Month: December 2025

Posted on in Aging, Cooking, Faith, Family, Humor, Joy, Praise, Special Event, Thanks

A Few of My Favorite Things

I keep an Amazon wish list. My friend Lisa is rolling her eyes about now. It is an easy way to let my family know what I am wishing for. I was delighted to receive two of the items from my wish list this year at Christmas.

When we were making cookies Bob mentioned how some of my spice jars are too small to get the measuring spoons into. He said we should get different jars. These particular jars are from our first year of marriage and I love them for just that reason! I also keep spices in there that I do not use very often such as ground cloves, allspice, etc. So on Amazon I found measuring spoons that have rectangular measuring areas. And I received them as a gift. I just went and tried them out.

All the smaller ones fit the jars. The full teaspoon does not, but hey, I am willing to measure 1/2 twice if need be! And usually these spices are called for in small amounts.

Our son had to explain to our grandson that older people ask for things like kitchen tools because that is what they want. Yep, these are my new toys! I also got a stainless steel rack for my turkey roaster. The roasting pan is fine, but the rack had a seal on it that was starting to come off. Now I can roast a turkey with confidence in the pan and rack.

And to my delight I also got the 12-fifteen-stick packs of Freedent chewing gum. The local stores stopped carrying it. Makes no sense to me! More and more of us are wearing dentures and partials. This is the one gum that does not stick to those appliances. So why discontinue it? The only place I have been able to find it is Amazon. (Sorry, Lisa.)

“WON’T STICK to most dental work”

Dan, I guess these are my sugarplums?

As of this writing, Bob and I have not shared our gifts to one another yet. I am certain there will be more favorite things to come this week. I am especially looking forward to our church services the 24th and 25th. May your holiday also be filled with joy!

Posted on in Aging, Family, Joy

The Fam

This year at our family celebration I insisted upon a group photo. Here are our adult children with their children and one partner.

Jeff, Bob, Rowan, me, Emily, Dave, Lizzie, Drew, Lucky, Ellie

Lucky is uncertain who she likes better, Lizzie or Ellie.

Merry Christmas to each of you, too!

Posted on in Faith, Focus, Listen, Music, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

My Favorite Recording is by The Haven Quartet

Have you heard and remembered this hymn?

1. Of the Father’s love begotten,
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore.

2. At his word the worlds were framèd;
He commanded, it was done:
Heav’n and earth and depths of ocean,
In their threefold order one;
All that grows beneath the shining
Of the moon and burning sun—
[Evermore and evermore.] Aurelius Clemens Prudentius

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Family, Focus, Joy, Just do it, Listen, Look, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Special Event, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Worship, Yield

A Thousand Lights

PBS reports that: “Jews across the religious observance spectrum — from Reform to Conservative to Orthodox — focus on the same theme of bringing light into the darkness and emphasizing that even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” During their celebration of Hanukah they light a new candle each night on the eight branches menorah. As we mourn with the Jewish community in Australia over the murders and injuries there and beyond, I remember being awakened one night with a thought. Our life is to be like a thousand tiny lights of kindness.

How can you participate in this? Every tiny act of kindness that you do makes you a participant.

There was an elderly woman searching in the deep freezer at the grocery store among the frozen turkeys. She just wanted a small one. The one she had chosen did not have a tag on it. I was able to flag down an employee to help her get it weighed and tagged. He wanted me to follow him and I explained that he needed to carry the turkey and escort her slowly to wherever he was going as she was the one interested in the purchase.

There was someone in the same store using an electric shopping cart. She is tiny and seated. There is an item on a high shelf that she is interested in. I ask if I can reach it for her? She is grateful.

Just looking folks in the eye, greeting them with a smile and saying hello has become a practice that cheers many. Most older folks seem surprised that you see them and care. Every age is somewhat startled if you look them in the eye when you greet them.

A tiny thousand lights of kindness. Wishing a harried store clerk a good day. Telling them to take a deep breath while you find your credit card. Urging the world to slow down for one minute. Tiny light of kindness.

Yielding to a car in traffic and being genuinely glad about it.

Thanking the letter carrier for service. The last one I greeted was delivering mail in 13 degree weather. I asked how he stayed warm. He replied you just have to dress for the weather.

Giving the delivery man a home baked cookie when he brings your package to the door.

In the gospel of John we are told

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

The word light is used seven times in the first nine verses of John 1. In the passage above, a mere three verses, it is used four times. We are to pay attention to this idea. We are to shine the light God has given us. Shine and shine and then shine some more. No place does it say the light of the world got weary of shining and stopped. We too are called to this shine work.

Have you ever attended a concert where the performer asked people to turn on their cell phone flashlight? Or they were given wristbands they were to light up at a certain time? Can you imagine if all of those people left that stadium with the conviction to shine the light God gave them to others around the world? You can help with this effort every single day of your life. If you no longer leave the house you likely still have conversations with others. Smile through your words and bring light and life to each situation.

PBS goes on to report: “A menorah is lit in each household and traditionally is placed where it can be seen from the outside, such as a doorway or windowsill, to symbolize the spreading of God’s light to all nations.”

A thousand tiny lights of kindness. “Even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” Yes, that means each of us. Just as we celebrate Jesus, the Light of the world, at this time of year (and always) we are to be set on fire for the Kingdom good news! Many are credited with this saying, Saint Francis most notably.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Humor, Joy, Listen, Look, Music, Praise, Prayer, Thanks, Trust

Cincinnati Music Hall

When I went to hear the Messiah my friend who got me the tickets at a greatly reduced price had trouble getting the tickets to me. Finally she scanned the QR codes for each ticket and Bob said that was enough to get us in. I was privileged to take another friend who is visually impaired. She is legally blind and we were going at night to the area called Over The Rhine. Not a place two women should wander about at night alone, especially when the concert let out around 10 or so.

My plan was to park in the underground garage right across the street from Music Hall. Bob had provided us money for parking. I told my friend to wear good walking shoes as the street in front of music Hall has been returned to cobblestones. Last thing we needed was for either of us to turn an ankle! And the streetcar tracks run right through the middle of Elm Street where the Hall is located.

We arrived in record time. Pulling up the garage entrance I noticed the sign saying it was full. I was aghast! The attendant told me where the nearest garage was, (several blocks away). I thought, no that is not acceptable. Called Bob and he made a suggestion too. I asked him to be praying. We went around Washington Park and towards the front of the Music Hall. The lot Bob had suggested was also full. I was praying, “Lord …” Then I saw the sandwich board sign, “Valet Parking $20.” I told my friend that was what we would do.

When I pulled forward the man said he would like to park my car directly across the street on the road. He said when the performance let out all I had to do was tell the valet attendant that I was parked right there, get my keys and leave. There would be no waiting in line for them to fetch my car. I agreed it was a good plan.

We exited the car and made our way to the entrance. There are many stairs leading up to Cincinnati Music Hall.

So we slowly climbed the stairs. I would mention how many steps in each flight, when we reached a landing, etc. then the number of steps in the next flight. We made our way to the door with me hoping the QR codes were enough. They wanted to inspect my friend’s purse for security reasons. They skipped mine though. The ticket person scanned my phone and voila we were in!

We were in time to listen to the pre-concert lecture by three of the performers. Then we got a drink and waited in the foyer for the concert to begin. I asked my friend (who loves Hallmark Christmas movies) if she had ever heard of a God Wink? Recently on the Great American Movie channel I had watched a movie about God wink. The woman in the movie said she did not believe in coincidence. She called such happenings a God wink. I said the parking situation was a God wink. We both laughed and agreed! If I had been thinking ahead I might have realized that with 140+ performers and the orchestra members the parking lot would likely be full. I was glad I had not thought of that because it would have caused me to worry.

We were delighted throughout the performance. When the concert was over we were caught up in the movement of the crowd. I made certain we went slowly down those outdoor stairs. I was counting how many steps and mentioned the landings, etc. There was a line at the Valet parking booth. I noticed the attendants were all out getting cars. The key cabinet was open and people were matching their keys to their numbered tags. My number was #2. I reached in and got my keys. We waited at the curb, in the wind, for the Policewoman to stop traffic for the pedestrians. That’s when I noticed I had not closed my coat! We were able to stay within the crosswalk, which is paved smoothly, keeping us away from the cobblestones. Then we had to walk counter to the flood of pedestrians to get to the car. I hit the button on the key fob to open the doors. Got my friend seated and drew a sigh of relief.

I went around to my door, started the car, turned the seat warmers to high and looked around. The policewoman was motioning to me. I opened my window and she said, “I want you to cut your wheels and pull out while I have this traffic stopped.” I replied, “Okay!” She keep motioning and I was waiting for the pedestrians to get out of the way so I did not hit anyone. Before we knew it we were driving away for Music Hall and laughing. Totally caught up in all the God winks! What a wonderful evening!

My friend decided she wanted to return to Music Hall with her husband for a Pops concert the next week. She was going to be certain to tell him they should get there early and choose valet parking.

Watch for God winks in your life this season and give thanks!!

Posted on in Aging, Amazing Creations, Faith, Humor, Illness and Health, medical treatment, Thanks

Gratefulness

Obviously the woman in this photo has not yet tried her neti pot!!

And so

Our glad hearts, accepting the miracle of this moment, this breath, this day, this life—that is the foundation of all sanity. Terry Patten

The foundations of sanity. I am trying to complain and murmur less. That is hard when you have a cold/virus that is kicking your butt. But I am trying to maintain a glad heart, the foundation of all sanity!

I had an already scheduled doctor appointment. I got sick on a week ago last Monday and saw doc on Tuesday. He determined it was the nasty virus that is going around. At least it is not Covid or flu. He did say I was still contagious and should not participate in Senior Center crochet/knit group Christmas party. So Bob helped me drop off the decorations, set them up and then return home. I wore an N95 mask the entire time. Forgot how much I disliked those! He was gracious enough to return after the party and pick up the things I keep from party to party.

Doc strongly suggested I use a Neti Pot to rinse my sinuses. Have you had the joy of using one of those? Yikes. When I was a child in the 1950s mom would use saline nose drops on my sister and I when we got a bad cold. We thought she was trying to drown us. That was nothing compared to the neti pot!

Doctor stressed I am to use distilled water for this activity as tap water has bacteria in it. Gross. I warm 1 cup distilled water for about 30 seconds in the microwave to take the chill off it. Stir in salt packet designed for rinsing sinuses. Place in the neti pot. (I keep a soft towel handy for blowing my nose.) There used to be a vulgar saying about, “bend over and kiss your *** goodbye.” Yeah sort of like that! I try to just not think about it too much while I am enduring it!!

You let the fluid run into one side of your nose and out the other nostril. No drinking it or swallowing it, just flush. I bend over the sink to do it. There were some photos of people catching it in a basin. For me that would take too much coordination! This is a once a day ordeal.

Doc told me the benefit is to flush out congestion so the virus cannot grow into a bacterial infection. That would be worse than what I have. Who invented these things? Evidently the practice dates back 5,000 years and what we currently use in the USA is an improvement over the older methods. If I think too hard about it my mind wonders about waterboarding, no offense to any veterans who suffered that torture.

So I celebrate this day, THIS BREATH, this life and try to be grateful for the neti pot and our fine medical care. At least on this day, when our outside temperature is 9 degrees, I get to warm the water before I flush! Guard your heart and keep it glad!!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Family, Humor, Joy, Look, Memories, Nature

Glimmers from the Past Week

Barberry shrubs? Not certain but the berries are obvious!

A car zoomed past us. I laughed out loud. Glimmer! Hanging from the trunk were Elf legs.

We visited the Krohn Conservatory for the annual creche scene. I usually delight the mos tin the toddlers visiting with their families. Animal sounds of “he-haw, he- haw” “moo” and “Baaa!” Laughter and eyes wide with wonder at the cow, donkey, sheep and figures.

This day the live sheep were wandering about outside. Not many other visitors at all. The sheep were digging in the leaf litter for fresh grass before the big snow storm. Each of them was wearing a bell on their collar. Eventually one wandered close to the fence where we stood. I put out my hand to feel the large woolly coat. It was wet! Glimmer! I had not expected that. It was inches thick. I told her I hoped she was warm and dry under it.

We stood inside the barn trying to get a photo of the nativity characters. Mine never do turn out right. The lighting there is subdued.

photo by rmdutina

While standing out of the wind I did notice the sheep at attention along the fence. These were the same sheep who moments ago would not give us their attention at all. And then I saw it too. Glimmer! A dog on a leash was parked by the fence. The animals were exchanging looks. Eventually the pet owner was ready to go home. The dog was totally resistant to that idea! He was stronger than she was and sat his butt stubbornly on the ground. Meanwhile the sheep had decided he was no threat and went back to grazing. With much tugging the dog gave up and went with his owner. He likely was wondering, “Where did those come from and what kind of dog smells like that!?!?”

Glimmer! I was also tickled to realize how the local birds at the conservatory were benefiting from the layer of straw on the ground. As many years as I have visited there I do not think I ever made that observation before this year! Maybe because it was not yet dark when we went this time?

In your heart prepare Him room! Watch for those glimmers of joy! And careful when you slam your trunk not to capture an elf unawares!!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Joy, Just do it, Praise, Prayer, Worship

Advent with Every Moment Holy

I looked through the featured liturgies from the daily reading I get from Every Moment Holy. Here is a small portion from the one entitled Entering the Advent Season  by Lanier Ivester

God-With-Us, be my peace 
as I embark upon this holy season.
Help me to carve out quiet for
communion with you
sheltered moments in which to contemplate
the earth-shattering gift of a self-giving Savior.
And where quiet cannot be found,
so tether me to your presence within that
nothing without would unravel my calm.

I love the images there. Help me carve out, not turkey or the ham or any other delight, but more so “carve out quiet for communion with” God.

“Sheltered moment and earth-shattering gift.” This writer understands what we are celebrating right now!

And so, with the confidence your people 
have carried since your first coming,
I look toward your second with
expectant love,
echoing the cry your church
has intoned through the ages:
Even so, come, Lord Jesus

Commenting upon the word Maranatha, Wikipedia says: Use in contemplative prayer

Based on the teachings of John Cassian, John Main recommended the recitation of Maranatha as “the ideal Christian mantra“, meaning “Come Lord”, repeated silently interiorly as four equally stressed syllables Ma-ra-na-tha: “Not only is this one of the most ancient Christian prayers, in the language Jesus spoke, but it also has a harmonic quality that helps to bring the mind to silence. Other words or short phrases could be used but he saw it as important that during the meditation one doesn’t think about the meaning or use the imagination.”[5] Other Christian authors and communities cultivate similar practices centered on this recitation, such as Pablo d’Ors, who also recommends it as one of the linkages (along with the breathing and the hands) for the practice of contemplative prayer.

I have read both John Cassian and John Main. Making Maranatha a prayer to focus upon your breath is very powerful. The focus is upon the four stressed syllables but also upon the plea of the word prayer Maranatha. Come Lord, be with us. Come Lord i your power and glory.

Hearing the Messiah reminded me of the song of the angels in Revelation 7:11-2

All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

If you recite nothing else this Advent I challenge you to recite Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might. These be to our God forever and ever. Amen!

And again in Revelation 5: 11-/13

 I looked, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. The number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!”

13 I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!”

Is this what you think about during Advent and Christmas? If not usually, try this with the ten thousands of ten thousands!

power 
wealth 
wisdom
strength
honor
glory 
blessing
dominion
thanksgiving
might
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come!

Maybe I have to get this printed as a card for next year!!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Art, Faith, Joy, Listen, Music, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Special Event, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Thanks, Worship

Come Unto Me

You might remember that when I made my last retreat the Lord gave me a couple passages of Scripture to cling to? One of those was as follows.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

I was blessed to hear Handel’s Messiah at the Cincinnati Symphony Music Hall last week with the magnificent May Festival Chorus. What a delight! Approximately 144 voices plus four soloists! I had never heard it performed live before. I told my friend who attended with me that I was unaccustomed to attending church at Music Hall!Being familiar with the Scripture passages that Handel used in his 1741 composition enhanced my enjoyment tremendously! (The lyrics were composed by Charles Jennens from King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer.)

Now, a few days later, one melody is rolling around in my soul. It took me a while to identify and locate it among the many songs offered at the performance, but here it is! I have no idea what that instrument is behind the alto? Some sort of harpsichord/guitarish thing? It must be considered ancient. It was not used at the performance I attended.

I pray you enjoyed that snippet. Regardless, may you find rest in the arms of God this season.

Posted on in Aging, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Focus, Joy, Listen, Memories, Obedience, Poetry, Praise, Rest, Worship

Macrina Wiederkehr

“Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB (1939-2020), was a spiritual guide, popular retreat facilitator, and author who made her home with the monastic community of St. Scholastica in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Benedictine traditions of deep listening to the word of God and hospitality toward all of life form the roots of her writing and retreat ministry. Wiederkehr is the bestselling author of ten books, including The Flowing Grace of Now, Seven Sacred Pauses, Behold Your Life, and The Circle of Life, which she coauthored with Joyce Rupp.” from Ave Maria Press

Macrina influenced my Christian formation through her writings. I was able to hear her in person once. It was delightful to be under her teaching that evening. I first read this poem a number of years ago and think of it every Advent. I had difficulty finding it this year. Guess I had best print it out for myself!! I used to have the book The Circle of Life where this poem was published.

O God of words, dear Word made flesh
give birth to my thoughts
change them into words
that will help me Christmas up the lives
of those I love, for I am weak and fragile
scared and empty this year
and still I feel You very near.

Jesus, I think I hear You coming
I think I hear a sound that says
you’ve cared your way into my life again.
I think I see a light more lasting
than the ones we hang on trees
I think I see a world
that’s splashed with God again
so gospelled with his presence
so covered with his love yet, lonely still …

O shoppers, dear shoppers put your carts away.
Please put your carts away
and search deep down within your hearts
for gifts that will not rust or fade
for where your treasure is there is your heart. (Matthew 6:19–21)
O look into your God-splashed, gospelled hearts
and see! See Christmas standing there
waiting to be, not bought but given free.

We are Christmas shoppers, Lord
We are shopping for a way to make your coming last
O take the blind in us and hold it close
O teach us how to see
decorate our lives with your vision
for Christmas, let us see!

O shoppers, dear shoppers hang lights in your hearts
instead of on your trees
for the One we’ve hung our hopes on
has come, and now we’re free
but only if we see.

Jesus, we long for Christmas-eyes.
Please heal the blind in us
for Christmas, eyes that see! Makrina Wiederkehr

Isn’t she amazing in her imagery and passion for Christ and the lost? I just love it! Addressing us directly, “Shoppers put your carts away!” “Dear shoppers hang lights in your hearts instead of on your trees.” May your God-splashed, gospelled hearts rejoice all through this season!