Month: February 2025

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Art, Faith, Nature, Poetry, Praise

The Applause of People

We have experienced sunrise and sunset at different places in America. It is always so sweet to experience this in a crowd when the crowd breaks out in spontaneous applause at the grandeur of God’s creation.

At times, if we are paying attention, we experience similar things when we are alone. Then we celebrate as the audience of one, celebrating the One who did the creating. Thus, the following poem.

Grandeur of Sun ©Molly Lin Dutina 22-10-13

The black cloud perfect backdrop
As sun clears the trees in east
Lighting up treetop to west
Blazing red, swirling gold
Under layer of green
A momentary glimpse of autumn
Grandeur rarely seen 
Marvel of God’s handiwork
How was that even possible
That I looked up
Just then to see it?
Camera could not catch it properly
Totally gone now
Just gray rainy day
Orang-ish maple
No big deal
A few chirping birds
Patter of drops on fallen leaves
Applause of the crowd fading

Keep watching for those treasures in plain sight!

Posted on in Faith, Music, Rest, Thanks, Trust

Being Hymned Again!

We only see the tip of the iceberg when we consider God’s love for us. Consider this hymn and plumb the depths of that love!

I have found this hymn, then lost this hymn, and then found it again many times over the years. This morning it came to mind and at least THIS TIME I had left a sticky note in the hymnal as a bookmark for it! Hope it comforts you, too!

We are held. We are loved. He is always with us. No matter what.

Published by George Matheson in 1882, it is now in the public domain. It draws on Scripture from Jeremiah, Corinthians and Romans. 

O Love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O Light that foll’west all my way,
I yield my flick’ring torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

The Lord appeared to us in the past,saying:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 2 Corinthians 5:14

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35

Posted on in Aging, Faith, Poetry, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Trust

Poetry From 1985

I have had several nights lately when I wake up and try to quell the mind racing. Here is a reflection after a sleepless night from long ago.

Eleven Fifty-three Post Meridiem © 1985 Molly Lin Dutina

Night time and the Unresolved
Come marching to my bedroom
Tramping through my head
Hurling accusations
Quoting words once said
Reason takes a low profile
While logic flees the scene
Where is the solution 
For circumstances now turned mean

Never, shoulds, and woulds
Paint dismal, hopeless scenes
Understanding vanishes
Deep each insult bleeds.

Forgiveness is the answer
That makes the war to cease.
Let it go.    Let go.    Release.
Present moment calls to me
Be NowHere in God's sweet peace

A song can be resung
The past can't be undone
But pouring in forgiveness
The fall-out is made numb

Come to here and now
Feast on today's plenty
In gratitude for all
Dare to now drink deeply 
From streams of joy and love 

We are granted 
Only to 
"Live our lives by moments"
Aren't we now

Yes these days I am wrestling with a different sort of Unresolved. The truth of moment by moment living still holds the same truth!

One night I awoke and tried to pray Saint Patrick’s breastplate. After years of knowing and praying it, and reciting it I struggled to remember the words. Here is one version of that prayer.

I arise today through a mighty 	
strength, the invocation of the Trinity,	
through belief in the Threeness,	
through confession of the Oneness 	
towards the Creator.	
	
Christ with me, Christ before me, 	
Christ behind me,	 
Christ above me,	
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,	
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit,	
Christ where I arise,	
Christ in the heart of every 	     
person who thinks of me,	
Christ in the mouth of every 		
person who speaks of me,		
Christ in every eye that sees me,	 
Christ in every ear that hears me.		
I arise today through a mighty strength, 		
the invocation of the Trinity...

Whatever happens to be going on in your mind in the middle of the night, I pray you can rest well!

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV

Posted on in Faith

Politics, No

We can never underestimate this truth: No matter who you are, the biggest thing you do in any day is most often going to be a small act of kindness, decency, or love.

CORY BOOKER

A small act of kindness, decency or love. Have you ever noticed if you are performing these sorts of acts regularly? He is right in saying this a truth. We are all human beings and we each need kindness daily in order to thrive.

We feed the outdoor birds. We feed our pets, but do we ever stop to consider feeding each other the nourishment of being seen and recognized and honored? It can be so simple and need not be expensive.

A smile can foster more smiles from others. I have been making it a point to greet each person I see seated in a wheelchair. Why not? They likely need the encouragement the most. Some are startled by even being spoken to! A smile, a simple hello. Asking how are you today or mentioning isn’t the sun glorious today?

The biggest thing you can do today might only take a few seconds, but it could mean the world to another. So I challenge you to put yourself out there and find ways to do a big act of decency or love.

My license plate frame reads: We are humankind – so be both human and kind!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Faith, Illness and Health, Just do it, medical treatment, Prayer, Surrender, Trust

Curiosity For Survival

When our kids were about to leave home I was very saddened to have that part of our lives end, change, whatever. Many people asked if I could just be excited to observe who they would become. Eventually I did get excited to be an observer of their lives.

Lately I was reading in The Book of Joy about survivors of the holocaust. Edith Eva Eger said, “The only thing that kept a person alive was the acceptance of the reality of one’s existence and the attempt to respond as best one could. CURIOSITY about what would happen next, even when she was left for dead in a pile of bodies, was often all she had to pull herself forward to the next breath. When we accept what is happening now, we can be curious about what might happen next. Those who could remain curious had the best chances of surviving. Can I accept that this is really my body that is being discussed in terms of cardiology and possible surgery? Curious. Hmm. Can I become curious about where all this health stuff is going? That might also help with survival from the stress!

So many people say to me “I just know you are going to be all right!” Sure hope they are right! This is the most troubling medical news I have ever had. Can I stay curious regardless of the news going forward?

I like the artwork of Mary Engelbreit. This year I asked for another page-a-day calendar by her. I had no idea how much I would need her collected wisdom and encouragement! This was the image shortly after I read the quote about the survivors of the concentration camps.

If you have ever waited for results from medical testing, or for the actual tests, if it was a long wait, you might have run into boredom. Isn’t the quote above so true? I want to remain curious about my health and well-being. This is not the Cardiology world of 1961 when my father died from repeated cardiac events! I remember when Dr. DeBakey developed the artificial heart. I was so delighted for the patients and families and so sad that it was too late for my Dad. Today the idea of replacing an aorta is not thought of as a big deal, (except by the patient)!

So yes, I keep reading and trying to educate myself as to the possibilities for repair, replacement, survival, etc. The survival rate from aorta replacement surgery is good. As long as they operate before a rupture (sometimes called a dissection).

As you can read I am a little obsessed with the topic. When it is your body you can put your head in the sand and hope it goes away, or find out as much as you can to make a reasonably sound decision when the time comes.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Illness and Health, Just do it, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Trust, Writing Life, Yield

Using My List of Verses

For a while my writing may be hit or miss. This morning was taken up with going for blood work, dropping off papers at dermatology office, etc. Needed the blood work for the newest blood pressure medication they put me on. Yep, still trying to get my blood pressure down to where the cardiologist wants it. I accidentally let my subscription for Taltz run out. Of course! That required filling out paperwork, getting dermatologist to fill out her two pages and fax it all to Lilly Cares. Hoping they can get my medication here before I need the next injection ! I do not need psoriasis to flare up with all this other stuff going on.

A few days ago I listed verses that are helping me cope with the medical unknowns and my frame of mind. I never really mentioned how I use those verses. Yes, I read them over regularly, but I apply them at random times. I have never thought of myself as a person who worries a lot, at least, compared to my mother. Her anxiety was something to behold!

This unexpected report that I have some different sorts of heart troubles have set me to worrying, when I allow myself. So how to stop that? Well, first of all I have to become aware of the worrisome thought. When I can catch myself worrying I have begun stopping and asking the thought, “Are you from God?” If the answer is not yes, then I go to Corinthians where we are told to take every thought captive to Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

When I used to teach this verse in Bible study classes more often than not someone would ask, “Every thought?” I am re-learning that I certainly need to take captive the ones sent to torment me. None of us have any control over the things that will happen to us. So if I fret and get concerned over where all this is going with tests and possible open heart surgery I can work myself up into a high state of anxiety. That helps nothing!

After I send a thought packing to King Jesus, (and it MUST go as a captive of Jesus), I purposefully begin praising Him for being my companion and Savior. Such a Good Shepherd! He makes a way where there seems to be no way, just like His Father.

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NIV

There are many verses that talk about God making a way where there seems to be no way. God also changes situations that seem to be unchangeable. So we hope. We pray. We cling, knowing that we are never left on our own. Regardless of the outcome we walk with a mighty God!

Next Monday I have the Cardiac MRI, so with fasting, etc. I am unlikely to be writing on that day for posting next week, unless I get it done over the weekend. All prayers appreciated!!

Holy God, 
Holy Mighty, 
Holy Immortal, 
have mercy on us.

The Ancient Trisagion

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Nature, Praise, Rest, Thanks

Grateful for a Flicker

At our first home at times we were blessed to have a flicker visit the bird feeder. If I only caught a glimpse as it flew away I could tell it was a Flicker by the yellow band under its tail. It had a very long beak, black stripe under the chin like a fancy man ready fora night out. Black cheeks, red spot on back of the head. BUT WAIT!! There’s more!! Dashes and dots on the feathers.

Northern Flicker photo from online

At our house now they have decided that they are hungry enough to come to the suet feeder right outside the office window. Just now I heard a chirping. Rolled slowed back in my chair to see who was there. And wow! Was I delighted!! Like the photo above it had suet on its beak.

That is almost too much decoration for a single bird! Welcome glamour girl, (or boy)!

There have also been loads of bluebirds throughout the winter! Even though the Grackles finished off the dried meal worms, the bluebirds keep coming for the suet and seeds.

Blessed for their company this winter, photo from online
Some say lovely, I say ugh! Online photo

The starlings and I have a battle over the feeder. They are terrified of movement and I am quick to shoo them away every chance I get.They leave poop every where. Can empty a feeder in nothing flat and decimate a suet block “Presto-Chango” to nothing!

As soon as I find meal worms again I will fill that feeder. For now, birdies, it is seed and suet for y’all!

Do you ever wonder where they all sleep at night?

26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? Matthew 6: 26-27

Which of you by worrying can add one more beat to his heart? No, the heart issue is not resolved and never far from my mind. I am trying to take the advice of my LORD and rest in His care.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Nature, Surrender, Thanks, Worship

Torn Up!!

We have totally dismantled the office. My computer and the printer will be the last things to go this evening. We will lose our Wi-Fi for a bit also!! Oh the joy of moving and not moving. We are excited about the new flooring (all 9 boxes) but not the need to reassemble everything.

Does anyone know how to keep pill bugs out? Evidently they find a space where the carpet meets the wall. I found dozens of dead ones in the office closet where storage tubs have been stacked. I do not want to hire an exterminator.

I suppose we will live without the Wi-Fi and the luxury of our computers set up and ready to go. At least for one day! Not like we are in a storm ravaged part of the country where all belongings are gone. Not complaining, just musing how spoiled we are.

It has been above freezing for a few days here, yet plenty cold at night. Have terrible black ice to our front door. Still almost solid yards of snow from yard to yard in the subdivision. The sun came out and I under-dressed when I went outside. The wind is still cold! Oh right! Winter is still here.

Bob can walk across the top of this snow on the deck. It stormed snow, then ice. Then gradually thawed and refroze and we now have a permanent block until it gets warm enough to melt it all! Even the beagle was flummoxed what to do out there! She had about 2 feet next to house where she could sit. She gave up and came back in.

Last year we had practically no snow at all. This year has been the opposite. Just weeks ago people were asking if I thought this heat would ever end!

Stay warm! Rejoice that winter does not last 10 months! We will enjoy the daffodils and new leaves even more after all this!

“Bless the Lord, all rain and dew;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
65 Bless the Lord, all you winds;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
66 Bless the Lord, fire and heat;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
67 Bless the Lord, winter cold and summer heat;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
68 Bless the Lord, dews and falling snow;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
69 Bless the Lord, ice and cold;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
70 Bless the Lord, frosts and snows;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
71 Bless the Lord, nights and days;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
72 Bless the Lord, light and darkness;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
73 Bless the Lord, lightnings and clouds;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.

74 “Let the earth bless the Lord;
    let it sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.” Daniel 3:64-74

We people need to bless the Lord even with rain and dew, winds, fire and heat, ice and cold, frosts and snow, nights and days PRAISE HIM AND HIGHLY EXALT HIM FOREVER!