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.

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!).  

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.