23rd Psalm--final visit

3/2/09 Psalm 23

More from verse four---
Darkness continues to give me pause for thought/reflection---and here’s what I know:
• Scripture is light---it sheds His light on truth thus giving understanding. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from Thy law. (Word) Psalm 119:18
• God’s truth can set me free from the darkness brought by worry and fear.
• I can trust God in the darkness---He will lead me.
• The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom (or what) shall I fear? Psalm 27, which I love (Claudia has permitted me to love it b/c it’s her psalm)

Someone asked me, How do you “spout off” this scripture---I don’t know---verses learned as a child do come back---yet, as an adult, trying to memorize scripture has been very difficult for me. But God…..during this time, has allowed those words that are written in His Word, that I have been privileged to study, to come to mind whenever I need His guiDANCE. I know it doesn’t make sense for someone with such a pitiful memory to recall anything, but it’s been happening. It’s as if the essence of His word is residing deep in my heart “for such a time as this”----can’t explain it anymore than that.

Psalm 23:5-6
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Verse 5—God as a provider—providing hospitality for His people—not by taking them away from "enemies" in order to lavish them with a banquet---but by giving His presence in the midst of harm or those who harm.
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Annointing with oil in scripture is an example of God bestowing His Holy Spirit on the believer and David’s cup symbolized his lot/portion in life and how he was overflowing with God’s blessing. (Constable)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: A four-year old at my son’s church recited the 23rd Psalm which her dad posted on GodTube. It is precious. It also spoke volumes to me when she kept trying to add “surely” before many of the verses---that’s the way I see it now—surely He restores my soul, surely He is with me and surely His goodness and mercy will pursue me---It’s a sure thing.
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
This might indicate heaven but my marginalia indicates a present happening---like Psalm 27:4 ….that I shall seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life----building a relationship of oneness, experiencing His presence. (Dotsy THOT)

I’ve found out a few things about sheep this week----they need a shepherd---and so do I. Do you?

R + S = C

3/1/09 23rd Psalm Revisited
Journal jottings: Steeped my tea, while looking at my backyard steeped in snow, opening my Bible to again "steep" in God's word from Psalm 23....while contemplating whether to have homemade sourdough bread from one of my dancers or homemade banana bread from a MS friend.

Wouldn’t we feel blessed if those were the hardest choices we had to make in life? But I, my friends, can tell you that God’s children are blessed, even in the places of deep difficulty---“independent of all circumstances.” (Jesus Calling)

Streams in Desert 3/1 says, “Your situation is filled with uncertainty and is very serious, but it is perfectly right…..for it is a platform from which God will display His almighty grace and power. He will not only deliver you….(He) will impart a lesson that you will never forget.”-----which brings me back to my "steeping" of Psalm 23.

Verse 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

As a teenager I spent many days traipsing back and forth between my house on Virginia Street and the Fairleigh’s house on Alumini Avenue. The quickest, and in those days, safe, path was the alley. Winslow and I knew it by heart b/c most days found us together at one house or the other. But at night it was pitch black and though we pretty much knew the way like the back of our hand, we much preferred to travel it together. Some nights we would leave from my back porch, cross the yard cut through behind the garage, where our baby blue Valiant was housed, just past the vacated house of John Tom, Clara Lee and Hattie May, on the old Albritton place, and scoot down the alley to Alumni where there was a street light ---though dim by today’s standards. Then we’d race to her 1962 turquoise Corvair (w/ tab shift, trunk in the front & motor in the back) and she’d drive me around the corner to my front door---Virginia Street was well lit. You see, light dispels darkness.

Death, even the “shadow of death,” and fear can be synonymous with darkness. And darkness can be overwhelming without “protection.” Winslow and I had each other---silly as that sounds---and that made all the difference. Today, the Lord understood that my MAC fear, not only of the endurance of pain, but the fear of the unknown, would begin to creep in as I neared the time of the Dallas departure----so, He’s had me in this psalm for three days now. He also had “no-fear” verses written on my Dotsy quilt and a "fear" entry today in Edges of His Ways.

The verse doesn’t stop with, I will fear no evil---that would make fearlessness possible by my own “human” effort & trust me, it’s not possible for me to conjure it up. The next phrase, "for Thou art with me,” tells us why we don’t have to fear---the Lord God, our shepherd is with us.
And He comes prepared, just as the hillside shepherds of old. He’s equipped with a rod and a staff.
Insights from Meeting God in Quiet Places---more like my loose paraphrasing:

Rod—protection from enemies---gives feeling of assurance---but if God offered protection without the care and concern of friendship (staff) it would be stern & cold

Staff –for peaceful walking and guiding---friendship, like an old walking stick but if it didn’t go hand in hand with strength and protection (rod) it would be soppy, sentimental, and without power.

The result of the two together is comfort. (Thy) Rod and (Thy) Staff = (my) Comfort(R+S = C)

Soothing Psalms

2/28/09 Psalms Soothe the Soul-- so does the falling snow out my window as I type Psalms in the Hebrew Bible is Tehillim, which means "praise songs." Descriptive praise psalms offer praise to God for Himself or for His general working rather than for a specific instance of His working. The psalms are Hebrew poetry. That’s probably why the psalms speak to my heart b/c I love poetry---a poet can say so much with few words and yet we get the big picture or the analogy. 

I need to soothe my soul. Maybe it’s because this time next week, I’ll be in Dallas for multiple surgeries!. I’ll no longer be in the comfort of the familiar---my home for the last 32 years---my bed, my blankies---though I will take 2 “squish” pillows (down--that’s worn way down) with me---Those thoughts give a creature who loves habit a little pause. So, I’m turning to the most soothing psalm I know to learn from my Good Shepherd. I only know (by heart) the King James version---possibly another 4th grade memory assignment. Psalm 23 (wherein lies my security) 

 Read the entire psalm. Look closely at the first three verses. 1) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Ever heard the story of the Sunday School teacher who asked her pre-school class is any one could recite the 23rd psalm? One little girl made quite a production out of it as she stood before the class, said, “the Lord is my shepherd, that’s all I want,” bowed and sat back down. ‘nuff said, don’t you think?---quite poetic---summing up in just a few words the big picture of that psalm. 

I am drawn to this psalm of David (the shepherd boy and then king) as a psalm of trust and confidence in God’s goodness in the present and in the future. (Constable) Verse 1--Because the Lord is my shepherd (my Yahweh Raah or named by many as Jehovah Rohi) I shall not want. I will not lack for any good thing. He, my caregiver & friend, will provide for my needs. 

Verse 2 He maketh me to lie down (be still) ---sometimes He really has to “make” me---taking out the phone or internet or putting me flat on my back---that way I have to “look up.” In green pastures---a great place for sheep to be easily fed---He nourishes/feeds me with His Word. He leadeth me---(He guides me & knows my name just as the shepherd leads & calls his sheep by name, (John 10:3) beside the still waters. ---calming, yet living water---the water of life. Bishop Handley Mouley used to say, “Even if you have not a long time to spend in the morning with your God, hem it with quietness. (Edges of His Ways, 2/22; emphasis mine) 

Verse 3 He restoreth my soul; “Unto Thee O Lord do I lift up my soul” (Psa. 25:1) spiritual rest and renewal--I can’t do it on my own. In His grace, He feeds the hunger in my soul and that nourishment keeps me. O people of God, be great believers! Little faith will bring your souls to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to your souls. (Charles H. Spurgeon) he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness---I can trust His guidance to keep me on a level path (Psa. 27:11) His path (Psa. 25:4) for his name's sake.----as One who directs His people for His reputation, His glory. 

In every situation even ones of adversity, to God be the glory.

Assignment to self or you can join me if you choose---as you put your head on the pillow tonight, recite these 5 words.......The LORD is my shepherd---each time emphasizing a different word and just see how many different ways those words will speak to you. 

What I Know!

2/27/09 New-Normal
Man’s sensitivity to trivia and his insensitivity to matters of major importance, reveal he has a strange disorder. (Pascal, 1623-1662) So long ago, yet still so true. Nowadays folks say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” I think it’s more than that. It can also be a matter of not wanting to face hard stuff or the unknown, so we fill our minds with trivial thoughts or just stay busy so we don’t have to face certain situations. Come face to face with your own mortality and what you value can change rather quickly---people/relationships become significant----family, friends, and the Lord. Life as we once knew it, is no longer the same and never will be. It becomes a new-normal and that can be a good thing---if we embrace it.

I couldn’t remember where I heard the phrase, “new-normal” and then I read it in Michèle Phoenix’s, Edge of the Tidal Pool---another well-written, poignant book. She has a way with clearly expressing her MAC experience ----she has used very precise language or even coined her own words to give understanding to living with mycrocystic adnexal carcinoma. Her term new-normal is helpful for anyone dealing with the unknowns of life with cancer.

What is new-normal? Let’s just say it defies description----because it is ever changing. Plans that once were the backbone of your “existence” go out the window with a phone call. "The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16: 9) Events are pared down because one can no longer do it all and more than likely, doesn’t even want to try. You have to focus on the Lord and live in the moment or you can slide into despair rather quickly. You began to cherish small things and appreciate simplicity and stillness. Quietness has been a 180º turn for me-----but an absolute necessity.

So what do I know from all of this---Michèle has taught me----to list what I know today and not to focus on the unknowns of tomorrow. (ah-h-h-, I still like lists and can still relate to them, though I have to keep white-out handy or a good eraser or draw lots of flowers over all the changes) “Just focus on what you do know, Dotsy. List those things---things that you know are true today---they will guard your sanity/mind.”

Today I know………………..
…..I awoke feeling refreshed from a night of sleep comforted by the falling rain. (Psalm 3:5, Psalm 127:2)
…..I had time for prayer for others this morning and can watch for His answers. (Psalm 5:3)
…..I have a “spa gift” from Miss Anonymous and I plan to use it---my hands won’t know what to think.
…..I have homemade cookies---b/c Elnora loves to cook--to take to Dr. Burruss and Dr. Finn to say thanks for all the help on securing my team and getting the necessary referrals. (May they taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8)
…..I’m going to Houston High to receive “something” as my faculty friends say good-by. (Psalm 27: 13)**

**This is where I stopped typing in order to make it to HHS by 2 pm. As I arrived, I experienced that Psalm 27:13 verse in a BIG way---I “saw the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” There was no despair for me----there were prayers, expressions of concern, positive, encouraging words and lots of hugs and laughter and tears---took lots of Kleenex--- there was even a card with $$. And then there was the gift—how does one even describe a “Dotsy” quilt---except to say that I love it!! It truly is a gift of love. Everyone needs to see it because it is indescribable with everyone’s names and messages on it on "Dotsy" fabric with coordinating pillow cases for my "squish" pillows----won't get those mixed up with the hospital ones. It also came with instructions---“when in Dallas, wrap up in it and let it remind you that we are covering you with our love and thoughts and prayers.” Will do----but why wait ‘til Dallas---it’s raining, I'm home alone, and I’m too tired to dance, so I’m going to cuddle up and feel the love.

Tonight I know…………….that I am loved.

Dance to the Music

2/26/09 Dance to the Music
John Milton said, “Those who dance were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.” Sometimes I think people must think that about me, (akin to denial) when they see that I am trusting the Lord in all this and even equating this "season of life" as one of dancing with Him. They don’t know that He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.(Psa.40: 3)

Many can’t hear the song because they have not been where I am---very few people have, but many have their own song, the one the Lord has given them, to help with their struggle/hard place/burden. Others can’t hear His music at all because they are too busy with pursuing life according to self---they can’t block out the “ME” cacophony that rings in their ears. (I should have, if only I could, why me, poor me) Others can’t be still long enough to even try and listen---such busyness can lead to bottoming out, certainly not to dancing. T. S. Eliot puts it this way, “In the stillness is dancing.” If your not dancing/living what you believe, it’s just religious talk.
To dance, you need to hear the music. Listen!

Needless to say the Jesus Calling passage this morning had the words dancing off the page right into my heart.
“I’m leading you step by step, through your life.”---sounds like a dance to me. I’m just glad that I’m being led in this dance by the One who prepared the steps for me. “Hold my hand in trusting dependence…..” when it’s a couple’s dance you can lose the rhythm and flow when you dance independently of you partner. But dependence on the One who leads is “how it should be”---a little poetic license here---it’s a depenDANCE! It might be a misspelling but it makes my point because I am dependent on Him in this macDANCE. I can’t predict the future, I just have to “Trust the Lord to show (Dotsy) the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that.” I dare not wait til MAC is gone to start living----that’s like waiting for the storms of life to pass---I need to learn to dance in the rain----and sing my “new song.”

Q & A

2/25/09 You asked---I answered.
Church? First Evangelical---when he was 4, Josh called it “first of the van” and would lament the times he had to sit in the cemetery (sanctuary) maybe b/c he had to be quiet in there.
Favorite song for dancing/bopping---

“Ain’t too Proud to Beg” (Temptations) “I Can’t Help Myself” (Four Tops) I guarantee that if I hear those songs I start dancing even if it’s at “That Place on 98” near Apalachicola. Just ask embarrassed Larry.
Favorite Tea? Hard to narrow---I like a good assam---more of a black tea person than green tea. PG Tips (England) Red Rose (Canada) Bewley’s (Ireland) are in pantry now. Also love Jordan Pond tea (Maine) but I’m out, anyone going to the northeast??
Favorite book? Even harder to narrow but Keeper of the Bees, a real oldie (1925) by Gene Stratton-Porter stands out as a good one few folks have read. More recently read, Same Kind of Different as Me (Hall & Moore) and Shards of Shell, by “my” Michèle Phoenix.
Memorable Gift? Attending a mid-town home tour (1996) with Josh, I saw a French Limoges type porcelain box which had books on it and a Wordsworth sonnet quote---Larry & I had just been to WW’s home in Grasmere (Lake District in England) I loved it---from a distance---as it sat on an antique breakfront in one of the homes. I assume I mentioned it to Josh. A week later on my 50th birthday, I opened the beautifully wrapped Babcock’s gift from Larry and there it was! I was beside myself!! My mother was there and commented, “he probably paid $50 for that”---my thought was, I bet he wished that was all he paid. It’s still a gift I treasure. Diane surprising me on my 40th was a memorable “gift” as well.
Recent Memory? I have no recent memory---or not much anyway.
Big Surprise? “Grandmother” shower for me that I did not want---it was to be the month after Mother died, I didn’t want hoopla for me---kids needed the “stuff” not me---the surprise was that my dear friends brought the expectant parents & other grandparents from Texas along with my entire family from Kentucky to surprise me because I needed a “lift”---they showered me with love and I’ll never forget it. I’m crying just remembering the joy.
Travel Destination? For years, England was always the answer---these days home “feels so good” though I wouldn’t mind going to Germany so I could meet Michèle, whose faith and hope on her MacJourney keeps me hopeful.

Harder question but really the most important one (compilation of several) How do you keep on keeping on? It’s all about Him! I keep seeking His face. When I seek His face (Psalm 27:8) my heart is transformed and when my countenance reflects His peace it’s real, even if the tears are streaming.

As surgeries kept being put off, as new doctors bowed out and a team was being sought, I was faced with weeks of waiting. At the time, 4-6 more weeks seemed like a long time. But oh how I have needed that time both practically--- to deal with Larry’s folks and our dear neighbors and now my own dad’s diagnosis--- and emotionally and spiritually. I have needed time with Jesus.

Quiet times have been times of lingering---just being still in the Lord’s presence. Calming comes to mind. Meditation might begin in the early part of the day and then continue or be “refined” by the end of the day. Sometimes He brings affirmation of something learned at His feet through a friend’s comment, card, or e-mail.

One thing I know for sure---these times have been necessary for me to see my life with MAC, in the light of God’s goodness and truth. It has been a time of preparation for the spiritual battles that I encounter and even those yet to come. Some days l-o-n-g times with Him are NECESSARY (in all caps, for emphasis) to even hold my head up---but that’s when He becomes my shield and the lifter up of my head. (Psalm 3:3) It’s why I have never had to ask why?---that doesn’t matter, God’s glory does.

Kindness

2/24/09 “cuppa” kindness
Those who know me well, know that I like “sweet” tea with a big lemon wedge---none of that artificial stuff for me. But they also know that I am somewhat of a “hot” tea aficionado---maybe that accounts for all of those years of my love affair with England. Maybe that also accounts for all those years, as ljj reminded me recently, of serving a “cup of tea” to each student (1,000+) who came to the library during January---as a part of National Hot Tea Month. Of course, a good book was always part of the celebration and Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea was a favorite with the younger ones---and me too. 

I think I liked Mr. Putter b/c “he was old and his bones creaked” but he still took time each day to share his tea. He took his with sugar, Tabby took hers with cream and I take mine with both---actually preferring milk to cream, so it doesn’t overwhelm the tea flavor. (but never lemon for my "cuppa")

Prior to serving the tea, I’d make a big production of the tea tray and all the accouterments that made “taking tea” together so special. We discussed manners---sipping not slurping. Always, we talked about how special it was to sit and share with another person---an act of kindness of sorts---a way of saying I care about you enough to spend time with you.

In Grandaddy’s hospital room, I was jotting down these notes for the blog when a beautiful young nursing assistant in green scrubs came into the room to take care of his needs. I thought how familiar she looked to me----when you’ve been teaching 41 years, you see lots of familiar faces. Later I asked where she went to school. “Germantown.” I’m a Houston High gal so that didn't ring a bell, but then it “hit” me. “Did you go to Southwind Elementary?” I asked from behind my mask, which I have to wear anytime I'm at the hospital. “YES!” I reminded her that I was Mrs. Liles and the first words our of her mouth were, “You served me tea in the library! It had an orange taste and you made it just for us.”
Now over 10 years later, she’s returning the kindness to a member of my family as she cares for him and actually helps him sip his tea. We never know how our lives will impact someone else, but if kindness is involved, I think the benefit lasts a long time. Sadè is my proof.

In celebration, I’m having a “cuppa”--Jacksons of Piccadilly Darjeeeling--“the true classic of afternoon teas”--- in a my Queen’s china cup, with the pink rose design and looking up more kindness verses. As Michèle says, “Kindness is the fruit salad of spiritual gifts.”

Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Galatians 5:22,23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Colossians 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
2 Timothy 2:24 The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,

Impatient Patient

2/23/09 Patience for the “Patient” (Ashley B. said I needed some)
Yesterday was a “bummer” of a day in the feeling good department---and I didn’t know if it was just: A. fatigue, B. stress, C. a “bug” or D. All the above. (Teacher sounding, isn’t it)

But Dotsy----right there I should have inserted, But God…….but I didn’t---I didn’t wait on Him. I began “stewing,” knowing that Mommar would be spending the night and that I would be taking her to an 8 AM doctor’s appt. the next day. But God……….was faithful (& patient with me) and this morning when I needed a “window of health” to take her, I had it, so I donned my mask and off we went---even to collect urine specimens at home later---still working on collecting the “other.”

You see, I, Dotsy, wanted to feel better yesterday (no patience noted)---because I assumed that meant everything would be "right" (going my way) in preparation for the next day--- (I like to be prepared) ----(spell check thought maybe I needed “Ditsy”for Dotsy and I think that might be a good choice b/c I need to get my head on straight in area of trust/waiting)

Journal jottings about patience:
Streams in the Desert, Feb. 21 (I was doing some catch up reading)
If I’m not waiting in the “right” way it can remove me from the right place----the place where the Lord can meet me.
Patience eliminates worry. His promise = His Presence.
Patience eliminates weeping. He knows my needs better than I.
Patience eliminates works---(self-works variety)
Patience eliminates all “want.” Check desire here—do I want what I want or do I want God’s will?
Patience eliminates all weakness. Waiting is not wasted time—God is preparing resources & strengthening me. (for today--Boy, did He ever!)
Patience eliminates all wobbling. God’s foundation is steady & His patience, within me, makes me steady.
Patience yields worship! Praiseful waiting=worship.

Colossians 1:11 (a verse I often pray for others)
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, (Or all the patience and endurance you need with joy) (New Living Translation)

While waiting, Ditsy Dotsy, let (all these aspects of) patience have its perfect result, that you may be complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:4—NASB)

Solemn Sunday

2/22/09 Assignment: Obituary
When you’ve attended 3 “final events,” in a week’s time, that include a memorial service, a graveside service, and a visitation, for three different people, you have reason to pause and reflect. On the stone markings of the grave are reminders of three things, two of which we have absolutely no control over.

One of the people, who passed away will have a headstone that will read 1946-2009. She was born in 1946, as was I, and many of my Hopkinsville High School pals. She had no control over that birth date nor the day which she died………….but God---“ for Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb………..Thy eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book were written all the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” (Psalm 139 13-16) What she and the other 2 women, whose services I attended, had control over----just as you and I do, is the dash between those 2 dates.

This is not a new thought with me---sermons have been preached for years on this topic, I’m sure. We might not control our birth and death but we certainly have control over the choices we make in between those pre-ordained times. 

How about you? Are you making the right choices in “your dash”---the only part of your life that you are responsible for. Who are you “dancing” with? What kind of legacy are you leaving? That’s your obituary---the one that will be written on the hearts of people who matter in your life.

Micah 5:8 is a reminder for me. “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

The Good Book

2/21/09 His Word
K-Love radio chat yesterday discussed unusual words and "bibliophobia" (a fear of running out of books to read) was one of them. I on the other hand tend more toward the “so many books so little time” philosophy. However, the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us of the futility of this and issues a warning: “the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.” Sometimes too much of anything ---even pleasure---can be overwhelming and take it’s toll. So in the reading area, I need to choose carefully---and except for my devotional journal, My Utmost for His Highest, I rarely ever read a book twice. (Wonder if Jesus Calling will be added to that list?) In years past, (each January) when I thought I had some semblance of control/order in my life, I would read, Disciplines of a Beautiful Woman by Anne Ortlund and Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s, Gift From the Sea ----sort of a resolution to “do better” ritual. Both were small books so I could read them before returning to teaching. Both were also gifts from college chums who were Pi Phi sorority sisters as well. I had forgotten that part until I went searching my bookshelf, after typing the above remembrance, and saw the inscription. Maureen has since died but Molly’s driving over from Blytheville next week for a lunch/visit.

I searched b/c didn’t want to highlight books that I haven’t read in awhile, plus, I wanted to revisit the “draw” of those two particular books. Maybe the “draw” was that the both writings gave inspiration to a “growing Christian” who as a wife, mother of three and a working woman, wanted to “do it” right. The Ortlund book was easy reading and easily became a checklist for a “works mentality” kind of gal----the hubby/family, the schedule, the clothes and the spiritual life as well. The somewhat splattered copy of “Gift…” included marginalia and it was easy to reread some key passages. It might have been written in the 50s but it sounded a lot like today’s world. Her writing is gentle and reads like poetry and it was easy to be drawn to the passages that “spoke” to me almost 30 years ago----though AML’s own life was not “perfect” by any means.

On p. 23, Lindbergh states, "I would like to achieve a state of inner spiritual grace from which I could function and give as I was meant to in the eye of God." A couple of pages later she adds, "What a circus act we women perform every day of our lives. It puts the trapeze artist to shame."

I would have to reread it all closely to see how it aligns with scripture but there are certainly some statements that ring true that I had underlined.
Underlinings from Gift from the Sea:
• They (other women) manage….. far better than I, it seemed to me, looking at their lives from the outside. (My marginalia—never compare your insides with someone’s else’s outsides----that’s an adage I often share)
• Woman---the eternal nourisher of society----gives & gives….sometimes spilling away in driblets….seldom being allowed the time, the quiet, the peace, to …..fill up to the brim.
• A tree has significance if one sees it against the empty face of sky. A note in music gains significance from the silence on either side.
• Perhaps we never appreciate the here and now until it is challenged.

With those thoughts--I’m okay with the fact that I am desiring lots of quiet interludes and am seeking times of silence and solitude lately. But….as I’m choosing to be still and know that He is Lord, I want to be filled to the brim with more of Him. With that in mind, I want to open the one Book that I choose above all others because, Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)