Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Nature

This Year

I am trying to outwit the deer this year. The last couple years they have mowed the struggling tulips to the ground before any flowers appeared. They also took out the bluebells I had high hopes for.

This year I went to the dollar store and bought Irish Spring soap which they are reported to dislike. I poked a hole in the bars and put fishing line through them. I also got extra “shepherd’s hooks” for the yard. I hung the soap over the bluebells and over the tulips.

When we got home from Florida I realized the rain water had been flowing over the soap and was dripping directly on the Bluebells. I waded through our swampy yard and moved it. There has been such a tremendous amount of rain that the bars of soap are splitting into layers!

They deer however have not made a meal of bluebells!

Just one plant!

And though likely underfed and stunted by years of abuse – tulip is up!

I will also see if the rose bush the deer chomped on last year comes back. If it does, it too will be adorned with soap near it!

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Rest, Thanks, Yield

If

I am almost always moved by the various quotes I receive in my email each day. I love this insight of Howard Thurman. Wikipedia says: Howard Washington Thurman (November 18, 1899 – April 10, 1981) was an American author, philosopher, theologian, Christian mystic, educator, and civil rights leader.

In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper in the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.

HOWARD THURMAN

This was one wise man. How often do we listen in the stillness of the quiet?

Reading a novel last night I came across this quote. “Sometimes it was good to kick his brain into neutral and just exist.” Neutral like watch the dog eat, hear the spring peepers. Listen to the rain. Hear water gurgle and grumble in the downspout. Smile at the sunshine today.

Richard Rohr quotes a priest as having taught him just to look. Don’t think. Just look.

Practice this today. See where you land. Try it several times throughout the day. Make it a sacrifice of praise to God. Letting the Holy One have the action, the dialogue, directing your eyes and thoughts.

It is an amazing practice IF we will listen and just look. The stillness of the quiet. Dropping our inner chatter.

Stillness of the quiet. Wait. Look.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Faith, Humor, Nature, Special Event, Traveling

Falingos

Many years ago when we went with our family to the beach for the first time our oldest Grandgirl at a tender preschool age called flamingos, “Falingos.” On our recent trip to Florida we visited the Sunken Gardens and saw “Falingos!” Of course, I had to text and remind her of the name she chose for these weird, unusual birds.

Once I heard that they have their coral coloring from the shrimp that they eat. “For flamingos, carotenoids are consumed through their primary food sources—algae and small crustaceans such as brine shrimp. Once ingested, these pigments are broken down by enzymes in the flamingo’s liver and absorbed into fats that are later deposited into their feathers, skin, and even their beaks.” https://learnbirdwatching.com/why-are-flamingos-pink/

I would call the birds we saw a medium pink. Not the vibrant they showed on the website above.

Our first view of the flamingos

In “Alice in Wonderland,” the flamingos were used as mallets in a game of flamingo croquet. The Queen of Hearts ordered her subjects to use the live flamingos as mallets. This certainly slanted my opinion of the flamingos as we walked through the gardens.

Finally we came upon a closer view of them. At first they all seemed to have their heads under the water. Diving they sort of resembled frozen pink turkeys! Waiting and biding my time I finally I got a better photo of them.

We enjoyed the gardens. The many tropical flowers reminded us of our trip to the gardens in Hawaii. The pond where the birds were located attached to a running stream throughout the gardens. At one place, I noticed a flamingo feather floating the water. It was away from where the birds were. I SO wanted that feather, but it was too far in the water for me to reach over the plants and retrieve it.

As we moseyed along taking photos admiring the “angel trumpet flower” (Brugmansia) which we had seen in California I was delighted to find it in more colors than we previously had seen! Not just yellow, but pink and white, too!

And rounding a bend I saw it! The lovely flamingo feather that wanted to travel to Ohio with me!

It was soaking wet, but floating where I could easily reach it. Retrieve it I did! First I tried to put it inside my sunhat, but it poked through. So I simply wrapped it in our folder about the Gardens and took it home. I had to think a bit when we returned to Ohio about how the folder got all wet!

Yep, she is one of my very best souvenirs! Thanks, Lord, for helping me see and retrieve it!

Posted on in Challenge, Cooking, Faith, Music, Praise, Thanks, Traveling

Home Again

Unpacked. Mail read. Laundry still whirling in the machines. inches and inches of rain. More spring birds than before we departed. Went to church Sunday morning and reconnected with our loved friends there.

Then joy arose as I cooked Sunday after dinner with worship music playing and me singing to the Lord on high, the Christ within. One neighbor recently lost his wife to Alzheimer’s. I told him when we returned I would bring him food. He has lost so much weight. Joy at being home. Joy at being able to provide for another. The joy of the Lord is my strength!

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

Huh! I knew the part about the joy of the Lord is your strength. I forgot the part about sending to food to those who have nothing prepared. God surprises me SO often! What a delight our God is.

The break from routine going to Florida was fine. The motel room more than livable. The bed so high off the ground that I practically fell out the first night.

Eventually we longed for our home with better lighting. Our usual surroundings. Our familiar abode. Our bed. Our own pillows. Even the dog who was suffering through continuous thunderstorms. (Actually, she was sleeping in bed with our Grandgirl and getting spoiled rotten!)

And now we are here. And we both hope to thrive more for the respite from routine, even as we participate in the routines again. I have so much work to do to edit selections for a booklet on prayer. I was able to set it aside for the duration of the trip. Now I need to figure out how to rearrange my schedule to accommodate editing and contacting the newly hired editor.

So if I miss a few days posting to this blog I hope you will understand and will be praying for me?

We found a very few shells. Enjoyed the breeze off the ocean tremendously!

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Obedience

Proposed Baptismal Covenant Additions

The Episcopal Church has a process whereby things are added to parts of the Prayer Book. The Baptismal Covenant is under review right now. (I won’t try to elaborate on the process that goes through General Convention, etc.) These following statements are being considered for inclusion in the Covenant.

  • Will you strive for justice and peace among all, and respect the dignity of the Earth and of every human being?
    • I will with God’s Help
  • Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth?
    • I will with God’s Help

I think those are terrific statements to make, especially if we hold to them dearly as we do the other statements.

The Book of Common Prayer Pages 304-305

Read these prayerfully, perhaps renewing your commitment to faith in God.

CelebrantDo you believe in God the Father?
PeopleI believe in God, the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth.
 
CelebrantDo you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
PeopleI believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
        and born of the Virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
        was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven,
        and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
 
CelebrantDo you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
PeopleI believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the holy catholic Church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting.
 
CelebrantWill you continue in the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the
prayers?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
 
CelebrantWill you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
CelebrantWill you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.

304    Holy Baptism

CelebrantWill you proclaim by word and example the Good
News of God in Christ?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
 
CelebrantWill you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
 
CelebrantWill you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.

I pray these are things that you also hold to in your faith walk.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Illness and Health, Music, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Yield

Refuge

This seems to be a week of musical postings! I write them out as they come to me. We are traveling one day this week. Then we are packing for a week away. House sitter coming to stay with Lucky dog.

I have been working really hard with a friend on editing the poetry collection and preparing it to self-publish. I was told it would be hard work, but at times I am surprised HOW hard! The satisfaction though is almost unbelievable. Perhaps it will be ready before Easter!! Then I can apply myself more diligently on a booklet about relationship with God or prayer life.

Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

My God is One who will listen. I will learn how to express the word list of emotions to my Father.

So I listened to the song below and this prayer formed in my soul.

My heart opens to tell You
trusted Father and Brother
Pain left toe and right elbow
left finger - pinball machine at work
Lifted by cello to Your arms and Presence 

Rest, holy rest
Honey syrup of rest, truth, light
poured into dark of pain

Listening and praying, there was ease and some relief. There are times we just need to come to a stop. And rest there. Pausing in the presence of the Holy. See if that might help you, too.

Posted on in Faith, Memories, Music, Praise, Worship

Camp Song?

You likely know how I am regularly graced or haunted by songs or lyrics. Recently I awoke with these lyrics, “I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb…”

I learned this, not at camp, but while teaching weekly in the Women’s facility at Hamilton County Justice Center. I would teach a short Bible study. My friend, Linda, would lead worship with her guitar. When I first noted to write about, later in the day, I remembered my toddler daughter singing it as, “I’ve been redeemed by the Blood of the Wham.” And doesn’t Jesus just pack a wham!?!?!

So the lyrics draw our attention to the finished work of Jesus, as I mentioned in blog entry https://treasuresinplainsight.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=19380&action=edit

And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ …

I think this song upon awakening was my soul’s acclaim to Christ. Are you listening for what your soul is saying about Christ as you awaken? You might want to try this one! Here are some lyrics and below is one man doing an a cappella rendition.

1 I’ve been redeemed (I’ve been redeemed)
by the blood of the Lamb. (by the blood of the Lamb.)
I’ve been redeemed (I’ve been redeemed)
by the blood of the Lamb,
I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb,
saved and sanctified I am. 
All my sins are washed away,
I’ve been redeemed.

2 I’ve been redeemed (I’ve been redeemed)
by the blood of the Lamb. (by the blood of the Lamb.)
I’ve been redeemed (I’ve been redeemed)
by the blood of the Lamb,
I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb,
filled with the Holy Ghost I am.
All my sins are washed away,
I’ve been redeemed.

3 I’ve been redeemed (I’ve been redeemed)
by the blood of the Lamb. (by the blood of the Lamb.)
I’ve been redeemed (I’ve been redeemed)
by the blood of the Lamb,
I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb,
oh, and I praise God I am.
All my sins are washed away,
I’ve been redeemed.

4 And that’s not all; (and that’s not all)
there’s more besides. (there’s more besides.)
No, that’s not all; (No that’s not all;)
there’s more besides.
No, that’s not all; there’s more besides.
I’ve been to the river, 
and I’ve been baptized.
All my sins are washed away,
I’ve been redeemed.

5 He’s coming back (he’s coming back)
to take me home. (to take me home.)
He’s coming back (he’s coming back)
to take me home. (to take me home.)
He’s coming back to take me home.
I’ll shout “Hallelujah” before his throne.
All my sins are washed away; 
I’ve been redeemed.

6 It’s by God’s grace (it’s by God’s grace)
that I’ve been saved. (that I’ve been saved.)
It’s by God’s grace (it’s by God’s grace)
that I’ve been saved. (that I’ve been saved)

How to do acclaim your Gd?

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Nature, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline

Swans

Many of our local parks now have white swans. As I drive past the park I love glancing over to see what the swans are doing. Last year the pair mated and the park built a barrier shield for their nest. They seem to glide effortlessly over the water, but there is activity under the water level, as this video shows! I love seeing their necks extend underwater, too!

Here is some nature data about swans. “While their floating abilities are impressive, swans are also skilled swimmers. Their large, webbed feet act like paddles, propelling them through the water. A typical mute swan’s swimming speed is around 1.6 miles per hour, but they can achieve bursts of speed by oaring with their webbed feet. And when they wish to really pick up pace, they can even use their outstretched wings to take advantage of the wind which allows them to move across the water more efficiently.

“Swans, along with other water birds like ducks and geese (all members of the order Anseriformes), have developed specialized features that enable them to float. These adaptations exploit two key scientific principles: surface tension and buoyancy. From https://enviroliteracy.org/do-swans-float-in-water/

So what looks like magical floating is truly large paddle feet either directing their course or moving them along. Also, an innate ability for bouyancy to match the surface tension. In the video I also noticed the tail wiggle seems to adjust like a rudder?

What about folks that seem to float along in their spiritual life? Surface tension does not seem to faze them. It might look as if they never struggle with God. Some even go so far as to say that person has a direct line to God! I do not think that is true. Looks can be deceiving. God sees them in their ‘prayer closet’ and when they fight off evil. God knows the secret places of their hearts. All of us struggle when it comes to pursuing God. We only see their outward demeanor and we make judgements based upon that. The New Testament writers stress repeatedly that they are no different than we are. (See Ephesians 3:7-8, Galatians 1:15-16, 2 Corinthians 1:15-16, 2 Timothy 1:9)

So what makes them seem so different than we might see ourselves? I believe it is perhaps their the constant pursuit of Jesus, the hunger and thirst for righteousness. Like the swan, floating, paddling, swimming, diving under, those folks put seeking the Kingdom and His righteousness the number #1 priority in their lives.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NRSVUE

Where are you this Lent in your pursuit the Holy One? Perhaps like the opening photo, we could use this time to lean into knowing more about the highest and best that we are individually called to!

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NRSVUE

Posted on in Faith, Music, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Yield

Such a Great Centering Song

When I was a young spiritual seeker I eventually learned Jesus is the only thing going on forever.

I think this is an ideal Lenten season song. There are times during Lent when I just need to settle down with Christ. This song does that for me. Enjoy!

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Focus, Illness and Health, Obedience, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Trust, Worship, Yield

Quicken

Recently an entry by Amy Carmichael in her book, Edges of His Ways, brought my attention to this word. It is not used much in today’s English. I was feeling worn out and weary by all the medical hoopla. I certainly need the Lord to quicken me as only God can.

The word quicken is used in the King James Version of the Bible, and it means “revive or make alive.” If something is living, it is “quick”; to “quicken” something is to bring it to life or restore it to a former flourishing condition. I seriously needed restoration and the promise in Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

For many years I read 5 Psalms each morning. Because it is so bloomin’ long, I broke up Psalm 119 into 22 selections for days 1-22 of each month. Some Bibles show Hebrew letters at the beginning of each stanza. Those correspond to the Hebrew alphabet, (which I do not read).

It can be depicted this way.

Back to the main topic here! Quicken lead me to do a study of the passages in Psalm 119. Psalm 119 has so many references for this word.

Revive me, give me life, be gracious, enliven me. I imagine most of us if not all of us could use more of this from God. Perhaps the best way to present this to you is simply to list the passages with the references? That way you can read it for yourselves and apply them prayerfully to your life.

Psalm 119:25  KJV reads My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. NIV reads My soul clings to the dust, revive me according to your word.

Psalm 119:107 KJV I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. NRSVUE I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word.

Clinging to dust. Severely afflicted. Yep, just done worn out. God can handle this even when we cannot in our own strength.

Psalm 119: 40 KJV Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. NRSVUE See, I have longed for your precepts;  in your righteousness be gracious to me.

As we long for His precepts {divine principles, guidelines, statutes, and instructions that God has set forth for righteous living} … as we long for these guidelines and instructions from God, God is gracious to us through righteousness. We long, God fulfills. Do you truly long for these?

This might sound all too simple, but this is the Word of God. There are promises here. We will be restored as we cling to the Word and walk in the ways God shows us to walk.

Psalm 119:50 KJV This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. NRSVUE This is my comfort in my distress, that your promise gives me life.

If you have not chosen an activity for this Lenten season to draw you closer to the Father, perhaps studying these verses might do the trick?

Psalm 119:88 KJV Quicken me after thy loving kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth NRSVUE  In your steadfast love spare my life, so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.

Psalm 119:93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. NRSVUE I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.

Psalm 119:37 KJV Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. NRSVUE Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; be gracious to me {give me life} according to your word.

Psalm 119: 149 KJV Hear my voice according unto thy loving kindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment. NRSVUE In your steadfast love hear my voice;  O Lord, in your justice preserve my life.

Psalm: 159 KJV Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy loving kindness. NRSVUE Consider how I love your precepts: be gracious to me {give me life} according to your steadfast love.

Psalm 119:156 KJV Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.NRSVUE Great is your mercy, O Lord; be gracious to me {give me life} according to your justice.

That might seem like a lot of digest. I hope you did not just blow through the verses. I think if you will ponder them you will find them a source for better understanding what the Psalmist knew about God and how you can draw closer for a better understanding for yourself.