Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Clouds Moving In

The sky was incredible this morning with the clouds moving in.  The second picture was taken just a minute after the first, and the last picture was taken about ten minutes after the second.  What a difference from the first picture to the last even though it was just minutes between them.  Our lives change just as quickly, but what a comfort to know God is constant.  I found Him today in the ever-changing beauty of our world.




Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Spirit Surge

We have another camellia blooming at the corner of our deck (different than the one I wrote about last week).  It's a paler pink, and I think this is the first time it's bloomed since we moved here five years ago.  So I went over to look at it after my walk this morning, and as I turned away towards the pond in the back of our house, I got a "spirit surge".  I don't know how else to describe it.  From time to time, I get this sudden feeling of filling up with light, peace, contentment.  It's like I'm literally breathing in God and seeing the world with new eyes.  It only lasts a few moments, but it's an amazing feeling that leaves me a little breathless.  It's like an electrical surge when the lights all shine brighter except it feels like God is amping up the voltage in my spirit...in my soul.  I stood there a few moments looking at the pond, enjoying the touch of a breeze on my face, and just relishing the feeling.  I can't do it justice with my words - "spirit surge" is the best I can come up with - but I had to try because that is where I found God today.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Stolen Time

I read this quote by Harry Emerson Fosdick today in The Trumpeter (our church newsletter) - "Finding God is really letting God find us; for our search for Him is simply to surrender to His search for us."  That sums up this blog so perfectly.  Some days my blog ideas just jump out at me.  But most days when it's time to write I sit and pray; asking God to show me what I should write about that day.  It really is a surrender to Him. So each day when I write "that is where I found God today", what's really happening is I've opened myself to Him; and that's what He's highlighted in my day.
Today, He highlighted a few stolen moments this morning.  Jeff had to leave for Maryland today, and Monday is always a busy day anyway.  We're usually running around right up until it's time for him to go.  But today, we stopped and sat together for about ten minutes.  It wasn't a long time, but it was enough to re-connect spiritually before he left.  It was a much needed and welcome little oasis of stolen time before the next few days apart.  And that is where I found God today (or He found me!).

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Praying with Helen

I had Healing Team duties with Helen today.  I'm so fond of Helen.  She and her husband both exude a warmth and kindness that I've felt since I first met them.  We prayed together before the service and then during the service for anyone who needed it.  I've prayed with Helen before, but today was different.  Ask anyone on the Healing Team, and they'll tell you that you don't have to be particularly eloquent - just be heartfelt.  Helen is both. However, today it wasn't just that.  Today she was so quick to start praying and so eager and open to the Spirit that she was like a force.  I definitely found God - and felt Him there with us - praying with Helen today.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

A Better Place

 Jeff and I decided to take a drive down to the National Seashore this morning.  It's so beautiful there, and it's been a while since we've made the trip.  When we started the drive, I was not in the best of moods.  No real reason for it - just one of those things. But as we got to talking, we started reminiscing about this particularly funny incident that happened last summer.  We relayed the story back and forth, taking turns telling it because we both know it so well.  I started laughing (I always do - the story never gets old!), and instantly felt my spirits lift.  In my mind, I saw a shadow rise up and blow away.  And that's where I found God today.  In the easy banter and laughter that took me to a better place.

Friday, February 24, 2012

A Storm Brewing

There's a storm brewing.  The wind is whipping, the trees are bending and swaying, the wind chimes are chiming for all they're worth.  The sky is grey, leaves are blowing around, and the pond is running fast.  It's exciting to see God stirring things up (especially if there's no real potential for damage!).  I love a sunny day as much as the next person, but a stormy day just begs you to light some candles, maybe sip some tea... It forces you indoors to slow down while the world outside is winding up.  Today I find God in the coming storm.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Rejoice!

I love this tree!  I pass it every day on my walk.  To me, it looks like someone lifting their arms to the heavens.  It makes me want to rejoice right along with it.  And the sun lit it up so beautifully on this glorious spring-like morning that I had to take a picture of it.  That is where I found God today.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Camellia

My energy level was especially low today.  I didn't feel up to doing my full walk so I decided just to step outside for a few minutes.  We have a camellia that grows right by our front porch, and like many of them it's blooming right now.  But for some reason, most of the flowers are in the back so you can't see them too well.  Well today, the sun managed to work it's way through the whole bush and shine on this one flower in such a way that it seemed to glow.  There it was, stuck all the way in the back behind all of those leaves, and the sun still managed to find it and illuminate it.  I grabbed my camera and took the picture you see below.  It made me think how God finds each of us, and shines His light on us no matter where we are or how we happen to be feeling that particular day.  I found God in this camellia blossom that was shining amidst the darkness around it.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Mute Button

I took my walk in the afternoon today, and there seemed to be more cars than usual whizzing by. No sooner would one be gone than I'd hear another one coming. But suddenly, it was quiet - completely quiet.  The breeze was still, no cars coming or going; just the sound of my footsteps which seemed to be the only sound in that sudden silence. It was almost as if God had hit the mute button, and the quiet that descended felt like something I could touch. There wasn't another soul in sight. And I had to smile because it felt like God had stopped everything, and just put His focus on me for a few moments. I don't know why but for some reason I felt special because of that silence, and the only One I know who can make that kind of thing happen is God. And that is where I found Him today.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Second Try

It was a very stressful day, and to top it off my washing machine died in the middle of a load of laundry. I headed out on this frigid cold day to buy a new one. On my way home, I drove past a guy who was throwing a frisbee for his Boston Terrier. (He looked just like my dog Forrest except he had four good legs.) The dog went racing to catch the frisbee... and missed it. But did he care? NO!! He scooped it up and went tearing around the yard as happy as could be. That little guy really brightened my day. It was that whole "if at first you don't succeed make lemons out of lemonade tomorrow's another day hang in there" thing he had going on. And that's where I found God today. In that happy little dog racing around the yard with a frisbee he got on the second try.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Coffee Hour

Jeff and I hosted coffee hour at church today. We had coffee (of course), some home-baked goodies, and hot tea - our personal favorite. It's such a simple thing to share food and conversation with friends, and yet it's so fulfilling. It was a cold, grey, rainy day outside, but inside was a warmth and coziness that came more from fellowship than anything else. We've only been at All Saints a little over a year and a half, but we so cherish the friends we've made there. And it was among those dear friends that I found God today.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Loosen Up

I'm not a spontaneous person. I like to have my day planned out so I know exactly how things are going to go. So when Jeff and I left this morning, the plan was to go for tea, run an errand, and then go back to get some other things done. But as we were about to head home, I got a sudden urge to take a drive. Right on the heels of that was my thought that "No, you can't do that, it wasn't in the schedule." So I asked Jeff and of course he said to go for it. He's always been better at that stuff than me. You'd think I was planning to take off for the Bahamas or something when it was just a minor change in our day. So we blew off the schedule and drove around for a while. Creature of habit that I am, I do these things once in a while, but not nearly enough. And that little bit of release and freedom that I felt was a blessing. I think it's God nudging me to loosen up a little. He's right, of course, and that's where I found Him today.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Treasure Hunt

Like so many people, I love books - real books with paper pages. I love the feel of them, the different covers, the smell of them... Though I admit there are times when an electronic book can be convenient, they will never replace real books. Today, Jeff and I traveled to Chesapeake to the Barnes & Noble which is one of our favorite things to do. I get excited each time I turn down an aisle wondering what I will find. Each book holds the potential to sweep you away. As if by magic, they can completely transport you into another world. Some will succeed and some won't. But that treasure hunt is part of the fun. Browsing among those hundreds of books, thousands of pages, millions of words in search of that magical book - that is where I found God today.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Dream

Ask anyone close to me and they'll tell you that I don't like to talk about dreams, but I have to talk about this one. First, I have to tell you that my mom has dementia. Sometimes she knows me; sometimes she doesn't. It's been years since there have been any gifts, surprises, phone calls, or any of the little things that moms do to make you feel loved and special. She's physically here, but mostly I think of her - my true mom - as being gone. And then I had this dream this morning right before I woke up. I've heard that this is when we're most in tune to God; most likely to hear him speak to us. I was cooking for some event - I don't know what it was - when everything on the stove started to boil over all at once. I was frantically turning off burners and moving pots around when I uncovered a dish, and I just collapsed into tears. It was a dish of banana pudding that my mom had made for me and hidden as a surprise. This is the kind of thing she used to do, and her banana pudding was my favorite. In my dream I thought, "My mom remembers me; she still loves me," and I just broke down sobbing. I awoke in the middle of those sobs still trying to catch my breath. I know God sent me that dream to tell me something I really needed to hear, and that is where I found Him today.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Golden Light

I usually try to take my daily walk first thing in the morning - literally, before the sunrise. Today, I started a little later than usual. The sun was already up and starting to light the tops of the trees. It slowly filled everything it touched with a warm, golden light. It's not that I haven't walked at this time of day before, but it struck me differently this morning. I imagined the sun was like God, slowly pouring out His blessings; and I watched as they trickled down and filled the world around me. The golden light touched and filled me, too, and that is where I found God today.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Surprise Call

We don't make a big deal of Valentine's Day in our family. And with Jeff away (we had already done our Valentine's thing last weekend), I expected the usual Tuesday. Now my son and I are very close. We talk every day at about the same time, but our routine is to skim over Valentine's Day without much thought. Well, today he surprised me. He called very early this morning to say "Happy Valentine's Day!" It was totally unexpected. It warmed my heart and started my day off with a smile. And that is where I found God today.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Forrest

This is Forrest surrounded by his favorite toys. I can't interact with him like everyone else because of my allergies. But he shows he still loves me by gathering his toys and sitting with me every evening. I found God today in my dog's sweet devotion.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Tea and Raisin

My full name is Venetia (I've shortened it to Tia). My new friend and Healing Teammate's name is Roisin. We've joked about having our names mispronounced our whole lives. Recently, we received an email that included both our names, and in the infinite wisdom of auto-correct we became - drumroll, please - Tea and Raisin!! Yes, the new superhero duo and/or singing sensation "Tea and Raisin". We got such a kick out of it and had such a good time laughing about it today. And it was in that hilarious, joyful laughter that I found God.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Healing Team

I'm fairly new to the Healing Team. We're a group of people with a lot of different opinions about things as evidenced in our discussions. But we have one thing we all share - the desire to pray for others in the hope that we can help to "heal" them through God's grace. In our meeting today, we bowed our heads, held hands, and prayed both individually and as a group; an unbroken circle of prayer with a common cause. And it was in that space between us where I found God today.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Express Lane

Today was an easy one. I found God at the express lane in Food Lion. As we all know, it's a toss-up whether the express lane is actually "express". And especially at Food Lion, even when it's empty, there are many times you have to search for a cashier. Well, today I was in the middle of baking Greek cookies (literally, I had a pan in the oven and several more to go), when I discovered I was out of sesame seeds. Ahhhh!!! So I hopped in the car, ran up the road, grabbed the seeds off the shelf, and lo and behold - the express lane was not only empty, there was a cashier standing there waiting for me! Thank you, Lord!!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

The Butterbutt

It was a really cold day, but I found a spot of warmth in a "Butterbutt"! (Also known as a Yellow-rumpled warbler, but that's not nearly as much fun.) My sister-in-law got me interested in birds, and we saw several Butterbutts at the little park off The Woods road when she visited early last year. I got such a kick out of it when she told me what they were called (what little bird knowledge I have has come from her). They're adorable birds, but I hadn't seen one since. Then today, I noticed a little bird flitting around outside, and when he turned... there it was! He flashed the little yellow spot on his tail - his butterbutt. (I just have too much fun saying that!) It was an unexpected joy, and that is where I found God today.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Marsh Grass

When we moved here several years ago it was for the ocean and all the beautiful water in the area. Since then, I have found so many things to love about living here. One of the most surprising to me is the marsh. At first, it did nothing for me. When I think back on that I can't understand how I felt that way. I find such beauty in it now. Today, I had to drive to Manteo for an appointment. Just after I crossed the bridge over the sound I looked over at that huge expanse of marsh grass. It was swaying in the breeze; light brown under a rolling, gray, cloudy sky. Just gorgeous. That's where I found God today.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Herons

Jeff and I were taking our morning walk when I noticed a flash of white out of the corner of my eye. We looked up and saw a Great White Heron flying by. An amazing sight in itself considering they are such large birds, but then we saw another one close behind him. Then another, and another... Wow! Each time we thought that was it another one would appear. There must have been at least 8 birds or more. They looked so beautiful and majestic flying across the early morning sky. I got a thrill each time another one appeared. I felt like a kid watching fireworks! I found God today in that awe-inspiring sight.

Monday, February 6, 2012

One Voice

I love to sing.  I've loved it since I was a child.  I even considered trying to make a career out of it at one point.  But then I realized that all that went with that - late nights, traveling, etc. - took the joy out of it for me.  Mostly, I love to sing when I'm alone so I can just sing my heart out.  It fills me up.  Today was not a fun day.  I had to write bills, do laundry, chores, etc.  The things we all have to do in our day-to-day lives.  I wasn't feeling very joyful.  But when I was finally done, I turned on some music and started to sing along.  It totally changed my mood.  One song in particular made me stop and close my eyes and join in till I was transported.  And there I found God today.  Here is that song.

"One Voice" by The Wailin' Jennys

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Silence

I arrived at church early today.  Jeff was at a retreat so I was by myself.  The greeter and ushers hadn't arrived yet, and when I sat down in the sanctuary I heard someone leave.  I started to read my bible which is what I usually do before the service starts, but then it struck me that I was completely alone in the sanctuary.  I sat up straighter.  I looked around and took in all the details of my beloved church that I so often take for granted.  The cross which is tethered to the ceiling seemed to hover.  In that moment, it appeared weightless.  I felt God all around me in that total silence.  It feels different to commune with God in a space where you usually share that communion with your fellow worshippers.  It probably only lasted about a minute or two; then other people started to arrive.  The spell wasn't broken; it was just begun.  I carried that feeling through the service with me.  That physical silence helped me find the stillness where God always waits for us.  I found Him there today.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Friday, February 3, 2012

Soundside

The morning sun was shining so brightly on the sound you had to squint your eyes to look at it.  I was sitting in the car with Jeff looking out at the choppy water.  It was cold outside, but the sun was warming the car, and the hot tea we were drinking was warming us.  Sitting and talking with my husband, in a beautiful setting, just the two of us before the start of the day - that is where I found God today.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Here and Now

Outside, the sun is setting and turning everything golden.  Inside, the room is dimming and softening.  All is still, quiet, and at peace.  I find God right here, right now.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The Joyful Wave

I was taking a walk on this gorgeous, spring-like afternoon, and as I was passing the church I saw a vehicle coming towards me.  The driver started to wave.  At first I couldn't see who it was (my eyes aren't that great).  But this was not your average little hand-flip kind of wave.  This was a big, joyful, arm-swinging wave!  Then I saw it was Tom O. (I won't print his full name on this public site out of respect for his privacy, but I'm sure most of you from All Saints know who I'm talking about.)  And his enthusiastic wave  just made my day!  I was smiling inside all the way home, and that's where I found God today.