TAKING STOCK....

12/31/11 Taking stock. Isn't that what we do as a year draws to a close? The financial, political and entertainment industries certainly do. Experts in those fields want to know what worked and what didn't, as they plot the ups and downs of our economy, our votes and our selections. Data helps them to plot new courses and declare new resolves for the coming year.

Previous journal entries reminded me that I, too, need to take "spiritual stock." What good does it do to claim a verse for my year without being intentional about making it a reality in my everyday walk. January journal entry for 1/10/11 included my spiritual passage for the year's focus.

14...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15...always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks;.......(I Thessalonians 5:14-18)

Always (adverb) "got me" as did the everything (noun) and everyone (pronoun). You see, I have a tendency to want to "pick and choose" things for which I am thankful (though some progress noted), & those with whom I am patient----just ask my family.
And then there's that adverb. Always. Always certainly indicates real consistency. Am I always seeking good for all (not just some)? Am I always rejoicing? (regardless of circumstances or blizzard road conditions) Am I always praying? (am I inhaling and exhaling praise) Now that I've taken stock, I resolve to do better because.....

......the last part of the verse reminds me that these mandates for living are God's will.

Bounty of Bonhoeffer

12/27/11 Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Ronnie Stevens quoted him often so I have DB quotes marginalia throughout my old NAS Bible.
Lo and behold there on the tall bookcase by the fireplace in the Carney's Colorado house was Bonhoeffer---a collection of his writings. Just a little "light" reading while I held a sleeping baby---knowing movement needed to be kept to a minimum, it was the perfect choice.
A choice morsel from Bonhoeffer that seemed to speak to my heart this first holiday season without a parent or a parent-in-law:

“There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it. At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it. It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve -- even in pain -- the authentic relationship. Further more, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain.”

Thanks Bonhoeffer. I needed that.

Jesus the Just

12/26/11 Sabbath Snapshots from Colorado finally posted.
http://dotsydetails.blogspot.com/2011/12/sabbath-snapshots-colorado.html

Meditation on "Jesus the Just" and "Jesus our Justifier" to follow.
The scripture will be 2 Samuel 23:1-7 if you want to begin on your own---which is a great idea!

1 These are the last words of David:
“The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse,
the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
the hero of Israel’s songs:

2 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me;
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel spoke,
the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
when he rules in the fear of God,
4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings grass from the earth.’

5 “If my house were not right with God,
surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,
arranged and secured in every part;
surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
and grant me my every desire.
6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns,
which are not gathered with the hand.
7 Whoever touches thorns
uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;
they are burned up where they lie.”

Insights from Pastor Cole's Christmas Eve Meditation, "Of the House and Lineage of David: in 2 Samuel 22-23
v.3 Men who fear God rule justly.
There is much blessing when a ruler takes God seriously and doesn't place himself in a god-like position
v. 4 Reign of the "Just" ones= harvest of sweet, tender grass, nourished by sunshine and rain
v. 6 Worthless men don't like justice.
Reign of "unjust" ones = a goodness drought, like a perpetual cloudy morn---as CS Lewis says, "always winter, never Christmas." (PTL, God's benefit (Jesus) lightens our darkness!)
But God.....in a world of injustice ruled by worthless men, there is still a "just" ruler who is unbounded by time and death. Jesus. The One who came in the fear of God as God Himself. One who knows our name and calls us friend. The Just One. Not only the Just One, but our Justifier.
v.5 ....our blessing and "everlasting covenant."
Our well being is found in the "just" reign of Jesus!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

12/25/11 A Hallmark card that says "You care enough to send".....my favorite Christmas carol!

"GLORY TO THE NEW BORN KING"

Saturday Summary of Colorado Week

12/24/11 Glad to be home. It's been a long ride....but oh those GOOD memories!!!





12/23/11 Grateful for a good night's rest. Grateful for a waffle machine that makes Texas-shaped waffles!
10º in Amarillo but predicted snowshowers, missed us and part of I-40 that was closed was not our part. Josh & Megan are safe in NY. Texans are at YaYa & Poppy's and I am relieved and emotional beyond measure. Even hearing Frank Sinatra singing a Christmas carol made me cry b/c Mother loved "ole blue eyes." Elvis sang Blue Christmas and I cried b/c he's dead. Not that I'm a big Elvis fan but b/c that thought reminded me that both Mommar (Larry's mom) and Daddy (Grandaddy Brud to my kids) died this year and it will certainly be a "blue" Christmas without them.

12/22/11 Blizzard #2 turned south and had us scrambling to leave a day early to follow Texans out. Didn't want those babies on the road without us as their rear guard. Not many pix---too nervous during white out parts. Treacherous conditions. Snow blowing. Couldn't see exits. Trucks required chains but a Target truck was overturned. Owen was upset b/c that's his favorite store! Not many cars on I-25, but some of those were over-turned or in ditches with flashers still on. (Terrified....can't explain all the visions that I wrestled with. I think this day requires a blog in and of itself about my "faith falters.") Grateful for prayers and road condition updates from BB and Poppy. (& of course, JoLynn who realized how scared I was.)12/21/11 New Blizzard Warning sent Josh, Megan and baby Marion scrambling to leave a day early to get to Denver prior to BIG snow. Josh said he left his fingernail impressions in the steering wheel. Though their next day's flt was delayed they did get to fly.
12/20/11 Monarch Mountain Morning to photo "boys" new skiing abilities

Super sledding on a STEEP hill in Blue Elk Park by the house. First Blizzard left it's mark so Corey had a l-o-n-g but beautiful drive to CO SPRGS airport.

12/19/11 Shug and Pop-Pop given "morning off." Toured quaint Salida and had WONDERFUL lunch at the Laughing Ladies.

Afternoon sledding. Big Discovery---a small frozen snake. John Parker wants to take him home.

12/18/11 Broncos/Patriots Game w/ everything from dips and spreads to cheeseburgers and Corky's Ribs and Megan' pre-birthday cake. 4th Sunday Advent celebration with makeshift "circle" and Pop-Pop leading "We Three Kings."

12/17/11 First day on the slopes---lessons for 4 younger ones.

Josh's text message. Headin' in, turn on the hot tub and the sauna.

12/16/11 Angels in the snow (in bathing suits, no less) followed by a soak in the spa room hot tub.

December 19 BLIZZARD WATCH 2011

How do you prepare for a blizzard? What does hunkering down in a snowy mountain valley look like? Will explain tomorrow.

Sabbath Snapshots: Colorado (w/ 2 OK)

12/18/11 A week of worship and joy with family---What a blessing to have all 15 together for the first time in over 2 years!

A somber reminder of April 1995 and the Oklahoma Federal Building bombing Church spire in background appears to be keeping watch---Reflections of the survivor tree at the OK City National Memorial---"Saturday" bath, so dubbed by Grandaddy Brud years ago---Bows on our toes keep out the CO cold---I prefer the spa room---Ready for an afternoon snow "drive"---Superb sledding for a 9, almost 10, yr. oldSuperb sledding for a 7, almost 8, yr. old---Superb sledding for a "barely" 6 yr. old---Superb sledding for a 4 yr. old in midst of snow shower---Superb sledding for little guys---Superb sledding for an old lady---Icicle taller than a 4 yr. old---Fireplace dryer---Blue skies and quaking aspens---Quaint Salida house, one of many---Holiday Park tree for my knitting buddies---Salida Nativity---Bird's church house---4th Sunday Advent service: Liles style"Grands" opening Advent gifts, books of course---
Quiet end to a Sabbath week---

FRIDAY FRANTIC FUN!

12/16/11 If one 4 yr. old brings excitement to travel, stir in a 9 year old, 7 yr. old, 6 yr. old, 3 year old and a 1 yr. old and make them all male.

"Bright eyes gladden the heart..." (Proverbs 15:30) That's what Owen looked like when he saw his cousins at breakfast the next day. (Since this was also a HI Xpress, he quickly introduced them to the fine art of pan-a-cake" making! Once again, we ALL ate pan-a-cakes.)

Leaving the Hereford (think, chicken coop) smell of Amarillo behind us,

we caravaned through wide open Texas landscapes and volcanoes in New Mexico



to the windy mountain passes of Colorado.






.....




At the Carney's
"unbelievable" mountain home










we met up with the Brooklyn Liles---adding a sweet baby girl to the mix. (Molly's Corey flew in later)














....The unloading began. What a flurry of "stuff." Sleds, gloves, boots, heavy coats, ski equipment---enough food and games for weeks, if needed.

And so the fun began---sometimes messy, loud, and frustrating, unnerving, unpredictable, … did I say frustrating?
I felt responsible for making sure everyone was fed and cared for. Patience was needed. Cooking became hot messy work. Just clearing the table after the feeding of the 15-17 took time. The counter was filled with chips, cracker, marshmallows, hot choc pack, etc. and was always a mess.

Overseeing people always gets messy. It would be easier to leave the kitchen spotless, take off, and order in but NOT if I can help it.

A good sense of humor helps tons as does tons of grace. My patience wasn't always evident. Thank goodness I had help from a daughter & 2 daughter-in-laws and sons who tolerate me when I get overbearing!




Then an obscure verse that Sarah Butler showed me years ago came to mind.
Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,
But much increase comes by the strength of the ox. (Proverbs 14:4)

Serving is not always easy, neat, and tidy but....the rewards are there in the making---my grands (my oxen) can go on to serving others and a strong harvest!

I much prefered a messy “filled” barn than the need for a clean barn. So, I went up to the loft and read a Christmas story to John Parker before his nap.

Reflections & Robots

12/15/11 Praising the Lord for seeing the world through the eyes of a 4 yr. old as Owen travels with us to the slopes. Long hours in a car totally "plugged in" make even a simple HI Xpress room look inviting---so no jumping on bed reminders were given before bedtime. This morning the first words out of his mouth when he pulled the "back-out' drapes to look out the window, "WHOA! It's a beautiful day out there." "...a cheerful heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:15)
4 yr olds are just so excited about everything---especially a machine that's like a "pan-a-cake" robot. We probably made enough pan-a-cakes for all in the room---glad that they were tasty!

COLORADO CHRISTMAS

12/14/11 Leaving as soon as I shut down this computer! Will post when I can............
Christmas Blessings to all!

Prayer: from meditation to dialogue

12/12/11 Morning prayer time had me petitioning the Lord to "give ear" to my prayers. David prayed similarly in Psalm 17: 6. "I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words." (ESV) Yet my heart was reminded that I needed to afford the Lord the same opportunity. I needed to offer my ear to hear from Him. Prayer is a two-way communication.
In Habakkuk, the prophet dialogued with God. He waited to hear from God and even considered His reply. I need to consider his model.
Like a sentinel keeping watch on the wall of his city, he waited expectantly for God's reply. Waiting is often part of the listening.

I will stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me,....(Habakkuk 2:1, RSV)

When the Lord does reply, He instructs Habakkuk to record it and share it as a herald, of sorts----that I can understand. (Sounds a little like journaling and blogging.)

Today my ear was open to hear. Was yours?

Often we just have to be willing---even willing to wait.

Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints, to those who turn to him in their hearts. (Psalm 85:8)

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: MEMPHIS TO PICKWICK & BACK

12/11/11
WOMEN'S MINISTRY DINNER----
A LIVE PAINTING UNFOLDS "Divine Imagery:
Finding Christ....

• 

in the Canvas of our Lives."
I LOVE NANDINA BERRIES EVEN WHEN ICE COVERED
PICKWICK LODGE HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIL---
FROM FISHING & DANCING SANTAS...



TO BOATS & TRAINS ---


AND "THE REASON FOR THE SEASON"






LESSONS AND CAROLS---
CHOIR & ORCHESTRA IN ONE ACCORD---

A GREAT - ENDING---"HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING"
1152---FROM THE MANGER TO THE CROSS