Ann Arbor

8/16/11 These pix are for our "culinary kids," Josh & Megan----more info later

Light in the Mist

8/15/11 Through the early morning mist I could see it. The Marblehead lighthouse---the oldest, (1822) continually-operating lighthouse, on all the Great Lakes. Lake Erie. Indeed it has an important purpose. Provide the light for lost and needy vessels. Dispel the darkness. Clearly show the way. Guide on the right path.

God’s Word is a lighthouse. It dispels the darkness of this world. It provides light for the lost and shows the way to the One who is the Light. It remains steadfast---a lamp in the storms. It clearly shows the way to abundant life on earth. It guides us to the truth of eternal light with Him.

Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

May meditation on this verse be a light for you today.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

8/14/11 EVENING POST----picture taken from our window, per Texans' request, as out trip has become a geography lesson of of sorts for them.
Location: Port Clinton, OH overlooking Lake Erie, USA side----will post Canadian side on Tuesday or Wednesday from Kingsville, Ontario and Pelee Island. See if you can find those locations as well. Use an atlas----not the internet.

Sermon Summary

8/14/11 “when life hurts most……” What a sermon topic for needy folks. What do you do when life throws you a curve? Where do you turn when bombarded with BIG troubles? How do you navigate life’s journey when the bumps in the road are minor compared to the pothole that has just pulled you under. Death of a child. Infidelity. Cancer diagnosis. Chronic illness.
Pastor Bob Cherry of Northeast Christian Church addressed these issues because he and his wife had just been delivered one of those “bombs.” Breast cancer. Surgery needed. Surgery completed. Prognosis unclear until week after surgery.
Throughout the last month he and his wife spent their annual time together and apart in FL seeking the Lord. This year there was a new development that threatened to cloud this normally time set aside for family and church goals. Only a few faithful prayer warriors knew the angst/fear/concern that they carried with them to the shore.
Where does a pastor turn when the BIG trouble comes? After tears, prayers, praise music, searching scripture and a CD from a fellow pastor’s sermon, he was clearly reminded to turn to the cross.
In John 16:33 Jesus’ words spoke clearly of the truth that in this world one WILL have tribulation. Trouble comes to all. But that’s not the end of the story.
These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Those things Jesus had already taught in previous John chapters would lead to peace through Him. Abiding/remaining in Him. (John 15: 5) His love. (John 15: 9-13) Truth of eternity (John 14:1-4) Way to eternity. (John 14:6)
In times of BIG trouble, one needs the reminder of how much God loves us and how he can use the worst for eternal good as He gives peace along the way to those who reamin in Him.

Saturday sadness

8/13/11 Headin' north for more "birding" and a quick visit with familyand high school chum, Winslow. Yet, some disturbing news from a friend's diagnosis has my heart in Memphis. I've never even heard of the particular carcinoma that has been found---and I so understand her fears/concerns. But God.......already has her looking to Him and is covering her with His grace. How blessed to have the hand of such a God of comfort and hope.

Unable to sleep, I stood at the porch window looking out across the pasture as the sun rose. Four beautiful horses came to the fence and I began thanking the Lord for all He has created. I thanked Him for the life of this one who is "fearfully and wonderfully made." What an impact her love for the Lord and her life have had on me and others. Her teaching and her caring for her hubby, a blind paraplegic, are such testimonies to her love and trust in the One who anchors her soul.

Then I saw the quote, "Do not be afraid of tomorrow, God is already there."

What a great reminder. My Saturday sadness turned to hope and more prayer.

Disapointment, in a nutshell

8/11/11 Proverbs 13:12 speaks to unfulfilled expectations. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,” rang true yesterday until I chose to see “change” as from God’s hand and asked Him to continue to direct our steps.
Nutshell synopsis:

• Difficulty enjoying the scenery-- Atlas needed to navigate as Mapquest didn’t have a clue, road signage was all but non-existent yet made the pursuit kind of fun.

• Nippersink Lodge on Lookout Mountain (long on my bucket list of places to visit) somewhat resembled a quaint but eerie lodge from a bygone era----think, “The Shining”---only a swinging saloon style door to “rustic” bedroom and NO AC

• 

• No lodging available in either of the only 2 options in quaint/artsy/adorable Mentone, AL & not a single picture
  

• Having to scratch next day’s brunch at the Wildflower Café

• No birds on the short birdwalk at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne
  

• Dusk coming with no “safe” place to stay

The end result was acceptance----“flying by the seat of our pants “as hubby continued to drive “Miss Dotsy” toward Gadsden, AL, where Josh, from a CE classroom in New York secured us a hotel with a great, think “very reasonable price” hotel right on the road to our next day’s original destination. We became joyfully expectant to see where disappointment would lead.

8/10 Remembrances

8/10/11 No room. No birds. No energy to post blog. But God…… gave reminders of the good memories of the day, all part of a great trip, thus far. Today alone we had breakfast in North Carolina, lunch in Georgia and dinner in Alabama.

• 59° temps.
  
• Uncle Larry using his dictionary (like I do, according to hubby) to “hoist his own petard” as we all laugh and create verb forms for that noun.
  
• Saying good-by to Larry and Marge with lots of hugs and pledges to “do this again.”
  
• Sam & JoLynn considerately stopping for one more “Kodak moment” as we bid farewell to our Blue Ridge Mountain vista.
• Hugging Don’s neck, JoLynn’s nephew, & rejoicing in his “no cancer” report at his new restaurant in Blue Ridge GA, SISTERS. Then the plans began to go somewhat awry.

Grateful for remembrance of God’s word.

The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

42nd Anniversary

8/9/11


For 42 years--- it's been a great journey even through foggy and rainy times over bumpy terrain. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health.

The trek to the top. A great ride. A worthy view.

Another "anniversary celebrated."

MOUNTAIN MORNING MEDITATION

8/8/11 Location highly recommended for meditative moments: deck of a mountain hideaway, overlooking trees and streams with humming birds buzzing nearby along with a cuppa Red Rose tea, served with a cool morning breeze.

I rise before the dawn of the morning and cry for help. I hope in your word. (Psalm 119:147)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way. (Psalm 37:23)

GONE BIRDING

8/7/11 Hooray! Hooray!! Our “end of summer” anniversary/retirement jaunt begins today!

Our glorious trip begins in North Carolina with dear friends in their mountain home in NC. After we say good by to Sam, JoLynn, Marge & Larry, “flying by the seat of our pants” is the way the rest of the trek looks---AL mountain lodge (a Jerry Haughton rec from years past (20+ yrs.--takes us a while to get around to things but might cancel if TOO HOT, since lodge has no AC) TN farmhouse stays, KY city stays, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor, Ohio, Chelsea, MI Victorian B& B, & Pelee Island in Canada for more “bird watching” and “wine tasting”----two loves of hubby, my resident ornithologist and oenophile. (aka wine connoisseur.)

I’m packing his anniversary gift---the trip itinerary planned for him, new light weight but “strong” binoculars, 2 wine-stoppers, a lengthy book and a new “dual” book light. Nothing color coordinated this year just his favorites for his “birding” trip. Here’s to “42” years!

*Taking an old laptop but places might be too remote for wi-fi so not sure about blogs. If that’s the case, blog will return when I do.