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.
There is some advertisement on TV that has been playing this old song. It catches in my brain and then I can’t stop singing it. What does it say about our lives today?
I think there are few places where I can go where one can “give me land, lots of land under starry skies above, Don’t fence me in. Let me ride through the wide open country that I love, Don’t fence me in. Let me be by myself in the evenin’ breeze, listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees, Send me off forever but I ask you please, Don’t fence me in.”
Of course, there are the expressways through America. Come to think of it the song is probably being used by a car company.
Turns out the lyrics were a poem written by ” Robert Fletcher, a poet and engineer with the Department of Highways in Helena, Montana. Cole Porter, who had been asked to write a cowboy song for the 20th Century Fox musical, bought the poem from Fletcher for $250. Porter reworked Fletcher’s poem, and when the song was first published, Porter was credited with sole authorship. Porter had wanted to give Fletcher co-authorship credit, but his publishers did not allow it. ” Wikipedia
“After the song became popular, however, Fletcher hired attorneys who negotiated his co-authorship credit in subsequent publications. Although it was one of the most popular songs of its time, Porter claimed it was his least favorite of his compositions.” Wikipedia
I never want to forget that our United States of America is made up of so much land, and so varied in type and variety! We happened upon a television channel called Naturescape. We have been watching an episode entitled Death Valley. When we visited there we were amazed at the variety in the landscape. So VERY different from Southwest Ohio!
I was hoping I could catch the glow from the recent volcano eruption for you. The emphasis today was the Meteor shower which we were totally unable to see here due to cloudy conditions.
Watch. Be amazed. Thank the Lord for this amazing land where we live!
A reminder: A glimmer is anything that makes you smile and pause in joy. “A glimmer is the exact opposite of a trigger—it is some kind of cue, either internal or external, that brings one back to a sense of joy, safety, or comfort.” from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-glimmer-5323168
I was getting ready to write this post. I looked up at the meal worm feeder outside my window. SIX no kidding SIX lovely bluebirds crowding for a place at the ‘table.’ What an incredible blessing! We have not seen that many here for quite a time.
“Thank you for the world so sweet, Thank you for the food we eat. Thank you for the birds that sing, Thank you God for everything.” author unknown
“The maple tree puts on her fancy party dress, green with yellow and red spangles.” That is how the maple trees appear to me in autumn. I was driving past the library the other day. There was a mess in the road. Nope! stopped the car to capture the decorations from the cypress. Not to be outdone by the maple, the cypress threw her needles as far as the wind would carry them.
Inches deep along the roadside.
Several days later they were still there!
I drove into a local park to check out the new construction they have been doing on the facilities. I saw another car park. The woman let a Basset Hound out of the car door. She merely dropped the leash upon the ground. Then she went around to the other door and brought out a beagle on a leash. Basset was simply moseying around taking a sniff here and there. Made me wonder how long it had been since he had run any place at all! Giant ears, stumpy legs.
Remember this guy from childhood? Could you name it any name besides Droopy?
May the month of December be filled with glimmers for you! May you find countless treasures in plain sight!
Pilgrim Gnome saying “Raise your turkey leg high in thanks to God!”
When I cook a turkey or chicken I try to use the bones to make broth for gravy or soups. This year I had 2 turkeys to cook. If you have ever processed bones for broth, especially turkey bones, you know what a mess it can be. Turkey is very oily. First you simmer the bones and then strain them out of the broth. I did the first batch in the Crockpot for hours and hours. After I processed the first carcass I thought to myself, “Nope! I am not going to do the second one. That is enough.” After letting the broth chill I skim off any fat that has risen to the top. I then freeze the broth in Ball jars for future use. The house smells delightfully of turkey, turkey, turkey!
Then my son taught me that if I caramelize the bones in the oven and then simmer, the broth will be even better. Of course, I was challenged to try his method. I keep telling that young man he should write a cookbook!
Simmering with vegetables to reduce into a rich broth.
Of course, my son, the chef, was absolutely correct. The next batch of broth was stunning. Best gravy I have made in years.
We had a lively feast with a prayer of thanksgiving and much stuffing into mouths. Dressing, two kinds of sweet potatoes, gravy, butter rolls made from scratch, mashed potatoes, turkey and more turkey. The person bringing the corn pudding had to work so alas we had none of that. The pies were tasty as was the made from scratch banana sugar-free pudding. (Except the cookies in it were not sugar free.) Gourmet cookies that sent my glucose soaring, but oh yum. Those were dangerous!
Is there something you do traditionally with your turkey bones or other holiday meal? I encourage you to write it down for your family. They will eventually benefit from what you learn along the way!
I make a cream soup with wild rice and turkey. It ought to be outrageously good with this new broth!
So about all I had left to do was to make the pumpkin pies for the celebration. I also planned to make my almost sugarless pumpkin filling for my diabetic self. In case you are not aware, pumpkin pie filling is a custard that starts out incredibly runny and firms up as it bakes.
I was using my Kitchen aid mixer which I am still getting accustomed to.
A screw fell out of the mixer, but I was so grateful it did not go into the filling! I went to turn the mixer off and slid the switch the wrong direction. (See that sliding button above that says stir 2 4 6 8 10?) Wrong direction is 10!! Pumpkin filling flew everywhere as I turned the mixer to high instead of off. I had pumpkin filling splashed on my new lilac sneakers. Pumpkin down the cabinets. Later I found pumpkin on the dining room rug. Pumpkin all over the mixer itself. Pumpkin on the quilted pad under the mixer. Could I stay calm and grateful even then? Tough doing that.
I finally got the pies in the oven. Cancelled the plan for my filling. Geesh, what a mess!! I usually have too much filing for the two deep dish pie crusts. I use a baking bowl like my mother had for the left over. I figured no leftover with this mess. Much to my surprise there was some leftover!
They really were round though they look oval here!
After the pies baked I went to take a nap. When I awoke there was a leak from under our fridge. I thought maybe the door ice dispenser had a jam that had opened. Nope, too much water for that. I noticed the bottom ice maker had stopped making ice. Bob was able to pull this incredible heavy refrigerator/freezer out on its rollers. Yep! It was filthy back there. We cleaned that up, but still could not find the source for the leak. Bob watched a few repair videos and decided it was too much for him to deal with. We turned off the lower ice maker to see if that would help. Leak stopped.
Huge load of towels and laundry between the pie filling and the leak!
We bought a bag of ice for the celebration. WHAT A DAY!!
Our son came early to the celebration and offered to check out the freezer ice maker. We asked that he wait until after the celebration. He has learned so much in his job as an apartment complex maintenance person. He had never repaired this brand, but took a look after dessert was over.
In moments he had the back off the motor area. Then the ice drawer was out of the freezer, then the entire lower drawer. I do not know exactly how, but he got it working. We cleaned up the water from where the leak began during the testing. Another load or two of laundry from the dinner napkins, table cloths and towels.
I sent him home with lots of pumpkin pie! Oh what a relief it is not to need to call a repairman on a holiday! Thanks Jeff! You are the best!!
And yes, the pies were a hit!
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
Grant us strength and grace, O God, that we might move through today folding in humble obedience to you, sensitivity of your Spirit, and in joyful expectancy of your coming kingdom." A Liturgy of the Hours Midday, Volume 1
That phrase ‘folding in humble obedience to you,’ that just brought me up short. Folding in humble obedience to you. Yes, Lord, I want to be that sort of obedient.
Have you ever tried to carry an unruly child, one kicking and screaming, squirming to get down out of your arms? God does not want us to be like that.
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; 4 even to your old age I am he; even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:3-4 NRSVUE
Even to old age and gray hair, (or no hair), God wants to be involved in our life.
Will we cooperate with those wishes?
Will we bend our heart in humble obedience, sensitivity to God’s Spirit, and in joyful expectancy of the coming kingdom? I hope and pray you will join me in this sort of yielding.
Grateful Living says: Brother David Steindl-Rast — 99 year-old author, scholar, and Benedictine monk — is beloved the world over for his enduring message about gratefulness as the true source of lasting happiness. Known to many as the “grandfather of gratitude,” Br. David has been a source of inspiration and spiritual friendship to countless leaders and luminaries around the world including Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Thomas Merton, and more. He has been one of the most important figures in the modern interfaith dialogue movement, and has taught with thought-leaders such as Eckhart Tolle, Jack Kornfield, and Roshi Joan Halifax. His wisdom has been featured in recent interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Krista Tippett, and Tami Simon and his TED talk has been viewed almost 10,000,000 times. Brother David Steindl-Rast
Imagine a country whose citizens—maybe even its leaders—are brave, calm, and open towards each other; a country whose people realize that all human beings belong together as one family and must act accordingly. Br. David Steindl-Rast
Brave
Calm
Open to each other
One family
That would be amazing, wouldn’t it? Maybe we can begin today. Just each one of us reading this trying to live out the message and make a difference, right where we are, right now!
This man is a young father to three boys. He is happily married and works really hard for the kingdom of God. He has gained much renown as a singer and songwriter. His performances delight millions of people, especially the young people. Yet, he made time to touch the life of this child and pray over her. His hat commemorates a recent album entitled King of Hearts. While posting this I listened to teh interview several times. I finally had to stop or begin weeping with joy.
Forty-five seconds to bring you this blessing today!
Here is the video and below the lyrics for King of Hearts. Song is 4-1/2 minutes
I saw the nails I heard the hammer King of the Jews Carved into a wooden banner
Made you a crown Bloodied your temple You could have come down But in silence we both trembled
You gave your life I gave you nothing You poured me grace I poured you poison But still you drank My cup of shame
With all that I’ve done Could I be forgiven Is there still a way To enter your kingdom I’m just a thief Beside a king King of hearts
I looked to my side I only had seconds Please remember we met When you’re seated high in Heaven
He spoke in a whisper Looking deep in my eyes Said son this time tomorrow We will be in paradise
You gave your life I gave you nothing You poured me grace That blood keeps on running A love so great You took my place
After all that I’ve done I’ve been forgiven Those scars made a way To enter your kingdom On golden streets Beside a king
King of the poor King of the lowly King of the broken King of the lonely King of the hopeless King of the gone too fars King of hearts
King of the lost King of the guilty King of the misfits King of the filthy King of the critics King of the brand new start King of hearts
You gave your life I gave you nothing You poured me grace That blood keeps on running A love so great You took my place
After all that I’ve done I’ve been forgiven Those scars made a way To enter your kingdom On golden streets Redeemed and free A beloved thief Right beside his king King of hearts
My Dad died so long ago and my mom almost as long ago (fifty years ago). It is sad when one can no longer remember traits of a parent. I know stories about them, but the actual sound of their voice or personal traits, not so much. In this day and age of digital recordings, hopefully some of you might have a copy of your parent’s voice?
If not, how do you fill that gap? At age eleven or twelve when I realized that no one could replace my Dad, I began to pursue God. Even that lofty pursuit left holes and tears in the fabric of my living.
I have learned that the Trinity loves me tenderly like a mother, shields me daily like a father.
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” – Isaiah 66:13
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” – Matthew 23:37
The term “El Shaddai” translates to “God Almighty” or “the God who is sufficient.” It originates from ancient Hebrew, where “El” refers to God, and “Shaddai” is thought to denote strength or mountains, symbolizing power and stability. Some scholars suggest “Shaddai” comes from the root word “shad,” meaning “breast,” emphasizing God’s nurturing and protective qualities. https://biblicalchronology.com/what-is-the-biblical-meaning-of-el-shaddai/
One of the best loved Psalms declaring God’s protection is 91.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91 NIV
May you find nurture and protection, shelter and relationship in your fellowship with God.
Every avalanche begins with the movement of a single snowflake, and my hope is to move a snowflake.
THOMAS FREY
Doesn’t that make you want to DO something? This morning we are having our first snowfall of the season. It won’t accumulate much, but there is snow on the grassy places and on most every rooftop. Almost every plant is bowed over, not from the weight of the snow but the bitter cold. Wind chills are in the 20’s and teens. The birds are crowding the feeder.
Where do you need an avalanche in your sphere of influence? Can you attempt to move a snowflake and begin needed change? An avalanche is usually destructive, but what if that avalanche just clears away accumulated, unwanted debris?
Thomas Frey hopes to move a snowflake. What do you hope to do? Here is a little video from Nat Geo. Enjoy!
This leaf was the day before the snowfall. Yes, one was face up and next one was face down.
What would change if I moved some of the things cluttering up life? Bob cleans every drawer and closet annually. Not exactly an avalanche, but when I do it there tends to be a huge donation pile for Goodwill. As the weather brings us indoors more and more I look forward to moving some snowflakes and creating avalanches of unnecessary items to be taken out of here.
It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy. You have filled us and all creation with your blessing and fed us with your constant love; you have redeemed us in Jesus Christ and knit us into one body. Through your Spirit you replenish us and call us to fullness of life. The Great Thanksgiving, BCP
Yes, Father God, move heaven and earth to help us uncomplicate our lives and give more and more of our attention to the Holy Trinity. May we yield to you with grace and peace.
Treasures in Plain Sight, A Christian Blog 