Children bring me some of the best glimmers day in and day out. There was a tiny one (8 months old) in a shopping cart seat that smiled at me and melted my heart. She had never seen me before but there was no stranger fear in her!
This is our little neighbor down the street. She wants to befriend Lucky but is fearful of the dog. When she can summon the courage to pet Lucky she is so satisfied. Here is her Halloween costume. Her mom said she dressed herself and they are not certain what she is. I would answer, “Adorable!”
This is the same child who likes regular Doritos. At a neighborhood picnic she ate a small bag of them. Then she realized there were partial bags laying around. So she began collecting the partial bags and eating those, too! Squeezable joy, indeed!
I ordered a crochet kit because my daughter likes Gnomes. I thought this would make a good gift for her. I set myself a goal to finish it before my birthday. And I got it done!
He is about 6 inches tall.
yep, makes me laugh every time I think of him. He lives at her house now.
Our priest recently challenged us to make plans for our funeral including any music that we want the gathering to sing. I was reminded of a compline hymn that captured my heart when the Sisters used to have sung compline. I realized over several retreats that the hymn had multiple verses in various places in the hymnal. I began to collect those verse to use during my own compline prayer time at home. Suddenly I could not longer remember the melody.
I am not very good at sight reading music. I asked Sister Corinna to play the melody for me. She suggested we use the piano at St. Mary’s retreat center where I was staying. Later that evening I found it on YouTube!
The melody was written by Thomas Tallis who lived in the 1500s. It is called the Eighth tune for Compline. The video plays the song in the midst of the Compline service. Below are the lyrics.
1 All praise to thee, my God, this night, for all the blessings of the light: keep me, O keep me, King of kings, beneath thine own almighty wings.
2 Forgive me, Lord, for thy dear Son, the ill that I this day have done; that with the world, myself, and thee, I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.
3 O may my soul on thee repose, and with sweet sleep mine eyelids close; sleep that shall me more vigorous make to serve my God when I awake.
4 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
I was asked recently if I am writing to publish another book. I had scrapped the idea I thought was next. Then a new idea dropped into my heart. Actually it calls upon the old ideas I have been given. Thinking about collecting object lessons the Lord has given me over the years to keep me on the narrow path with him.
Here is one entry entitled “Why I Needed These Lessons.”
Here is one example. As I tried to learn how to follow Jesus and live for the Kingdom I began to realize one very large problem I would need to confront repeatedly was my tongue.
My words would often wound my children and my husband. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” – James 3:5
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” – Psalm 141:3
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” – James 1:26
Oh, I had a tongue! And I had never learned much about how to tame it. I determined that with God’s help I would begin to learn the taming process. That process often required apologies when it got away from me and hurt those I lived with.
I learned that we could offer sacrifices to our God. I found a small stone that looked to me to be a perfect altar. I found a tiny plastic sword in a restaurant sandwich. Then I created a clay tongue and pierced it upon that stone. It sat for many years in my kitchen windowsill as a reminder to me to give it over to God. I began to continuously ask for the power of the Holy One to come and tame that small part of my body that could so quickly run to evil and destruction when lashed upon others.
I used to teach the children that God created us to praise Him. I would then encourage them (and myself) to praise more and grumble less. Now I had to use that same lesson for my own tendency to use my tongue as a whip instead of an encouraging force.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” James 1:19 Such a simple sentence to read and so very difficult to learn how to live! Slow to speak, slow to anger. I do not know which fought more to be in the forefront of my life, my Irish or German heritage.
The children are grown now and have children of their own. I am still wrestling with this tongue. I think I do better now in relation to them. I still have a challenge when I am tired or in pain. Then I tend to speak without thinking, and sadly, Bob usually takes the brunt of what I say. I have given him scars over the years and there are times when he thinks my tone of voice is meaning something I do not intend. God forgive me, I pray.
I think this discipline will continue until I take my last breath. There are times I think I should reconstruct the stone altar and the clay tongue. I am sure I have a plastic sword some place around here. Lord, deliver me from this tongue which I am so slow to bridle. Help me be quick to hear, slow to speak.
Maybe in this day and age I just need to get it literally pierced as a reminder?
Nah, not feeling it. Besides I would likely get it infected!
What sort of child were you? When my dad would take us to the corner Pony Keg and let us buy candy my sister would usually eat all of hers, sometimes before we got back home. I was more likely to eat some of mine and set it aside for later. More than once she would ask to have some of mine, too. I usually said no, knowing she had been given the as me amount as me.
Recently Bob laughingly questioned a purchase I made. Last Christmas I found dark chocolate covered Rolos with sea salt caramel inside. We loved them and I put them in the candy dish gradually and slowly until they were gone. I was unable to find any more to purchase for us.
Then I found them online at a place called Candy in Bulk. I ordered the smallest, (a five pound bag). Once they arrived I found an empty plastic jar to store them in. Again, I am putting them out gradually in the candy dish. This amount ought to last us for quite some time!
Wrapped in my favorite color!
So which type of person are you? Do you eat all of your candy at once and then ask others for some of theirs? Or are you able to ration it out to yourself slowly and make it last? Bob is known for getting a large candy bar and slicing it up into small bites to consume over time. Caution, that does not work well with ones that have a gooey filling!
Are you like my sister or me? If you seek out those Rolos from last year, I bought them in a bag (as pictured above) and they had a snowflake on each wrapper. The ones I bought in bulk have a purple foil wrapper. They are yummy!
Which tendency is better? Do these attitudes towards the candy reflect scarcity thinking or abundance? “Scarcity mindset is more than just not having enough; it’s a deep-seated belief that resources, opportunities, and even love are limited. This way of thinking makes us feel like we’re constantly in a competition, always worried that someone else’s gain means our loss.” https://mindsetonline.com/scarcity-vs-abundance-mindset-whats-the-difference/
“The abundance mindset is all about seeing the world through a lens of plenty, not lack. It means believing that there are enough resources, opportunities, and successes for everyone, including ourselves. It’s a way of thinking that focuses on what we have and what’s possible, rather than dwelling on what’s missing.” (same website as above)
As more and more shelves at the stores fill up with Christmas candies and trappings, I hope you find whatever delights your heart! It is only early October and already I am oversaturated with Christmas materialism. When the junk in the stores gets to me I find myself whispering a thank you to Jesus for his birth and the goodness he fills our lives with, in spite of the materialism that tries to make a buck off my faith.
“Honey from the rock” usually refers to the unlikely possibility of finding sustenance from a rock. God provides for us in any number of ways! May the sweetness of his presence fill your mouth like honey from the rock, or caramel from a Rolo.
I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. Psalm 81:16
Fifty-five more years would not give me time to list all of the ways!
wedding rehearsal
the actual wedding
lunch with our best friendsfamily dinner celebration of birthdays and anniversaryright after his knee replacement surgeryexploring the wonders of the earthhow I love those hands
He has invested his life in mine. He knows me better than anyone else on earth. The compassion and grace that flows from him is beyond my words. His humor is sometimes tiring, but usually has me in giggles. The perspective he brings to me is invaluable. I have seen him give of himself to a fault. His determination to heal after this knee surgery is at times scary. Take it easy, my man. You are well on your way to full healing from this!
I cannot tell you how much I love him. Life without him is beyond my comprehension. Over the years we have talked about who will die first. I am saying it must be him. He is saying his lungs will not outlast me. Lord, only you know.
And I know Lord, you are able to keep us in all of our ways. Thank you for this man who blesses my life beyond telling.
Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25 NSRVUE
Recently Lectio used this prayer. I really like it.
Abba, Father, loving creator and sustainer of all things. You are God for me. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, saviour of the world. You are God with me. Holy Spirit, breath of God, bringer of holiness, peace and joy. You are God in me.
The Trinity I worship is always present even when I fail to recognize the fact. Our worship bulletin shared this prayer one week.
O Almighty God, who pours out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication: Deliver us, when we draw near to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; thorough Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
That same day I was asked to help serve communion. I consider it a privilege to share the cup of wine with others. This particular morning I almost burst into tears when I realized the choir was singing In the Garden, the song my mother taught me. I had to compose myself and focus upon holding the cup and placing it where my fellow church members needed it, for them to dip their wafer or sip from with their lips. It took all my composure not to burst into tears of gratitude. Here I was sixty years after choosing the Episcopal Church, having buried both my parents and all those worship themes combined and blessed me immensely. Oh how things are orchestrated to bring us joy!!
The prayer above reflects my heart. Abba, Father, You are God for me. Lord Jesus Christ, You are God with me. Holy Spirit, Your are God in me.
May my God be glorified in all that I do, think, and say.
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3 NRSUE
Pat has her birthday celebration today! Greetings my friend (albeit a few days late) then is our wedding anniversary 55!! 55!! 55!! then Grandgirl Lizzie has a birthday the same day as anniversary and a couple days later our son-in-law Dave’s birthday. Lots to rejoice over in September.
I can barely comprehend that this year has flown past so quickly. Bob is definitely on the mend from his knee replacement surgery. He is allowed to drive and drove himself to meet his friend for coffee at Micky D’s this morning.
We had 1/4 inch of rain yesterday. Hoping for much much more this week. The leaves are raining all over the deck and back yard. Neighbor houses coming into view as they fall.
This is a month of rejoicing and celebrating the change of seasons. Few of us in Cincinnati are sad to see the upper 80s depart. I used to say if it was 70 degrees before 9AM we were in for a scorcher. We have been fortunate to go below 70 at night the last X# of weeks. Grateful for a little bit lower temperatures.
The aphids ate my nasturtiums and the spray to be rid of them killed the plants. Oh my. Need a better plan next year. Last year I had flowers right into late October. Sad about this year.
I injured my right pinky last week. Wearing a splint that catches on the signal arms in the car. Waiting for radiologist to read the x-ray to determine if I broke it or not. Still purple and painful four days later. It is always SOMETHING with this body.
Becky at our crochet group brought us the idea of the crocheted pumpkins. First thing in a while I have been excited to create. One online pattern showed how to crochet a stem. One suggested using a stick fro a stem. I kind of like both ways!
When I injured my pinky I could not crochet at all that first day. Then was able to do a little bit the next day. Of course, I had ordered yarn and purchased yarn in various pumpkin shades. As it arrived I was a bit distressed wondering how many pumpkins I could even make. I want some to share with friends as well as decorate our home. I think I can do a bit more today.
I hope to write more this week than in the last two. Bob sees knee surgeon this week and will hopefully get to be rid of the compression socks. Getting them over his heel with only 9 fingers has been as interesting twist. He can pull them up after the heel challenge.
Ha! medical report just arrived. No acute fracture of my finger. “Degenerative change is seen in the interphalangeal joints with fusion across the fifth DIP joint,” There you have it. I have my mother’s old arthritic fingers and this one is now in living color!
Out of focus bruised pinky
Hope your autumn is unfolding in glorious colors and with joy.
The introduction photo is the grandstand at Moler Raceway.
Many years ago our daughter (who is now 50) won tickets to a dirt race track for LOUD cars. That began a family tradition. At first we drove way out to the country for the event. Then a newer track was built closer to home and that became our go to.
They race modified cars on a quarter mile race track. The size varies from little ones (that sound like angry bees to us) to V-8 engines that can threaten you with hearing loss. In fact, my apple watch warned me more than once regrading the noise level. I forgot to take ear plugs and eventually bought some for $1.00.
Several times earlier this summer we planned to attend, but the heat and humidity were just too much for use to endure. We went last Friday night. I packed two zip lock bags of peanuts in the shell. We took our insulated water bottles. The snack bar was actually reasonably price be it a soda, corn dog or chili fires. There were six family members in all. We wanted to finish our snacks before the races as an open plate of pizza would just invite ‘eating dirt.’
The owners always wet down the track prior to the race. However, with cars in sets of 5-10 going around it at 50-85 miles per hour it does not take long for the dirt to fly. I was smart enough to wear a ball cap and old clothing. I did not remember to take a hoodie or a sheet for protection. My bandana was soon soaked from perspiration and after a few laps I wondered it I was smearing mud on my face? There were a couple near crashes and the race was stopped while the track was cleared. No one was injured while we were there.
Here are some photo examples. The great news is that everyone was getting dirty!
Solid gray pack with fine layer of dirt!
Bob and I sat side by side. We were both tidy when we arrived. We do not have freckles on our legs. Get a load of this!
My solid black shorts. Our speckled legs.
Yes, a great time was had by all as we watched the various hot laps and races. The announcer was unintelligible. The family tradition lived on for another year!
While in the line for refreshments I had great fun telling Rowan about one year when he spent the night with us after the races. He is now 14. At the time he was quite a bit younger. When we got home that night I told him he had to take a shower. He balked and put up a fight. When I told him the story he shook more dirt off himself and said, “Gross!” I told him I agreed!
And the first time we took Ellie (now 20) the announcer was able to be understood. He was saying the names of the drivers. Ellie in full playground voice turned around and asked us, “Did he say Weasel Roads?” Indeed he had! If I could have found shirt with that drivers name on it I would have bought it for her in a heartbeat.
If you are there and get bored with the races, you can always people watch. This year they were selling something like 5 aluminum beer bottles in a sack of ice to keep them cold. One little girl had great fun playing with the ice. (I wondered if I could have just bought the ice?) She eventually put some up the leg of her dad’s shorts. The family did not think it was as funny when she tried it on her grandpa!
We left a halftime, our usual departure. Everyone but the retirees had worked that day and some had to work the next morning.
I hope you have some sort of family tradition to keep the joy and mirth flowing through the dog days of summer.
Grateful Living posted Thomas Merton wrote, “In a world of noise, confusion and conflict, it is necessary that there is a place of inner silence and peace; not the peace of mere relaxation but the peace of inner clarity and love.”
Remember my post about where daughters go to die? I shared it with a new friend. She is quite talented with poetry, photography and music. She took my barely understandable tune on staff paper and sent me an audio file through messages where she sang it back to me. (Ain’t technology grand?”) I mean it. This was unthinkable a decade ago! She was at the farm in Adams County at the time. There are cicadas and crickets in the background. I am absolutely delighted. I played it often these past few days to keep myself centered in surrender and the Presence of God.
When she returned home she sent me an audio file with the piano added.
I am trying to learn how to upload these so each of you can hear it. Not making much progress with Sound Cloud which WordPress says I should use. Grrr – old dog, new tricks. I finally found another way to convert it.
And the piano chords? Well, only the singing loaded so far. On to other writing and stay tuned for updates!
Years ago, after I dropped my son off at nursery school I drove around enjoying some quiet with God. I wound up in a cemetery I had never been to before. I had been praising and singing a good part of the morning. I came up the steep curved driveway and much to my surprise there was this huge tombstone with a simple word daughters.
photo taken more than 45 years ago
I had been studying William Law and the idea of dying to self. I was struck with the idea that this is the place where daughters come to die. As a daughter of the King of kings, the will of God is more important than my will. I was at the place in my walk where I realized that obedience to the King is more important than what I want in any given situation.
That same morning I heard a worship chorus. It goes, “Total surrender brings total power, Spirit of Christ in me, totally yielded to Thee every hour, until Thy will I see. Death to my passions and every desire, living wholly for Thee, have Your own way Spirit of Love, totally flow through me.”
Recently, I drove to the same cemetery and the headstone is terribly discolored.
photo August 3, 2025
I decided to return and try and clean it. Online it said to use vinegar water with maybe a drop of dish soap in it and a soft brush. My husband went with me. We took a gallon of water and scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed. It did look better when we were finished, but still discolored.
August 4, 2025 Prior to second scrubbing
Recently, we’ve had some family trouble. With all the stress, I was having difficulty concentrating on writing, so I decided to return to the cemetery and scrub some more. This time I took a baking soda solution, another internet idea. On the way there I remembered the chorus about total surrender. It was so fitting because in this family situation I have no influence and no control over the outcome. Once there as I got my supplies out of the car and climbed a little hill to the headstone, I began singing the chorus. I was reminded once again that this place of surrender to God is the healthiest and happiest place for me to be.
I will go back tomorrow take another photo and see how the daughter’s grave is looking. In the meanwhile I will do my best to stayed yielded to God my Father and Mother.
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. But you refused Isaiah 30:15 NRSVUE
And Samuel said,
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to the voice of the Lord? Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice and to heed than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22 NRSVUE
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you.” John 14:15-17 NRSVUE
Treasures in Plain Sight, A Christian Blog 