Thursday, May 31, 2012

Shady Spots

It was fairly warm today.  Not true summertime hot, but warm enough that I was sweating in the sun when I took my walk this afternoon.  Every time I hit some cool shade, though, I reveled in it.  Wow!  What a difference!  I thanked God for the beautiful tall trees that give us that cooling relief.  And I found Him there today, in the shady spots along my walk.


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Customer Service Guy

We've all had awful experiences with customer service over the phone - being put on hold forever, being transferred over and over again.  Well today looked like it was going to be one of those experiences.  I got a quote for a windshield repair for my car - that all went fine.  Then I had to call back because Jeff just got a major crack in his windshield so I figured we'd get them both done at once.  That phone call took quite a while but I got a decent quote and asked them to send me an email confirmation.  The email quote was much higher... so I had to call back.  I got put on hold "because all of our agents are busy assisting other customers".  I waited a while, finally got someone on the phone who started out telling me I was wrong, then I got put on hold again while they checked things out.  She finally came back and said someone would have to call me back.   I waited almost two hours with no call back so I called again.  This time I got Kevin from Ohio.  He immediately tried to make sense of my dilemma and worked to get my quote corrected.  When he told me he'd have to call me back, I had my doubts.  But he called back within 15 minutes and had everything straightened out.  I still ended up paying a few dollars more than my original quote but at this point I didn't care.  I just wanted it done.  Kevin couldn't have been more pleasant or helpful.  It's nice to know that good customer service isn't completely dead - you just have to get lucky enough to get someone who cares on the phone.  That is where I found God today - in a customer service guy who actually cared.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Soothing Rain

Crazy, stressful day.  There's a lot going on and to top it off, Jeff and I found out that between the two of us we need over $2,000.00 in car repairs.  There are some days when it's just too much; when it's all just too overwhelming.  I came home, sat down, and looked out our back door just as a massive downpour started... and it soothed me.  It was as if the heavens were crying for me and cleansing my spirit all at the same time.  It was raining so hard that everything outside was blurred - I could barely see the house across the pond.  It reminded me again of God's power, and His timing.  It reminded me that He will get us through this, and He will comfort us along the way.  I saw that in the downpour of soothing rain, and that is where I found Him today.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Burt's Bees Lotion

I've mentioned before in my blog that my skin is super-sensitive.  It wasn't always this way.  It just developed in the past few years.  It's mostly my hands and forearms for some reason, and my doctors don't have any answers for me.  When it first started, I didn't have a clue what was causing it.  My hands were so bad that I developed tiny blisters between my fingers.  Through internet research, an allergist (I'm not allergic to anything), a dermatologist, and my family doctor, I figured out some treatments to get relief.  One was antihistamines, two was the gluten and dairy free diet that I've talked about so much, and three was something I figured out on my own - my Burt's Bees lotion.  It soothed my skin more than anything the doctors recommended; I think because it's almost all natural.  At this point, as long as I apply it several times a day, I'm pretty much okay.  I was busy today, and when my hands started to burn, I realized I'd washed them several times without using my lotion.  So I sat down and smoothed on a large dollop of my Burt's Bees.  Ahhh... relief!  Hand lotion may seem like a small thing, but for me, this one in particular is a blessing from God.  I honestly don't know what I would do without it.  I thanked Him for leading me to it, and I found Him in the soothing relief I got from it today.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Listening for God

During Father Tom's sermon today, he spoke of events leading up to his becoming a parish priest.  He talked of slowing down enough to hear the voice of God.  And he ended his sermon with, "Are you listening to the wind? Are you slowing down enough to feel the breath of God kiss you?  What is the Spirit saying?"  Then he sat and left us in silence for a few minutes.  At first, there was a little rustling about.  Then it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.  I bowed my head and prayed... and listened.  It was as if I could feel the power of our collective hearts going out to God.  I was grateful for those moments of silence.  I was grateful for Father Tom's wisdom in giving us those moments rather than moving right along with the service.  I take time outside of church to listen for God, but Father Tom was right - I don't take enough time inside of church to listen.  And that just doesn't make sense.  That is the purpose of church - God with us.  God was with me today.  I found Him in the resounding silence inside of our church.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Early Morning Light

The quality of the light this morning was gorgeous.  As it filtered through the trees, it made the leaves glow.  The intense colors along with the perfect temperature and cool breeze made for a beautiful morning walk.  There are some days when my senses are just filled to overflowing, and today was one of them.  I feel like there's so much to see, feel, and hear that I can't take it all in.  But if I had to pick one place to find God in this beautiful morning, I would have to say it was in the awesome colors of the early morning light.


Friday, May 25, 2012

Our Dinner Table

We were all busy doing our own things today, but tonight we sat down to dinner together.  We do this almost every day, but today stood out for some reason.  Maybe it was the food - we had fresh salad with shrimp.  Maybe it's because it's the start of the holiday weekend.  I don't really know.  I just know I was happy and thankful that we were together and sharing a meal; laughing and talking about our day.  Simple joys make life sweet.  I found God today around our dinner table.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

McDonald's

We picked up Marlayna's new car today.  The salesman told her it would take about an hour to finalize everything... it took over three.  As anyone knows who's bought a car, you have a billion papers to sign.  Then you have to see the finance guy and sign a billion more.  But you have to wait your turn to see the finance guy 'cause they're busy taking other people's money so they make you wait for the privilege to give him yours.  And you can't just sign your finance papers and go.  Oh, no.  Nowadays, you have to sit through a video and a long spiel about maintenance plans so they can try and eke out a little more of your hard-earned money.  Whew!  By the time we finished all that I was absolutely famished!!  The point of this long, drawn-out story isn't just to vent (though that did feel good), it's that I almost never eat fast food.  But I was so hungry when we left I would have eaten just about anything.  So I went through that icon of fast-food - McDonald's.  I've got to say those french fries rivaled the best gourmet meal I've ever had.  I went from frantic to relaxed in the time it took me to down a bag of fries.  And that's where I found God today - at the McDonald's drive-through.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Free Afternoon

Today I was fortunate enough to have a couple of afternoon hours with absolutely nothing to do.  I had a few errands to take care of this morning, but then it hit me that my afternoon was free! Until I had to make dinner, of course, but still... what a wonderful feeling.  At first, I thought of things I should do that I've been putting off, but I decided that if they've waited this long, they can wait a little longer.  We all lead such busy lives these days.  Taking a few hours just for ourselves is just as important as anything else that needs to be done.  It feels good to treat yourself to whatever you want to do - which could be nothing.  I know it made me happy, and God wants us to be happy.  Take some time just for yourself and see if you find God there.  I know I did.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Storm Clouds

The weather was all over the place today.  Foggy, sunny, cloudy, sunny again... Then this afternoon I happened to be out as the skies started to darken again and got pictures of these incredible storm clouds. Sometimes the awesome beauty of God's world just takes my breath away.  This is where I found Him today.








Monday, May 21, 2012

The Job

We got great news today.  I mentioned in my blog yesterday that Marlayna was looking for a job.  Evelyne - bless her heart - reads my blog every day.  It just so happens that she needed to hire someone for her hotel.   She called last night, Marlayna interviewed today, and they called back this afternoon and told her she had the job!  Woohoo!!  I would have never thought that my blogging about where I find God would lead to Marlayna getting a job, but that shows how much I know!  Luckily for us, God works in mysterious ways.  And I found Him today through the string of events that led to Marlayna's new job.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Grounded

There's been some intense stuff going on the past few days.  Some good - like the healing conference and church today along with some other things.  Some not so great - like helping Marlayna deal with the car issue and finding a job since she's returned from Alaska.  But good or bad, it's kept my mind racing.  Then today, I was standing at the open window when a gust of wind blew in the scent of damp, fresh earth.  It smelled amazing.  I closed my eyes and breathed it in and felt myself grounded.  I hadn't even realized I was "up in the air" till God pulled me back to earth.  We humans are really very simple.  Though we sometimes lose sight of it, the most basic things can fill our needs and make us happy - like the smell of rain-dampened earth.  I know I say it often but God knows our needs even when we don't.  He found me and grounded me today with the scent of the earth.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Pat

We had a healing conference led by Father Nigel Mumford at our church today.  Jeff and I both went though we had no idea what to expect.  Neither of us had ever attended anything like it before.  It was a wonderful experience.  He's an excellent speaker with interesting stories and a great sense of humor.  We even had a special moment with him as he anointed Jeff this afternoon that was very emotional.  There are some days when I have to really search to find God in my day.  Today was one of those days where He was everywhere in so many special moments, and I have to ask Him to highlight what He wants me to write about. And He kept showing me Pat W.  When we first got there this morning, we were all in the kitchen getting things set up, and she said Father Tom had told her about Marlayna needing a new car and the stress we were going through.  I told her I was concerned about Marlayna having to work so hard to pay for the car because she's never been a "nose to the grindstone" type.  Pat said, "Well, maybe this will make her one."  Somehow that simple statement really hit me.  It cut through my worries and made me look at the situation differently.  Pat's a very "no nonsense" kind of person.  I don't know whether she feels this way about herself, but I feel like she has great clarity - an ability to see through the muck to the core of things.  What she said might not sound like much to someone else, but it was just what I needed to hear.  Out of all the amazing events of the day, God was telling me to write about Pat.  I found Him in her words to me - words that brought me peace just when I needed to hear them.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Instant Refreshment

The past few days have been so muggy and humid.  Along with that, on my morning walk there hasn't been the slightest bit of wind; it was complete stillness.  So it was so refreshing to walk out this morning to the cool temperatures and that wonderful breeze!  I just breathed in that cool, early morning scent and felt instantly refreshed.  It's amazing what a change in the weather can do for your spirit.  I found God today in the cool temperatures and glorious breezes of this beautiful morning.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Three Crosses

Today was a tough one.  I've felt rundown since I woke up this morning, but I still had a lot to do before I could head out for the day.  Marlayna and I had to drive to Elizabeth City because her car died and she needs a new one.  Sticker-shock at the dealership stressed us out, and we both came home with headaches.  Then I sat down to write my blog.  I thought it would be nearly impossible to find God in this day.  But I looked up and saw the cross Jeff gave me for our anniversary last year.  Then my eyes were drawn to the cross my young nephew made me 2 years ago for Easter.  Next, I turned to look at the cross Sandy B. gave Jeff for his baptism.  And I realized God was right there.  I know these are just symbols, but they're reminders that somehow seem to jump out at me when I need them the most.  Three very different crosses that all lead to the same thing - God is with me.  Always.  That is where I found Him today.




Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Crockpot

I was volunteering in the church office this afternoon, and I didn't want to have to fix dinner when I got home.  So I got out my trusty crockpot this morning and got dinner started.  Marlayna finished up the meal while I was gone, and when I got home there was a nice hot dinner waiting for me!  I love my crockpot.  You forget whatever effort you've already put into your meal because it's all done long before you're ready to eat, and it's so nice to feel like "someone else" has done the work.  When I got home the smell of good food hit me and made me smile (and made my mouth water!).  Today I found God in my crockpot and the delicious dinner it had waiting for me.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Outside My Kitchen Window

There's a window over my kitchen sink that looks out on an empty lot next door.  I had finished washing a few dishes and was staring out the window when I realized I was almost in a trance.  Everything is so green now.  The leaves on the trees were wet from the rain and were gently swaying in the breeze.  It was hypnotic... and peaceful.  It never fails to amaze me how the simplest things that we see everyday can be touched by God and transformed.  The dancing leaves in all their shades of green turned a simple tree into a mesmerizing sight.  Today I found God outside my kitchen window.

Monday, May 14, 2012

The Chat

I was feeling overwhelmed today.  I had my regular errands to take care of plus a few unexpected ones, and on top of that I needed to bake cookies for Ruthie's Kitchen (a community kitchen that our church sponsors from time to time).  I got the cookies done, kept working while they cooled, then called Sandy F. to see when I could take them to her.  She said she had been running around all day, too, but was home now so I went on over.  I planned to run in and out, but Sandy started chatting with me.  We talked about a few different things - just casual conversation - but it slowed me down.  And that was such a good thing.  It felt so good to just relax and chat for a little while, and not worry about what needed to be done next.  I know Sandy had a lot to do; she's handling the whole Ruthie's Kitchen thing.  But she took the time to pass a few pleasant minutes with me, and it made my day.  I left smiling and relaxed, and that's where I found God today -  in a friendly chat with Sandy.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Mother's Day

I love being a mom.  I love nurturing my family.  They're always appreciative, but I find out just how much on Mother's Day.  Jeff bought me a fig tree and planted it along with some other flowers.  Morgan sent me two dozen gorgeous roses, and Marlayna wrote a loving, sentimental note to me along with making me dinner.  It's been a wonderful day, and I feel so loved.  I found God today in my amazing husband and children.


Saturday, May 12, 2012

The Bench

Jeff, Marlayna, and I took a drive to Manteo for an early Mother's Day celebration.  The weather was beautiful so we sat on one of the benches looking out over the water.  The view was gorgeous, the breeze felt wonderful, and the conversation was easy and fun.  I felt such contentment in that moment.  If only my son had been there it would have been perfect.  Still, as it was, I felt blessed with all that God has given me, and I found Him there on that bench today.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Another Gorgeous Day!

I seem to be saying this all the time lately, but wow!  What a gorgeous day!  Jeff and I drove over to the ocean and just gazed at it for a while.  The color of the water was beautiful, the breeze was cool and refreshing - I just breathed deep and took it all in.  And yes, that is most definitely where I found God today.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Unexpected Beauty

With the sunrise coming earlier, I've been missing the colorful skies on my walks in the morning.  I always carry my camera with me, though, just in case.  I wasn't expecting anything much when I happened to glance over and saw this gorgeous scene!  It was there and gone within a few seconds as the sun continued to rise.  I found God today in the unexpected beauty of this scene that I was lucky enough to catch just in time.


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Haircut

My skin seems to get more sensitive by the day.  The latest thing that's started bothering is my medium-length hair touching my neck.  It's been irritating me so much that I had to wear my hair up all the time.  I decided to cut it.  I went a little shorter, and it felt a lot better on my neck.  Plus, it actually looked better, too.  So today I went even shorter, and it feels great!  I walked out of the salon and felt nothing but the breeze on my neck - it was wonderful!  No more irritation.  That's where I found God today - in a great new haircut that not only looks nice but most of all feels incredible!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Jasmine

I walked out to our pool today to check on some of our plants when a gust of wind blew the heady scent of jasmine my way.  It's incredible!  We planted three small plants when we installed the pool a few years ago, and it's just gone crazy - I love it!  It's blooming now and the scent is just so beautiful.  I found God in that heavenly scent carried to me on the breeze.




Monday, May 7, 2012

Quiet

The past several days have been busy.  Between my dad's birthday, preparation for Marlayna coming home, and the excitement of Morgan's first radio broadcast (not to mention baking for coffee hour and strawberry picking!), there hasn't been much downtime.  Today started busy, too, with chores and stuff.  But this afternoon is quiet - blessedly so.  I wouldn't want to change a thing about these last few days; I loved the fun and excitement.  But right now, I'm feeling a little run-down, and a quiet, peaceful house is just the right thing for me.  The right things in the right time - isn't that God's specialty?  He gave me this afternoon just when I needed it, and that's where I found Him today - in my quiet time.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

The Strawberry Patch

We went to the strawberry patch today.  Jeff and Marlayna did the picking because the leaves make me itch, but I love scouting out the berries.  It's like a treasure hunt searching through the leaves for the perfect ripe, red berry.  After we got home, I washed them off and took my first bite.  Oh my!  They were so sweet!  If you can't find God in a fresh-picked sweet strawberry, then you're just not looking.  He gives us this bounty of delicious food that needs no embellishment; nourishment for body and soul.  I found Him today in that first amazing strawberry (and in several thereafter!).  

Saturday, May 5, 2012

The Ceiling Fan

It's been a busy couple of days.  Jeff and I have been doing a lot of housework and yardwork.  It's gotten warm enough that we finally turned on the air condition, and it does feel good to come in from outside and feel the coolness.  But nothing beats a fan in my book.  I had gotten pretty hot running around doing stuff, and when I finally finished I sat down under the ceiling fan.  Ahhhh... pure bliss!  I sat and reveled in the cool air blowing on my face - and yes, I found God in that moment.

Friday, May 4, 2012

The Birthday Song

Today was my dad's birthday.  My mom is no longer able to do anything for him (she has dementia), so I had them over here for dinner.  It was just the four of us - me, Jeff, Mom, and Dad.  I made food that I knew he would like, and we had birthday cupcakes with a candle and the requisite "Happy Birthday" song.  It was nice to see Dad relaxed and happy because he gets little time for himself these days. And even more special for all of us was that Mom was having a good day.  She was very present; even singing "Happy Birthday" with us.  (It makes me tear up to think back on it.)  I thank God that I still have them both, and I found Him in our special little birthday celebration today.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

The Goose

I love the fog and the air of mystery it brings with it, so I really enjoyed my walk on this cool, foggy morning.  It was quiet; sounds muffled... until I came around the bend at the end of the street.  There was a goose sitting on the roof of a gazebo just honking for all he was worth.  It definitely didn't fit in with the cozy, mysterious foggy setting.  But he was such a hoot!  I laughed out loud.  Another one of God's little surprises.  Just when I'm feeling all serene, he sends along a boisterous, honking goose.  He definitely keeps me on my toes, and that is where I found Him today.





Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Matthew 7:7

I had mixed feelings when I first discovered that gluten and dairy were contributing to my severe itching.  I was happy to know I could finally get some relief, but I was also dumb-struck.  What would I eat?  It seemed my whole diet had gluten and dairy somewhere - especially my beloved sweets!  Slowly, I found alternatives to regular food, but baking was another story.  Anyone who bakes will tell you there's a science to it.  You can't just swap things around willy-nilly and expect a recipe to work.  So I did a lot of research, and I prayed for help.  And you know what?  I got answers.  My devotional today referred to Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."  It's always been one of my favorite passages, and it just so happens that it was perfect for today.  Because today, I was adapting my favorite quick bread recipe yet again (I was making it chocolate this time!).  I've learned so much about exchanging ingredients that there's almost no willy-nilly involved at all!  I thought I was a good baker before, but I'm so much better now. And I've actually helped other people.  That would have never happened if I hadn't gone through what I did.  I found God today in Matthew 7:7.  I read those words, and the image of myself baking with my new-found ability to adapt a recipe popped into my head.  I asked and it was given.  I am indeed blessed.

The yummy chocolate quick bread I made for the first time today!



Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Rhododendron

I know I've been writing about flowers a lot lately, but it's spring!  The flowers are glorious.  It's impossible not to find God in them.  But today was another surprise for me.  I rarely venture around the one side of our house.  I have so many (annoying) sensitivities, and it seems like anything green gives me a rash.  Well today I happened to be in our guest room that looks out on the unknown (at least to me) side of our house, and out the window I saw this magnificent rhododendron!  I had no idea it was so beautiful, and I honestly don't know if it's ever bloomed before.  Maybe it was our extremely mild winter - I don't know.  But it was such a surprise and gave me such a thrill - it's definitely where I found God today.