Minus

What does minus mean?
I never want to minus you.
                                                      ~ "One Boy Told Me," by Naomi Shihab Nye

~End Quote

Faith Says . . .

I have to believe
That He sees my darkness
I have to believe
He knows my pain
I have to lift up
My hands to worship
Worship His name

I have to declare
That He is my refuge
I have to deny
That I am alone
I have to lift up
My eyes to the mountain
It's where my help comes from

Oh yeah
He said that He's forever faithful
He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

Oh, I have to stand tall
When the wind blows me over
I have to stand strong
When I'm weak and afraid
I have to grab hold
A hold of the garments
The garments of praise

I know, I know, I know
Cause He said that He's forever faithful
And He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

I have to sing praise
When the hour is midnight
He unlocks these chains
That bind up my soul
My sin and my shame
He has forgiven and made me whole

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Cause He said that He's forever faithful
And He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
He said that He can move mountains
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

I have to believe
I have to believe
He's got everything under control
I have to believe
Lord, I believe
Help my unbelief
I have to believe in You
I have to believe

~ End Quote

G'day!

Morning sun
and morning glories
pouring down the hill,
through my window
I can feel the ocean breeze 

Noisy sparrows
fill the oak trees
swallows can't stay still,
and in the glad commotion
Lord, you speak to me 

CHORUS:
If rain clouds come
or the cold winds blow
You're the one
who goes before me
and in my heart I know 

This good day
it is a gift from You
The world is turning in its place
because You made it to
I lift my voice
to sing a song of praise
on this good day 

I will walk
to Woodman's Cove
the fishing boats are leaving
seagulls follow
just above the water 

I will wait until the sunset
brings them home again,
rigging lines and anchors
in the harbor.

~ Fernando Ortega

~End Quote

Alone?

I look for you in the middle of the night

Savior and guardian of my soul

From highest heaven You hear my call

And in my trouble You comfort and hold me

I long for You when I cannot hear Your voice

And my heart is dry as the dust

Oh Lord, be near me if I should fall

And show me how to believe and to trust

You alone

There is no one else beside you

In the darkest night

In the wilderness

There is no one else beside you

At Your feet I cry

In Your arms I rest

I hope in You and Your promise to return

With angels and dark clouds of thunder

When death and evil and sorrow flee away

And all creation will bow and proclaim

You alone

There is no one else beside You

You will fill the sky

When You come again

There is no one else beside You

Heaven's only light

Burning without end

~Fernando Ortega

~ End Quote

The Place You Call Home

A borrowed prayer for my friends in whatever spot they find themselves calling "home" . . .

Grant them peace, most precious gift of all
Keep the worried world far away and small
When they return, may quiet fill their souls,
Dearest Lord, keep them safe within it's walls.

May the stone be cool beneath their feet.
The canyon breezes circle soft and sweet
When darkness falls, the stars and opal moon
Find them wrapped in each other, ever warm.

Chorus:
May it be a refuge for their love,
A harbor for their deepest prayer.
May they come to flourish in the grove,
Grow ever nearer to You there.

Many a burdened friend in their company rises,
A heavy heart is soon released to fly.
May their table be blessed with laughter and with grace
And by the comfort of kinship be surprised.

Chorus

May the cold wind blow far from their front door
May the winter rains never bring them harm
May their hearthfires burn throughout the night
Grant them peace until morning's perfect light.

Chorus

~Fernando Ortega

Try clicking here if you would like to listen.

~End Quote

Lavender Rain

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom.
~Marcel Proust

I peered into the bottom of the box and found a handful of blossoms waiting there. Smiling, I poured them into my glass, and they landed perfectly posed for the photograph.

Thanks again, from the bottom of my bloomin' heart, for such a thoughtful surprise!

~End Quote

Gentle Touch

It's Mother's Day again, isn't it?

Gardenias were Mama's favorite, and this wonderfully blooming bush was a gift to me on my first Mother's Day without her.  It speaks honor and comfort to me, and I wanted to pass it along on this morning.

Our dwarf varieties are in dressed in beautiful array, as well. The year that Mama passed away these bloomed continually from May until November, an unusually long season for my plants. In the fall, I was only seeing one or two flowers each day, and the last flower bloomed on Mama's birthday. That still makes me smile.

 

Happy Mother's Day, with love.

The Pursuit of Peace

Bear with me, please. I'm just dumping my study notes in here and you can check back as often as you like to see my progress. I don't like to post unfinished heart/mind business, but if it would build you up to read along as I work -- God be praised.

Primary Texts

Psalm 34:14

Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Context: Psalm 34:13-15

Romans 14:19

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Context: Romans 14:18-20

2 Timothy 2:22

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Context: 2 Timothy 2:21-23

Hebrews 12:14

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Context: Hebrews 12:13-15

1 Peter 3:11

Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

Context: 1 Peter 3:10-12

Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Context: Romans 12:18-21

I Thessalonians 5:13
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Context: Relationship between shepherd and flock.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Context: Matthew 5:9-12

Primary Hebrew and Greek Definitions

Original Word: רָדַף
Transliteration: radaph
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-daf')
Short Definition: pursued

Original Word: διώκω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: diókó
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-o'-ko)
Short Definition: I pursue, persecute
Definition: I pursue, hence: I persecute.

Companion Texts on "Harmony"

Psalm 133:1-3
Romans 12:16
I Peter 3:8
Romans 15:5
Philippians 2:2
Colossians 3:14
I Corinthians 1:10
Philippians 4:2 (He called names!)
Ephesians 4:3
II Corinthians 13:11
I Corinthians 12:25

My observations:

1. Note the proximity of many of the "harmony" verses to those mentioning the pursuit of peace.
2. While there appears to be, in many of these verses, an assumption that the individuals called to peace and harmony are believers, the phrase "all men" is used among them as well.
3. Still thinking and searching...

Commentaries on the Texts

That religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace' sake.
~Matthew Henry on Psalm 34:14

If it be possible - If it can be done. This expression implies that it could not always be done. Still it should be an object of desire; and we should endeavor to obtain it.
~Barnes on Romans 12:18

To live in a state of peace with one's neighbors, friends, and even family, is often very difficult. But the man who loves God must labor after this, for it is indispensably necessary even for his own sake. A man cannot have broils and misunderstandings with others, without having his own peace very materially disturbed: he must, to be happy, be at peace with all men, whether they will be at peace with him or not. The apostle knew that it would be difficult to get into and maintain such a state of peace, and this his own words amply prove: And if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably. Though it be but barely possible, labor after it.
~Clark on Romans 12:18

Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarreling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by willful offense given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offense to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it.
~Matthew Henry on Romans 14:19-23

See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practicing what God requires, than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Teaching, not persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in error.
~Matthew Henry on II Timothy 2:22

A burden of affliction is apt to make the Christian's hands hang down, and his knees grow feeble, to dispirit him and discourage him; but against this he must strive, that he may better run his spiritual race and course. Faith and patience enable believers to follow peace and holiness, as a man follows his calling constantly, diligently, and with pleasure. Peace with men, of all sects and parties, will be favorable to our pursuit of holiness. But peace and holiness go together; there can be not right peace without holiness. Where persons fail of having the true grace of God, corruption will prevail and break forth . . .
~Matthew Henry on Hebrews 12:12-14

The ministers of the gospel are described by the work of their office, which is to serve and honour the Lord. It is their duty not only to give good counsel, but also to warn the flock of dangers, and reprove for whatever may be amiss. The people should honour and love their ministers, because their business is the welfare of men's souls. And the people should be at peace among themselves, doing all they can to guard against any differences. But love of peace must not make us wink at sin. The fearful and sorrowful spirits, should be encouraged, and a kind word may do much good. We must bear and forbear. We must be long-suffering, and keep down anger, and this to all men. Whatever man do to us, we must do good to others.
~Matthew Henry on I Thessalonians 5:12-15 (additional motivation for the flock to live in peace)


~not End Quote

Reminder: IINYF!

The Gate

back home . . . back yard

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied:

“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.

And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So heart bestill:

What need our little life

Our human life to know,

If God hath comprehension?

In all the dizzy strife

Of things both high and low,

God hideth His intention.

God knows. His will

Is best. The stretch of years

Which wind ahead, so dim

To our imperfect vision,

Are clear to God. Our fears

Are premature; In Him,

All time hath full provision.

Then rest: until

God moves to lift the veil

From our impatient eyes,

When, as the sweeter features

Of Life’s stern face we hail,

Fair beyond all surmise

God’s thought around His creatures

Our mind shall fill.

~Minnie Louise Harkins 1875-1957

~End Quote

For the Overwhelmed

In the Morning

I remember the old days
The miracles of long ago
I reach my hand to You once more
Come and fill my thirsty soul.

Let me hear Your kindness, LORD -- in the morning
Let me see which way to go -- in the morning

The ones I fear have caught me
And pulled my hope to the ground
There's no escape for me
Somehow lift the darkness all around.

Let me hear Your kindness, LORD -- in the morning
Let me see which way to go -- in the morning

Oh, LORD, I trust in You
Oh, LORD, and to you I lift my soul
In the morning . . .

Let me hear Your kindness, LORD -- in the morning
Let me see which way to go -- in the morning

Psalm 143

Hear my prayer, O LORD,
Give ear to my supplications!
In Your faithfulness answer me,
And in Your righteousness.
Do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no one living is righteous.

For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in darkness,
Like those who have long been dead.
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
My heart within me is distressed.

I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your works;
I muse on the work of Your hands.
I spread out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah

Answer me speedily, O LORD;
My spirit fails!
Do not hide Your face from me,
Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.

Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies;
In You I take shelter.
Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.

Revive me, O LORD, for Your name’s sake!
For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
In Your mercy cut off my enemies,
And destroy all those who afflict my soul;
For I am Your servant.

~End Quote

Line of Fire

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself . . .

~Proverbs 27:12

~End Quote

Restore

My daughter leaned into the study, "Mom, does restoring your iTouch erase everything? It keeps asking me, 'Are you sure you want to do this?' -- but it's not like I have a choice . . ."

Restore! What a metaphor for this word nerd!

Are you sure you want to "restore?" Think about it. Do you have a choice?

What if you could truly restore your life, or some facet of it, to the "factory settings" -- the way things were before little bits and bytes of corruption crept into the code . . .

I submit that when it's time to restore, we really have no choice. Bless God, who alone holds that precious code and knows how to restore with gentleness!

[insert cleansing breath]

Oh, I think it best that I leave the metaphor before I muck up anything worth contemplating. Perhaps it is too late. ;-/ I leave it with you to draw your own thoughts from it.

In the meantime . . .

Want to consider another metaphor with me? (It's not another of my weak little stabs at figurative language, I promise.) When is the last time you read Psalm 23 and asked the LORD to make it fresh for you? To see Him in all His tenderness as your Shepherd?

"He restores my soul . . ." That is where I began; but as I read, the entire psalm came alive for me, phrase by phrase.

Restore. No longer a metaphor.



~ End Quote



* For the hapless reader who stumbles upon this page and chooses to extract some spiritual significance from the metaphor, let me be quick to say that I'm implying no original innocence or basic goodness in the natural state of mankind. Pardon my need to clarify and the brief station identification. ;-)

More About Wings . . . and Moms who give them

I just wonder how many times I have been searching for one thing (a song, an image, an article) -- only to stumble upon something else that took me by surprise and made me smile in awe, again, at the One who directs my steps.

I was looking for a really good arrangement of "Buongiorno Principessa" from the movie, Life is Beautiful. Until that day, almost two weeks ago, I had never heard of Mark Masri before. Beautiful voice! His recording marked the end of my search for that song.

Not only did I decide to purchase his arrangement of the song, I also listened to others and searched for videos of him, as well. In fact, one of the videos that I found also featured Jim Brickman. What a pair! The song is called, "A Mother's Love."

I quickly archived the video to post on my mother's birthday next month. I was just going to let it play with little comment from me. (I wrote my mother a song once, on Mother's Day, when I was fresh out of college. She loved it, but she only heard it once because I lost the lyrics and couldn't remember it later when she asked to hear it again. Years later she told others that I refused to play it for her -- ouch! Funny how the stories evolve . . .)

Anyway, I had originally planned to wait until the 6th of November to post this, but I've decided to let it spin a little early.

Thank you for watching over me
All of the sleepless nights you lay awake
Thank you for knowing when to hold me close
When to let me go
Thank you for every stepping stone
And for the path that always leads me home
I thank you for the time you took
To see the heart inside of me

You gave me the roots to start this life
And then you gave me wings to fly
And I learned to dream
Because you believed in me
There's no power like it on this earth
No treasure equal to its worth.
The gift of a mother's love.

Thank you for every sunlit day
That filled the corners of my memory
Thank you for every selfless unsung deed
I know you did for me
Thank you for giving me the choice
To search my soul till I could find my voice
And I thank you for teaching me
To be strong enough to bend

You gave me the roots to start this life
And then you gave me wings to fly
And I learned to dream
Because you believed in me
There's no power like it on this earth
No treasure equal to its worth.
The gift of a mother's love.

I thank God for a mother's love.

~ End Quote

From the First

From my first moment you gave me wings


Let me fly and believed in my dreams


From that first moment you cherished me so


The journey through life would be hard without you


You gave me all I have and all I know

From my first moment you would be there


In your arms lay the strength I now bear


From that first moment each day I have you


The seasons they change but your heart stays the same


You gave me all I have and all I know

From my first moment as time goes by


We drift endlessly through open skies


The journey through life would be hard without you


You gave me all I have and all I know

[Music by Erik Satie ~ Words by Sam Babenia ~ Arranged by Jesse Cook]

~ End Quote

Recipes

Memory is a peculiar thing, sometimes gentle and consoling, other times so painful. What a trigger of emotions it is! I suppose that's a given, and not terribly profound, but I'm really not trying to be profound.

This week, my friend lost her mom, and in listening to her speak from the depths of her loss, I heard myself. I don't just remember myself saying the very things she was saying -- I still say them now, three years after my own mother passed away.

For example, one thing that I feel so often is the desire -- the deep and intense longing -- to ask her questions. [Oh, Liz, I know you understand this.] Thankfully, my mother shared her thoughts with me freely and abundantly -- told me stories about herself and how she faced the many stages of her life with their varied joys and challenges, told me what it was like to mother me (poor soul), told me what her thoughts were about being a wife, a daughter, a niece, a mom . . . oh, my . . . she had answers for everything. I didn't always agree with her, but she had answers. More often than not, she had the answers. I am so grateful.

The most painful reality in all of this is that some of those answers were known only to her. And now they are gone with her. Just like that.

The day after I heard Liz's news, my dad called:"Hey! Do you remember how Mama used to bake chicken? I have the recipe, but it's incomplete." He continued telling me every detail of that recipe, and everything he could remember about that silly chicken dish, while my eyes filled with tears. I could have handled it on some other day, but not on that one. I was so glad he kept talking!

This morning I spoke with another friend who is also deeply saddened by Liz's loss. Ann began to speak of her own mother, whom she lost 20 years ago. She described the ache that just surfaced when she could not find (I should not have been surprised) -- one of her mother's recipes. ;-(

I have shared in the past about a special journal that my mother kept. Unlike her private journals, this one was written to be shared. Tonight I was poking through it and paused on a question that asked, "What was your favorite meal when you were a child? What made it your favorite?" Right there in the middle of the page was a recipe for chili. Of course.

I wonder how many daughters have felt the same over something as simple as a recipe? I wonder how many still reach for the phone when they just need to know? In so many ways, I find myself saying,

"I have the recipe, but it's incomplete."

~ End Quote

Heart Melt

To "melt" at another's woe, at your woe -- how very real that is, my dear friend. My heart has been taught by more than time, though, I think. . .

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

~ II Corinthians

I love you.






~End Quote

The Winds' Longing

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet

and the winds long to play with your hair.

~ Kahlil Gibran


~ End Quote (excerpt from The Prophet)

First you boil an egg . . .

Did you know one egg contains six grams of high-quality protein, all nine essential amino acids, and just five grams of fat? -- And only 1.5 of that is saturated fat. It's true!

~ allrecipes.com

Delicious Egg Salad for Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 8 eggs

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

• 1/4 cup chopped green onion

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Place egg in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

2. Place the chopped eggs in a bowl, and stir in the mayonnaise, mustard and green onion. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Stir and serve on your favorite bread or crackers.

Jen's Heavenly Egg Salad

Ingredients

• 6 eggs

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

• 1/2 lemon, juiced

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place egg in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool and peel. For faster cooling, place the eggs in an ice bath before peeling.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice and green onions. Chop the eggs into big chunks and mix gently with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper.

Egg Salad I

Ingredients

• 8 eggs

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard

• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 red onion, minced

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

2. In a large bowl, combine the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, dill, paprika, onion and salt and pepper. Mash well with a fork or wooden spoon.

3. Serve on bread as a sandwich or over crisp lettuce as a salad.

Egg Salad III

Ingredients

• 8 eggs

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 2 tablespoons chopped pimento-stuffed green olives

Directions

1. Place eggs in a medium saucepan with enough cold water to cover, and bring to a boil. Cover saucepan, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel, and chop.

2. In a large bowl, mix eggs, mayonnaise, pepper, and paprika. Mash with a potato masher or fork until smooth. Gently stir in the olives. Refrigerate until serving.

Awesome Egg Salad with a Kick

Ingredients

• 12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped

• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion

• 1/4 cup real bacon bits (or not)

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a medium bowl, stir together the eggs, mayonnaise, sour cream, paprika, mustard, horseradish, red onion and bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving.

Footnotes

Making hard-cooked eggs - Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool under cold running water, peel and chop.

Smoked Salmon and Egg Salad

Ingredients

• 12 eggs

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 red onion, chopped

• 5 ounces diced smoked salmon

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

2. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, celery, onion, smoked salmon and mayonnaise. Season with dill, salt and pepper. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to allow flavors to combine.

Notes:

1. All recipes are shamelessly ripped from allrecipes.com.

2. The image is also ripped without credit from the web.

3. Why doesn't the first ingredient of the recipe simply read, "12 boiled eggs" . . .? Just wonderin'.

4. I have tried none of these recipes. The last one is on my "soon" list.

5. If you wondered about "Egg Salad II" . . . don't.

~ End Quote

Discernment!

Me: Miss Liz loves you very much.
Jack: Very, very, very much. Does she love me more than anything else?
Me: Well, I don't know about that.
Jack: I think she loves God more than anything else.

~ End Quote

Farewell . . . Redux!

“Are we going to see you again?”

“When are we going to see you again?”
“Is that a long time?”
~Jack

The LORD bless you, my dear friends, as you travel.
We love you so much and are truly thankful that you came to see us.


~ End Quote