Sunday, September 30, 2012

Wayward Turtle

I was taking a walk around the block with Marlayna when we came across a small turtle.  It startled both of us because we were just chatting away, and then suddenly he was there.  (It's funny how something completely immobile can startle you just by being out of place!)  He was on the side of the road, so Marlayna picked him up and put him in the grass.  We started to walk on, but since we were so close to the pond, she decided to take him closer to the water.  He was one of the cutest little turtles I've seen, and we see quite a lot with the pond behind our house.  He had a very rounded shell and bright orange markings.  I always wonder where they're going when they seem to be heading away from water towards a road or a field.  But I've seen people stop traffic on a busy road just to help one across.  These slow-moving little guys seem to bring out the benevolence in people.  They carry their armor with them, and yet they seem so vulnerable.  Maybe it's because they move so slowly in our fast-paced world that we take such a liking to them.  I don't know what it is exactly, but I know it makes me feel good.  And I found God today helping another little wayward turtle back onto safe ground.  

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Sandpipers

Jeff and I drove over to the ocean today.  It was cool, grey, and overcast, but still beautiful with a light, refreshing breeze blowing.  We were standing there watching the waves when a crowd of sandpipers started making their way up the beach.  They were so comical!  Running toward the water, then away as the waves came in; their little legs moving so fast they were a blur.  One little guy broke away from the crowd and tumbled around in the surf a little.  Just as it looked like he was about to be inundated by a wave, he popped up and ran back.  I guess that was the daredevil style of birdbath!  He then rejoined his friends, shaking and spraying them with water.  We got such a kick out of watching them and were making up stories to go along with their antics.  They put on quite a show for us, and I found God today in those comical little birds.

Friday, September 28, 2012

The Cape

Marlayna and I had our first ceramics class last night (which we both loved!), and I found out I needed an apron.  I had an old one up in my closet somewhere, and when I went digging for it, I found a knitted cape from when I was a child.  My mom had one made for both my sister and I when we were in Greece when I was about eight (I think).  We also got these little knitted scarf-type hats to go with them.  I absolutely loved this set when I was a girl.  It made me feel like a princess.  It brought back such great memories of my mom, Greece, and all the excitement I felt whenever I got to wear it.  I found God today in my treasured little cape.


Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Web

On my walk this morning, I glanced toward the marsh and saw something suspended in mid-air.  I got closer and realized it was a large bug caught in an enormous web!  My eyes aren't very good so I couldn't tell what kind of bug it was, but this web had to stretch at least 12-15 feet from the marsh grasses up into the tree above.  How do they do it?  That poor bug didn't stand a chance.  (I can only imagine the size of the spider that made that web!)  Humans have built some amazing things, but we've got nothing on spiders.  They can construct these elaborate webs in what seems like no time at all and then take them down just as quickly.  Personally, I can't bear creepy, crawly things, but that doesn't dim my awe at what they're capable of.  Yet another of God's amazing creatures.  I found Him today in that gigantic awe-inspiring spider web.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Silhouettes

Morning walks have been awesome lately with the cooler temperatures.  But the sky has been mostly clear which doesn't give you very interesting pictures.  Today there were a few clouds so I decided to take a few shots.  When I looked at them later, what struck me most wasn't the sky - though the colors were beautiful - but the silhouettes of the trees and plants.  Getting the shot you were going for is a great feeling, but getting something unexpected in your photo is even better - especially when it's as cool as this.  I found God today in the beauty of these silhouettes.







Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Three Bicycles

It was a busy day, and this evening I settled down alone in the house listening to the sounds of the day winding down through the open windows.  I was looking for God in my day and kept feeling the urge to go to the front door.  It was a beautiful sight.  The long, golden evening light filtering through the trees made a lacy image on the lawn.  Birds were calling, insects chirping...  And then a young boy of about ten, a little girl who was maybe five, and their father rode past on bicycles.  They passed in front of me quickly, but I was just in time to hear the little girl say "Daddy, are you coming?"  He said, "I'm right behind you, little..."  I didn't catch the last word.  But what a sweet moment.  The cute kids with their little bike helmets, and the little girl on her tiny, pink two-wheeler.  I'm sure she was feeling grown-up, though she couldn't have been long off the training wheels.  But still she was looking for the reassuring presence of her father.  Kind of like how we look to God, "Are you there?"  And in faith He answers, "Right behind you."  I found Him today on three bicycles riding through evening light.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Pre-Dawn Light

With the sun coming up later, I've been waking up while it's still dark.  This morning, I slept a little later and woke up just as the room was starting to lighten - probably only a couple of minutes past total darkness.  It was like an early morning twilight.  Our walls are a cream color, but the color in the room at that time was like a deep rose-grey.  I don't really know how best to describe it, other than if soft was a color, that would be it.  I felt such comfort.  I've read that this is the time when you're most likely to feel God's presence - just upon waking, still foggy with sleep.  And I did.  In that dim light, so still and silent, God was with me.  I felt His comforting presence as true as a soft blanket wrapped around me.  I found Him so surely today in the pre-dawn light of my silent room.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

The Reading

I was scheduled to do the reading at church today so earlier in the week, I looked up what it was and read over it to be prepared.  Jeff and I just started doing this, and it's only the second or third time that I've read.  I'm not too concerned about being perfect, but I do like to do a good job.  When I read before, I headed straight for the microphone, concentrating on what I needed to do.  Today, I was a little more relaxed.  I had some experience so I was feeling more comfortable.  Plus, I had gone over the reading again when we got to church this morning.  So when it was time for me to read, I headed up  but paused for just a second and asked God to be with me.   I did well even though what I read didn't look familiar.  I just chalked it up to being nervous or something.   I felt good when I finished and walked back to my seat thinking God had heard my prayer and helped me do a good job.  And He did... but I read the wrong lesson!  I didn't know till I sat down, and Jeff told me that what I read was completely different than what was in the bulletin.  Ah well... such is life.  Luckily, John T. was LEM today, and he knows what he's doing.  He just took it all in stride and read what I was supposed to.  (Thanks, John!)  So I look back and think did God ignore my little prayer and let me read the wrong thing?  Or did He hear me and help me to read something unfamiliar with ease?  I'm going with the second.  And that's where I found God today - answering my prayer and backing me up even when I make a mistake.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Diamonds on the Water

Jeff and I drove down to the farmer's market in Manteo today.  It was a gorgeous day - cool, light breeze, and sunny.  We had a great time wandering around the tables, and I was thinking it would probably be the highlight of my day.  Close, but not quite.  As we crossed over the bridge on the way back, we were struck by the beauty of the sound.  The marsh around it was dark, the color of the water was a deep blue, and it was sparkling like no tomorrow.  It was like a heavenly hand had tossed thousands of diamonds across the water.  The contrast between the deep blue water and those bright sparkling diamonds was breathtaking!  I can still see that amazing sight clearly in my mind, and that is where I found God today.

Friday, September 21, 2012

OBX Tags

Today is an odd one.  A couple months ago my car died unexpectedly on the side of the road, it was towed to a dealership, and after an incredibly long day, I came home with a new car.  I piled all the stuff from the old car into the new one, brought it home, and set it aside to go through "later" - meaning when I could deal with it.  One thing they asked me at the dealership was if I wanted to keep my old OBX tags, and my answer was a definite yes.  So when I went to Manteo to get real tags after the temporary ones expired, she gave me a sticker and said "There you go."  Huh?  I didn't have my old license plate so what good was the sticker doing me?  She asked, "Didn't the dealer give you your old tags?"  And my answer was no - at least that's what I thought.  So I got a different OBX tag and came home a little disheartened.  I had my old tag number memorized - this one was weird.  My old tag was the first one I got when I moved here, when I found out our DMV was in the back of a pharmacy, and it was just one number off from Jeff's.  I know it's silly to feel sentimental about something like that, but I did.  So last week when I was finally going through the old car stuff, lo and behold, there was my old license plate!  Woohoo!!  Today, Jeff and I drove down to Manteo and made the switch.  I was so excited to see him put the new plate on my car!!  He asked me if the car felt differently now, and somehow it did.  I was so happy driving home.  Silly?  Maybe.  But that's where I found God today.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Open Windows

Is there anything better than open windows on a cool, breezy day?  Wherever I was in the house today, I could feel that amazing breeze coming through the windows.  It made the whole house feel cleaner and fresher.  Even when I was distracted with cleaning, cooking, or whatever, I'd feel a gust of wind through the window, and it was like suddenly coming awake.  It was as if God Himself was blowing through the windows, surrounding me, and swirling my spirits up high.  I found Him today in the blessing of my open windows.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Brave Little Mum

The mums I bought about a week ago are doing well, and the one plant that had lots of closed buds is opening up nicely... but also a little differently.  I had noticed this one bud had some yellow on the side, but I thought maybe it just wasn't "ripe" yet.  Well, it bloomed today and it's half red, half yellow!  I've never seen a mum like it!  It's like it's daring to be different among all the mono-color mums.  Isn't that cool?  I  like to think that I go my own way and avoid following the crowd, but I don't know if I could go so far as to be half yellow in a sea of red.  Good for you, little one!  I found God today in my brave little mum.



Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Gluten Free Pizza

One of the things I miss most by having to eat gluten and dairy free is pizza.  There are some gluten free pizzas in the stores but rarely do you see one that's also dairy free.  Plus, they cost a fortune!  So today I made my own gluten free pizza (with no cheese) from Bisquick Gluten Free, and it was really good!  I can't say it was as good as really good regular pizza, but still it was pizza!  Yay!  I put pepperoni, mushrooms, and green peppers on it, so it definitely smelled as good as "real" pizza.  I've seen recipes for gluten free pizza crust, but they use too many different flours and/or are too complicated.  Pizza should be an easy meal.  This one was, and it was very tasty, too!  It makes me happy to be able to eat and enjoy some of the foods that I used to.  I found God today in my gluten free pizza.

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Ultimate Warranty

I had a lot of work/chores to do today.  As always, this is the kind of day where it's hard for me to pinpoint where I found God - an ordinary, mundane day where nothing stands out.  Then I realized that with all I had to do today, not one thing stood out!  I'm not just repeating myself, it's just that usually with so much to do, I run into some kind of issues or problems somewhere.  Not today.  Any problem I had was easily resolved; any questions were actually answered.  So it was actually an extraordinary day!  I got so much done, and it all went smoothly.  The day played out like a well-oiled piece of machinery, and not one of the parts broke down.  But it occurred to me that when something does malfunction, God is like the ultimate warranty.  No matter what happens you can always go to Him with your complaint and get some satisfaction.  Today, I found God in a perfectly functioning workday.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Recipe Book

Ask anyone who cooks dinner on a regular basis, and they'll tell you how tedious it gets preparing the same dishes over and over again.  They may be favorites, but sometimes you just want to mix it up.  That's the rut I've been in lately.  Mainly, because of time.  It's just easier to fix your go-to recipes that don't take much thought.  But today, I decided to take the time and go through my recipe binder which is where I keep the recipes that I know work.  I found recipes from my mom, my mother-in-law, other friends, and family members that I no longer keep in touch with.  It's funny but no matter how old a recipe is, you always remember who you got it from.  I was looking for some dinner inspiration and ended up with a trip down memory lane.  I found a couple of recipes that I wanted to make this week, and I know I'll be thinking of the person I got them from as I'm cooking.  Food, love, family, friends... they all blend together not just at the table, but in the kitchen - starting with treasured recipes.  Today, I found God in my recipe book.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

"Second" Sunrise

Jeff and I decided to head out to the beach for our morning walk today.  We used to go almost every day, but now it's a rare occasion.  We were up early, but I knew we had missed the sunrise and was a little bummed about it.  We parked and started up the walk when I looked up and saw the sun just coming over the dunes and silhouetting the sea oats.  It was beautiful - a faux sunrise just for us.  We enjoyed our walk on the beach.  There was a light breeze and the waves were gorgeous, but for me, that "second" sunrise really made my day.  I found God today in the special sunrise that He arranged just in time for us.



Friday, September 14, 2012

Isaiah 41:10

There are a few devotionals I read every day.  Today, one referenced this verse from Isaiah 41:10 - "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." I have a couple family members going through some difficult times, and it was exactly what they needed to hear.  I passed it along feeling the same wonder I always do at God's timing.  He knows what we need when we need it.  "Fear not, for I am with you."  Yes.  That is where I found God today.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Scent of Rain

The forecast today called for "abundant sunshine".  So what a nice surprise when we had a sudden downpour of rain.  I've had the windows open for the past few days enjoying the cooler weather and the breeze, so it was especially nice to be able to hear the raindrops falling.  But what really struck me just a few minutes after it started was the unmistakable scent of rain wafting in through the windows.  There's nothing like it.  I think it touches something elemental in us because rain fills such a basic human need.  We've had a lot of it this summer, but with the a/c on you miss out on that scent.  Not today.  It hit me, and I breathed it in deeply, closed my eyes, and thanked God for the blessing.  I found Him today in the awesome scent of rain.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Goosebumps

I have been waiting for this morning for a long time.  The one where I get goosebumps!  It was so cool this morning that I actually got goosebumps when we first set out on our walk.  It felt wonderful!  I actually got all the way around the block without sweating.  It was a glorious day all around - sunshine, clear, and breezy.  The windows are open, and the air smells so fresh.  But in this whole amazing day, I have to say the place where I found God was in those goosebumps.  Hallelujah!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

New Eyes

My friend, Jean, is visiting for a few days.  We drove down to Manteo today, and as we were going over the big bridge, she exclaimed, "Oh my goodness!  It looks like we're heading right into the sky!"  I looked ahead, and she was right!  At a certain point on the bridge, you can't see anything up ahead, and it looks like you're driving into nothing but air.   I got such a kick out of driving up to it that I had to laugh.  Partly, because of the "illusion", but mostly because I've driven over that bridge so many times and never once saw it that way.  Seeing a familiar sight with new eyes - that's where I found God today.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Unexpected Image

Jeff and I were taking an early morning walk on this amazing day.  My outdoor thermometer was reading 67 degrees - pure bliss.  Plus, there was a wonderful breeze blowing - it was the best morning walk in a long time.  When we got around to the other side of the block, I glanced over and saw this deep blue line of clouds.  It was so unique looking that I just had to take a picture of it.  When I got home, I noticed the clouds almost mirrored the image of the tree line exactly!   How cool is that?  If you could imagine a light focused on the trees from the lower left of the picture, the clouds would be the shadow they created.  Take a look and see what you think.  I found God today in the unexpected surprise of this photograph.




Sunday, September 9, 2012

Mums

We bought our first fall mums today!  One was tiny, and the other only had a few blooms, but they were the colors I love - deep red and yellow.  There was a tinge of coolness in the air today, and oh my goodness, it was so welcome.  Fall doesn't officially start till September 22nd, but I can't wait.  Buying our first mums of the year always mentally kicks off the season for me, even if physically it's still too warm to feel like fall.  Jeff already got the mums planted (I pick them out, he does the work of planting them!), and it makes me so happy just to look at them.  They're like my own personal invitation saying, "Come on Fall!  We're ready and waiting for you!"  I found God today in those pretty little fall flowers.



Saturday, September 8, 2012

My Church Family

We had our first healing team meeting today after the summer break, and there were also several people at church who were working hard at landscaping and outdoor clean-up around the building and grounds.  As I was sitting here praying about where I found God in my day, I kept seeing all of their faces.  My church family.  I've never had one before.  I attended the Greek church in Maryland on a regular basis, but I never felt a connection to the people there the way I do here.  This church is such a special place filled with so many good people.  Just today, I got heartfelt encouraging words from Pat W., sincere praise on my blog from Tom S., validation from Father Ted... I could go on and on just about what was directed at me alone.  Then outside, those hard-working souls putting in so much time and effort for all of us.  And I haven't even touched on all they do for our congregation and community.  It fills me up and makes my heart swell with love.  I feel so blessed to have become a part of it and give thanks for it every day.  For whatever reason, it was brought home to me especially today how God is in us - in them. I found Him today in my very special church family.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Misty Ocean

Jeff and I drove up to Hillcrest to walk out to the beach today, and it was beautiful - kind of misty, but with the sun breaking through and sparkling on the waves.  It was hot with very little wind, but we stayed a while anyway because there was a magical quality to the whole scene.  I found God today in yet another gorgeous ocean scene.







Thursday, September 6, 2012

Welcome Gray Sky

I started out today feeling great, then sometime around late morning I developed a killer headache.  You know, the kind where light hurts.  So I was sitting here on this sunny afternoon feeling sorry for myself and trying to find God in my day when the clouds rolled in. I wasn't praying for pain relief, just to find my God moment.  But He knows our needs, and I got answers to both my prayers - the one said, and the one unsaid.  The dim light and gray skies were never more welcome.   I found God in the relief He sent me through a gray, cloudy sky.  

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Peanut Butter Fudge

I know I write about food a lot, but I just had to post this one.  Three words - peanut butter fudge.  Okay, four words - easy peanut butter fudge!  This stuff is amazing.  I saw the recipe recently and tried it today, and it's sooo good!  Plus, it's gluten and dairy free provided you use the right frosting.  Yes, I said frosting.  You microwave a 16 oz. tub of vanilla frosting, and then mix it with a 16 oz. jar of peanut butter - also warmed in the microwave.  That's it.  Chill it till firm and you've got awesome peanut butter fudge!  I warn you, it's dangerous, though.  It's next to impossible to stop at one piece.  Oh my goodness, did I ever find God today in that creamy, dreamy peanut butter fudge.


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Internet Magic

Anyone who read my blog yesterday saw that I posted a link to an old gospel song by my Uncle Frank.   Well, through the magic of the internet, I was contacted by a second cousin who said he could get me all of his grandfather's music!  I've lost touch with most of my mom's family so it was such a surprise to see his message.  I've just responded back to him so I don't know what the outcome will be, but whatever it is, it's a blessing.  My kids tell me he found me because links are tagged or something like that; I say it's God who can touch us through nature, technology... anything.  I found Him today in a surprise message from my cousin who found me through internet magic.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Frankie Moore and the Carolina Hymn Singers

Marlayna was going through her IPhone showing me different videos and songs she liked.  So I got on Youtube to show her some of the ones I liked.  While searching around, I remembered coming across an old country hymn by my uncle a long time ago.  I looked for it again and played it for her.  What memories it brings back!  My uncle had a gospel band called "Frankie Moore and the Carolina Hymn Singers" in the sixties and possibly into the seventies - I'm not sure.  When we were kids, we used to drive from Maryland to South Carolina for Easter at my other uncle's church.  It was a Baptist church and there was always a band and old-time hymn singing - songs like "I'll Fly Away", "Daughters of Jerusalem", and "The Lord is My Shepherd" which is the song I found on Youtube.  My mom's whole family sang and played instruments and most had never had a single lesson.  It was my fascination with them that got me so interested in music as a child.  I learned to play piano and taught myself how to sing harmonies just like them.  I don't know who posted this recording but I'm so thrilled that I found it. It's all I have of my uncle's music.  He's gone now as are many of my mom's siblings, and she has dementia so she's mostly gone, too.  Hearing this music touches my soul and brings the spirit and faith I felt in that church to life.  This is where I found God today. (click the link to hear the song)

The Lord is My Shepherd by Frankie Moore and the Carolina Hymn Singers

Sunday, September 2, 2012

An Honest Effort

In Father Tom's sermon today he talked about a couple things that really hit home.  He mentioned having a fear of inadequacy and also not hearing what God is saying.  I'm taking it out of context because he was making a different point with his sermon, but those things apply to how I feel almost daily writing this blog.  I worry that people will think some of the things I write about are silly and not worthy of me saying "I found God here".  I worry that I'm not hearing what God really wants me to say.  I try hard to know what He wants me to write about, but am I just following my own agenda?  And who am I to say God was in any particular moment?  Am I worthy? Am I inadequate?  These are the questions I struggle with.
But something else Father Tom said makes it all seem okay.  He quoted Coach Al Buehler from Duke University who said, "Faith is less about being religious and more about making an honest effort."  I heard that and thought if nothing else, that's what I'm doing.  It may not be right, or worthy, or "religious", but I'm trying.  And that's all any of us can do.  So here's my effort for today.  This morning, God found me and quelled my doubts in the words of Father Tom's sermon.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

The Bench

We moved here a little over five years ago, and even though I love where we live, there's so much about our house and yard that I want to change.  I had lived in our old house in Maryland for 25 years, and we had just gotten it the way we wanted it shortly before we moved.  I've often said if I could have picked up that house and moved it here, I would have.  But little by little, we're getting this house the way we want it.  Today, we (by "we" I mean Jeff!) took down some ugly plants that had been here since we moved in and put in a pretty bench.  We had a similar bench at our old house, and I always liked how it made the house look more welcoming.  All the summer stuff is on sale now so it was the perfect time to buy one, but we almost didn't see it. We didn't like the ones on display and were about to leave when we saw a couple of boxes at the back, and lo and behold, there was the perfect bench!  It seems such a small thing, but it made me so happy to see it all set up (again, it was Jeff who put it together!).  That little bench was another small step towards making this house "our" home, and that is where I found God today.