RAQUEL

8/31/12…..a woman after God’s own heart. Raquel. Not exactly the name I call her but a name that resonates throughout the Guerrero Mountains in the heart of the people of that land.

A young woman sensing the call of God to Mexico has become the beautiful feet of a messenger who brings good news to the hearts of the people. (Isaiah 52:7)  

One who takes risks to participate in medical caravans in order to heal physical ills alongside spiritual ones. One trained in mid-wifery, available in a place where there is need. A single woman who travels alone, when necessary, in a land where even our large group had been stopped by bandidos.

Having traveled with her once, I saw first hand her love for the people of Tlapa and El Llano and that reciprocal love. She travels with a full heart and it overflows to others.

Inglesia Cristiana Tlapaneco Church is on right at the top of the hill.

If I asked her ¿Hablas [tú] inglés? Her answer would probably be,  “Yes, but I rarely do.”  Speaking fluent Spanish endears her (in just one more way) to the people to whom she ministers. But she continues to learn the Me’phaa language---the language of the Tlapaneco Indians. A difficult language. A tonal language mainly of ideas rather than verbs, infinitives, etc. Only consonants in the words, as I recall.

Nák hí rí ginii ne’ne Ana’ló mikhu jmaá juba’. In the beginning God created heaven and earth. (Me’phaa translation) D

Sharing her midwife information with the women of El Lano

Since January I have received over 30 emails from this young woman. Most are full of praise or prayer requests for others. She has a heart for these people, her people. She has a heart for God. That heart extends God’s love to others that they, too, might come to know Him as Savior and Lord. So she goes.

Raquel. I’m sure her name resonates through God’s heart as well.

Raquel's feet are on the left as she stands with her Mexican sister in Christ.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! (Isaiah52:7)

Waxing Nostalgic

8/29/12 Heating up the lady peas. That’s all I was doing. Yet, looking at that little pot had all those summer memories flooding back. And just maybe favorably increasing in size because that’s often what happens when one has those "rear view mirror recollections" from childhood.

This, however, was not one of favorable distortion---it’s just favorable. A vivid memory of Mama Davenport sitting on her front porch cradling a white enamel pot with the red trim in her apron-covered lap. Shelling peas. Nowadays we give them all kinds of names from purple hulls and pink eyes to cream peas and zippers. To Mama they were ordinary peas. Field peas with snaps. She would include those snaps because those small underdeveloped ones added flavor to the pot. If she couldn’t shell them, she just threw those small pods right into her pot.

Many baby-boomers have such memories. Mine go beyond the peas and to the small-framed woman, who was not only my grandmother but also my spiritual mentor---a word she probably never even heard. Scooping those peas from the bushel at her feet and shelling them was not easy for Mama D. because she had such crippling arthritis. It didn’t stop her. Perseverance. It permeated every facet of her life. Continuance in a marriage that was not always easy. Sitting alone in a pew, if children or grandchildren weren’t around to accompany her. If Dang-Dang wouldn’t drive us to church, she would take me by the hand and we’d walk. No complaint---just resolve. A woman who “kept the faith.” A role model for me.

In earlier years of marriage, I bought my ½ - 1 bushel of peas to shell, just like Mama did. Though many of hers came from a neighbor “down the road a piece.” Nowadays, mine come from the farmer’s market, already shelled, by those big commercial shelling machines, located right behind the vendors.

And no matter what I choose---white crowders or zippers, purple hulls or pink eyes, shirt and britches or lady peas, they all taste like home. A good reason to wax nostalgic.

CELEBRATE LIFE....a younger version

8/28/12 Last night’s celebration with a “younger” friend on her BIG 6-0 birthday was quite a contrast to Saturday’s "101 year" celebration. Both were fun---just different. Saturday’s decorations were elegant, floral and understated with no mention of years. Yesterday’s were full of color and “60” everywhere.

 The Saturday group most in their 9^thdecade, arrived dressed to the nines, with  no walkers, one hidden knee brace and only one cane, which was quickly put aside---with youthful hopefulness. Though aging was at the forefront of conversation for the Monday group the guests ranged in age from 30 something to 70+. That's  the generation span of friendships of the honoree, who said, “That way I make sure there is still someone around to attend my funeral!”

Walker’s adorned the entry at the more recent event and even offered valet parking for the elderly. Attire for the group, at the request of the honoree, was to be of an “elderly fashion.” Not to dress “old & frumpy” were the dictates of the hostesses. So, said honoree was the only one to arrive clad with her 96 yr old mom’s shoes with rolled down house, bed-head hair and tissues everywhere----you get the idea. At least, she left her mom’s hearing aids in her purse. (BTW, two of her “kind” friends tried to dress according to the birthday girl’s rules---that would be Shirley and Lou)

Song and dance captured the essence of Crickett.

Yet, the passing of 60 years of life was still celebrated with skits and pranks, both recent and past. Bugs and roaches in beds, short sheeting, crickets in curtains and inappropriate use of toilet paper. (LOL) That’s laugh out loud for you elderly readers. LOTS of laughter was definitely part of this life celebration. (Psalm 133:1)

It’s said that laughter is good for the soul---well, so is Crickett.

Birthday, dear friend “zee Crickeeet”---only 5 more years ‘til Medicare.  

Can't wait to see what your "innocent friends", Julie and Sandra cook up for that life celebration!

Musing Job 13:5

8/27/12 Sometimes I gain insight as I muse scripture interrogatively. 

A t-shirt worn by a friend had me asking myself several questions. What verse is that? What was happening in Job’s life to precipitate this question? Is this relevant today as seemingly“wise” counsel might only be someone’s opinion? Just their view and not God’s. How is this scripture, Job 13:5, speaking to me?

If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom. (NIV)

If only you could be silent! That's the wisest thing you could do. (ESV)

O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom! (NASB)

O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom. (KJV)

Regardless of the version, I see this as a truth, which I, more often than I like, don’t exercise in my life.

After musing interrogatively, with lots of different questions, I wrote out my own version.

You (Dotsy) would be wise to keep your mouth shut. (DAL)

It’s the gift that I need to give hubby more often than I do.

That’s my musing. What’s yours?

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: that make me smile

"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers."
Proverbs 17:6

 8/26/12 Nothing brings a smile to a grandmother’s face much quicker than seeing her grands----and when they live faraway, a GOOD picture will have to suffice.

CELEBRATE LIFE!

8/25/12 Following my morning meditation, in Job 12:7-12, I “dressed” to go help friend, Peggy, who was hosting a birthday luncheon for “Miss Louise” and a bevy of her friends. Celebrating life. Many years of life.

Miss Louise and hostess, Peggy, who has honored her with birthday luncheons since 2006.

Job’s words flooded my mind because I knew the Lord had blessed her with this length of years. Truly, “in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10) Few people ever realize that many years on earth. Shouldn't we be celebrating each breath with gratitude?

Miss Louise not only celebrates age in years but her mind, still very sharp, allows those of us around her to celebrate too, as she shares a wealth of wisdom and stories. What fun to listen as she reminisced about the “ last” time she was at Mackinac Island and the governor's wedding was taking place there. Though not “officially” at the wedding, island guests were able to view it on a large screen in the lobby of The Grand, where she was staying. She concluded her view was probably better than those of the guests in attendance. She also recalled all the geraniums and the “tea” available each day.

Job 12:12 provides today’s questions. “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” It certainly has for “Miss Louise.”

So here’s a “cuppa” to "Miss Louise" on her 101^st Birthday! What a privilege to serve her during this year's celebration!

CELL-LESS, no more

8/24/12 Most folks know that I don’t have a cell.  Make that past tense, now I do. There are a few concerns on my part. Keeping up with it. Knowing the number. I have never “done” numbers well and that malady has just worsened with age. The pre-fix, I knew I could get---but those last four digits could be troublesome. 

 But God…..in His goodness and mercy gave me great last 4 digits. Those who read my blog regularly will understand. Watch carefully for the date to come across the screen.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfyFI-4ZsaE

Maybe I should use it as my ring-tone.

For sure, it should be played at my funeral,** when being cell-less won’t matter.

** ‘Cause if I’m NOT truly dead, I’ll rise up and dance or I'll at least be toe-tapping in heaven!

INTERRUPTIONS.....

8/23/12…..by any other name is still disruptive.                                                  Consequences can follow.

Grandson Owen has been having a few transition difficulties into his kindergarten world---of listening, in particular. A very verbal, only child. A child in a world of adults who listen to him. A wonderful creative wordsmith, if you ask me.

 

A few weeks ago he explained the works of a volcano “erumption” to his mother. It included the description of the hot lava overflow that exploded and streamed forth after said “erumption.”

Earlier this week, Owen’s response to his mom’s, “How was your day?” was “I pulled three clips (warnings) and THEN I lost my Bumblebee from the hive.” (separation from the group is the consequence)

“What did you do to lose your clips?” Mom asked.

“I “erumpted” 3 times---2 times during circle time and  1 time during story. Then I had to sit out during recess."

Separated & only "watching" friends play

What life lessons can be learned in a kindergarten class. 

 This week’s interruptions were "erumptions" in Owen’s words---phonetically interruptions and eruptions all run together for him. And yet it was his inability to hold back that caused him to explode (erumpt) with his “important to him words”----thus interrupting (erumpting) the group, who did not see his words or excuses as more important than the teaching. Result separation from the group. 

Quiet time this morning had me “erumpting” God by rationalizing a truth about myself that I really did not want to face.

That, my friends, is an “erumption” of the highest order.

Separation from God can be the result---until it is confessed and dealt with---thus this blog.

Erumpting no more.

"MY" Buddys

8/21/12 Everybody needs a buddy in life. Sometimes a buddy’s physical presence is desired, especially during times of both celebration and mourning. Many buddies can come and go during different seasons in life. Certainly God has provided many buddies for me along my spiritual journey. But God….has also given me two REAL Buddys in both my physical family and my spiritual family. This past week, both offered counsel as I was once again struggling with “ranking” my priorities in life. 

Older brother, Buddy, had a succinct, but pointed, list for my consideration. He’s known me for 65 years, so he has the “right”. Plus, he does it in love and kindness and I know he has my best interest at heart when he reminds me to “let God lead…where He wants…” Prioritizing starts with Him. 

But God….didn’t stop there. He had me catching up on son, Buddy’s, on-line sermon, “Traps and Tugs”.  The first part dealt with the misconception of “trying” to prioritize life with a sequential/rank list in order to follow Christ with His priorities. We tend toward rules and ranking but the Lord wants us to go beyond our “list” mentality into relationship with responsibility. He will help us navigate that life which is in alignment with Him.

Only one thing is needful. (Luke 10: 41:42) I read that in the Upper Room entry (8/15/12) the morning after I blogged of my priorities’ struggle.

But God….gave me 2 Buddys to remind me of that.

Everybody needs a Buddy---how grateful I am to have two.

“My” Buddys

Older Brother Buddy

Older Son Buddy

♪ ♩ ♪ So much to sing about….♪ ♩ ♪

8/20/12 “Though I can’t ♪ ♪ sing, the Lord seems to be nudging me to scriptures on singing unto Him,” is a paraphrase of Debbie Frazier’s comment yesterday morning as we sat pew-side together.

Of course, precious Julianne had just led us women in ♪ ♪ singing “10,000 Reasons” so I was already in “puddle” position. Yet, I knew what she meant. Our lives should be a ♪ ♪ song ♪ ♪ to Him---delight to His ears as we lift our voices in praise. ♪ ♩ ♪ ♪ ♩ ♪

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
you, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely. (Psalm 59:16-17)

Two verses worth singing “I will sing of Your love forever”….

…. and meditating on as well.

For we believers do have so many reasons to sing His praises….and for some it seems there is so little time.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: SUNNY FLOWERS

8/19/12 Flowers of the field are given beautiful and varying hues by God Himself. But, the yellow ones are the ones which most often catch my eye. From England's golden oil-seed rape fields, grown on a multi-year cycle, to the beauty of the acres and acres of man-sized sunflowers blossoming brightly in Hungary, I have loved seeing those yellow crops in field after field. I love yellow flowers.

 Yellow flowers seem happy.

From Ukraine.......

to Mackinac Island........

and back home to the Agri-center in Memphis......YELLOW FLOWERS MAKE ME SMILE!!

Questions for Consideration

8/18/12 A recent newsletter from AnGel Ministries had me asking myself, “Do I really know and BELIEVE that God's power reaches it's peak when I am at my weakest point? If so, why would I ever “strive” or try to work things out in my own strength. I know in my weakness, He is strong. I know that in my head because II Corinthians 12:9 states it. But….does my lifestyle reflect it?

It’s easier for me to call upon the Lord for BIG things---like public speaking or pending projects that affect others. But does all include times when I just don’t want to do the ordinary dailies because I’m feeling tired or discouraged. Facing another sink full of dishes. Ironing clothes again---didn’t I just iron those? Somedays even answering the phone or emails can seem overwhelming.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phi. 4:13) Do I believe the ALL part?

Today, I think I just want to crawl back in bed to consider my answers.*

How about you? How would you answer these questions?

*But God….kept me going and ministry to others just flowed again and again. It seems His power reached me at that weak point when I didn’t even ask.

PUDDLING On…..

8/17/12 Yesterday was a "puddling" kind of day….and it ended up running in to this day. "Puddling", for me, as faithful readers know, is my euphemism for crying--- especially the blubbering kind. It can start with a knot in my throat, a welling up of tears, escaping tears that trickle down as does my drippy nose (neither of which I can feel) and eventually the blubbering comes. It’s not a pretty sight.

Puddling #1 occurred 8/13 when I heard disheartening results of CT Scan of dear, dear, friend and sister in the faith.

Puddling #2 occurred when I heard her always chipper voice explain that she knew it was bad when Dr. Mullins asked her if she had made plans for her hubby, who is both blind and paralyzed---since a 2004 accident. Since the diagnosis of stage 4 adenocarcinoma last summer, I know the prayer of her heart has been to live to take care of him.

Puddling #3 As I drove to pick her up to take her to her chemo, yesterday, K-LOVE blared out the last verse of Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons” as I started my car. 

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Puddle #4 occurred when I left there remembering the last time I had been there with another dear friend whose hubby was closer to death than any of us knew.

My emotions were set up to “puddle” and the numbers increased though I kept repressing (somewhat) ‘til I could “blubber” in private.

But God…….gave me these Claudia induced “glory bumps” as I recalled these two days.

Everytime I’m with her, she blesses me by her “dance” with Jesus. It's like she's already soaring above the clouds. abunDANCE!

Her Discovery of God in this situation is so intimate, that she said, "It’s as if I can feel His breath.” She’s Accepted her mortality without morbidity. She’s grateful for the time the Lord has given her to “pack her bags” and train everyone to help care for her Terry. She Notices God’s hand at every turn and thanks Him.She Celebrates time with family. I even watched her “train” her 8 year old granddaughter, whom she homeschools, to administer the “prick” and the measuring of her hubby’s blood sugar. More than all of that, she never misses a chance to Extend her story as an encouragement to others so that they might know the One who is the source of her strength. Tuesday night, with all the pounds left in her little frame, she spoke BIG encouragement to a group of women in the “Way Out” ministry, an incredible ministry that exists to help women leave the sex for sale industry and discover the fullness of life in Christ. She contends her pain is nothing compared to their incomprehensible pain of rejection and abuse. That, my readers, is Encouragement---the capstone of her most recent struggle.

Today, following transfusions at Baptist East, we headed to Jones clinic for a necessary shot. Entering the large room, I saw the plastic bags holding the slowly dripping meds that were hanging from the IV poles; I saw  blinking monitors, the baskets---available with blankets, and the stacks of charts/files at the big nurses desk. She, on the other hand, saw people. She smiled and greeted folks she knew and then stood, stock still.

“What pretty music,” she said.

I hadn’t even heard it----though it was certainly a step above any kind of “canned” music typical of doctors’ offices.

Heading over to the couch to await her nurse, we saw the source. A dark haired woman in a pink and red stripe sweater with gold “Gigi-type” sling sandals, was gently strumming a beautiful, small Aziliz harp. A gift that soothed.

CP closed her eyes and listened. I “puddled” quietly.

She doesn’t “puddle” I do. She smiles through it all.