://www.pbs.org/video/fungi-help-trees-talk-pyxfdv/

The printed book, Braiding Sweet Grass, is 380-some pages long. I am not likely to finish it right now, but I wanted to bring it to your attention. Perhaps this sort of reading appeals to you, too? Maybe I will read it in full at a later time.

I think it would be absolutely delightful if communication between humans happen this way! Perhaps they do? There are times I will see a car that reminds me of someone. Sometimes I see that same sort of car 4 times in a single day. The first time I likely just think of that person. The second time I pray for them. The third and fourth time I am likely to text and ask if they are okay, letting them know I am lifting them in prayer. I firmly believe that God can use anything to further His kingdom. anything to get my attention and propel me towards obedience. Perhaps this a supernatural root system created between people through the power of the Holy Spirit? The Creator of the Universe could do that!! A supernatural root system between humans.

Irregardless of proof or no proof, yield to the Lord and do not neglect when the Holy Spirit puts someone on your heart or in your mind. We likely will never know this side of heaven the power of such obedience!

Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16