Christmas in Florida

December Blog

Christmas in Florida

This December had wings on it. It flew by starting with my daughter
Amanda's birthday on December 1st.
This was followed by a trip to the Magic Kingdom to be part of
the filming of Disney's Christmas Day parade. We heard Chris Allen
sing and had a very pleasant fun day.
Next we went to a Christmas Orchestra performance in Melbourne
which included a talented children's choir.
At home decorations were set in place, presents wrapped and the
menu set for our traditional Christmas Eve open house feasted.
Carrisa came again this year and helped with the cooking.
We over did the menu and even Terry was put to work chopping and
stirring in order to be finished in time. We were 22 celebrating together.
Christmas dinner was enjoyed at Amanda's in St. Cloud.
You'd think that I could slow down then. Two days of cleaning up and
putting away after the party, then another two fun day's at Amanda's
playing with Alexus. Not done yet, Alexus birthday is on January 5th.
New Years Eve finds Terry doing yard work and me trying to catch up
with the house before the Tinneys arrive. It will be surprising if we are
still awake this midnight.
All of the activities were overshadowed by the news that my 101 yr. old
father fell and broke his hip on December 1st. It is amazing, but the hip
was put back together and he is on the mend. David is right by his side
cheering him on. Dad had another fall at the rehab center and is back
at the hospital. Nothing else was broken. He misses David's cooking
and his easy chair. We pray Dad will get strong and be back home soon.
My New Year's resolution -
As I open my eyes each morning
each day will be a joy and pleasure in God's eyes.



0 Happy Day

God's plan
at just the right time
to send His Son
The ancients spoke of this birth
They looked forward in time
We look back
and remember
with "Oh Holy Night"
and "Little Town of Bethlehem"
With heart and voice proclaim
the Savior who is Christ the Lord
proclaim this King of kings
and Lord of Lord's
Do not despair
rejoice
for yet a little passing
of the sun and moon
and once again
He is coming
For the government should be
upon His shoulders
and He shall reign
forever and ever
and of His peace
there shall be no end.

Christmas in Florida

November Blog: Conferences

The last few weeks have been full of Jesus conferences for me.
John Paul Jackson was one of the speakers.
I'm still studying the notes and meditating on the Bible verses used.
He talked about the difference between healing and miracles.
With healing something is removed and miracles something added.
Also how some are healed through their faith in Christ our healer.
While others through the faith of those who brought them to Jesus
and still others in a corporate faith setting.
Another teaching was from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter 7,
comparing conquering our enemies today with those that the Israelites
faced in the promised land.
The other speaker was Keith Miller.
I'm still studying notes from his exciteing teachings.
I was also able to go to meetings in Lakeland. David Herzog was the speaker.
He is the host of a TV program, The Glory Zone.
The meetings were full of encouragement and good news.
On the way over to Lakeland, on Veterans Day, I searched for veterans to thank
and to give a poem to. This was great fun. One man gave me a big hug
and another teared up. It was a privelage to meet two unsung heros.
I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving with the family.
Every day is a day to give thanks to our great, loving God who in His mercy
and grace gives us breath and every good thing we have in Him.

Beyond Pilgrims

How to give a proper thanks
to Him who gave us sunshine
What little note
what thank you lines
could here express
the way our lives have prospered
with His blessings
Each bite of food
each warm wool scarf
each chair to sit and rest on
provided silk and sheep and seed
to lead to what was made and sold
Let's pick a day to set aside
to remember all that God has done
Let's feast not only with those
closest to us
Let's invite the neighbors
friends and those who eat alone
Ler's call it what its ment to be
Thanksgiving Day is more than
meat and bread
It's a day to show to God on high
we see
we love
we welcome You
Take the chair that heads this table
We pray to always share You first
and for dessert
Your blessings.

November Blog: Conferences

October Halloween Blog.

October Halloween Blog.
A story:
The Halloween Buzz
Little Laurie was invited to a party
the night before Halloween.
She imagined that her costume
would be a bumblebee.
Laurie carefully applied her stripes
and attached the plastic bubble wings.
She wasn't sure about the stinger
and decided at the last minute
that a good strong buzz would be
enough.
Laurie rode to the party with a friend.
When they arrived the street was full
of goblins and ghosts with a spattering
of pirates and princesses.
Laurie, as far as she could tell,
was the lone bee.
She felt silly in her floppy antennas.
The more she got into the role
she was dressed to be
the sillier she got.
She was so silly that she walked
up to an especially large oger
and asked if they wanted a buzz.
By this time her buzzing was very
authentic.
The oger said, "sure"
and to both of their surprise
he began to flap invisible wings
and buzz.
This startled a nearby witch
who said, "I want to buzz".
Laurie was happy to share
and soon the witch was buzzing
so high that she lost her broom
down the pouch of a nearby
kangaroo who lost its balance
and fell down.
It began to spin around
on the ground.
This started a chain reaction
and soon a pile of goblins tripped
and fell
buzzing into a pod of aliens
who also fell on the ground
in a buzz.
A passing patrol car couldn't help
but notice the strange scene.
He stopped to investigate.
One little pirate was buzzing so fast
that he mistook the policemen
for a party goer and buzzed him
right into the middle of a family of
Bo Peeps and sheep.
Much to the amazement of all
the police officer took out his radio
and instead of calling for help
began to buzz into the receiver.
This brought several more police cars
and a sheriff.
Those who had gathered around
the buzzing heap
were consumed by such fits of laughter
that the new arrivals
thought they were drunk
and called the paddy wagon.
By the time the truck arrived
Laurie had buzzed her way over
to the sheriff
and while trying to explain
how they were not drunk as he supposed
notice her friend holding a sign
Thinking he was helping
it read, "want a buzz?"
The sheriff was not thinking bee wise
and tried to handcuff Laurie.
He began to sneeze and fell to his knees
and Laurie's bees were all around him.
He then could see clearly
this was just what was advertised
and spoken of by the patrol chief.
The party he was now a part of.

Birdwatching, Fall & the Weather

Blog for October
Birdwatching, Fall and the Weather
I could never be a city dweller.
I need birds in my life.
My husband heard a bird fly into our big front window
the other evening.
He went out to investigate.
Sure enough a small Wren was sitting there
on the ground stunned.
Terry picked it up and held it gently talking to it
until it realized where it was and flew off.
Another day last week my friend and I
discovered a young cattle Egret sitting on the top
of her car in the MacDonalds parking lot.
As we admired it we tried to talk it into taking flight.
It was very at ease even with the highway
buzzing with traffic close by.
We had to be somewhere so we got in
and started the car.
The bird stayed put as we slowly drove through
the parking lot.
It finally hopped off into some nearby shrubs.
This is the first time that I have ever been
eye to eye with an Egret in order to
admire how truly beautiful they are.
While at the Magic Kingdome at Disneyland last week
I watched a white Heron in a little garden area.
It was moving in time to the music.
One would have thought it placed there
by the imagineer animators except for the fact
that it finally flew away.
I wish that you could hear the feathered concert
going on right now outside my window.
City dweller's you are missing out.
As for the weather, the sun is setting
at the appropriate time for October in this latitude
but the temperature is not behaving.
We are in the midst of record-breaking heat
and I can not yet enjoy my porch.
A friend stopped by on her way back from
the summer spent in Canada.
She reported that when she left two days ago
she was dressed in long underwear and boots.
This sounds extreme for my comfort.
So I will stop complaining and be happy that I have
air-conditioning.
I noticed a good-looking pumpkin inside the door
at a friend's house.
I commented that she had better leave it indoors
or it would soon look like the witch in the Wizard
of Oz, "I'm melting".
I saw the cutest thing at Disney's, Not So Scary
Halloween party, last week.
This was in the cool of evening.
We went last year too.
Most of the costumes are very cute or just pure fun.
Two small brothers were dressed one as Peter Pan
the other as Captain Hook.
He had on a hat that was as big as he was.
God has promised that the times and seasons
are sure.
So I will not act surprised if Fall in Florida arrives
suddenly.
I'll join with what I hear that the Australians like to say
"no worries".
I'll be content and shower often.


Close Encounter of the Dove
There were a half-dozen people in the pool
when the dove arrived
It walked around the edge of the pool
like doves do
Pat and I were quite close to the bird
as we continued to soak
in the warm water
The dove stayed near us
for an unusually long time
We were close enough
that we could admire its feathers
shining in the sunlight
The dove stayed
until Pat raised her voice
to speak to it
Then it was off
chirping as it flew away
This closeness to a dove
the lack of fear that it showed
turned my thoughts to the Holy Spirit
The Comforter
the one whom Jesus said
would teach us all things
This encounter was a gentle reminder
of God's peace and safety
even when we feel fragile or alone
May the truth of God's promise
abide with you today
The riches of the knowledge of God's ways
The peace that can be known
by those who receive the Dove
Let His Holy presence
be as close to those I love
as a dove landing and staying
Let His perfect love be known
as I set my face
to see God's pleasure
fulfilled in this land today.

The World Trade Center Disaster

September Blog
Remembering the World Trade Centers
My thoughts today are like so many others
on what happened eight years ago today.
Those of us who are old enough,
remember exactly where we were
when we heard of President Kennedy
being shot.
9/11 is like that.
I remember where I was when the pictures
began to be flashed on the television screen.
This sparks several days of memories of
exactly where I was and what I was doing.
So many of our days go by with few tacks
to jog a memory.
What have we learned? How have I changed?
Bible verses that had no close ties to my
peaceful life, now seem more relevant.
Anyone or anything out of the ordinary
when I am in public places are
more likely to grab my attention.
Many heroes emerged along with
the handful of villains on that day.
I pend a short story after hearing
and reading of one group of those heroes
I titled it "Marvelous Miracle".
I include this story today and hope
it will be an encouragement that even
in the most desperate of times, we are
not alone.
Marvelous Miracle
The date was 9/11
As the horrific scene unfolded
on the nation's television screens
a simple prayer was whispered
by one descending from the
inferno as they passed
firefighters selflessly climbing
into the chaos
Order their steps
Lord Jesus
Her day at the Trade Center
had begun like any other
nothing out of the ordinary
Then the noise
and all around her was shaken
Fear tried to grip her belly
It was clear that the steps
the long descent to safety
must begin
The thought of going down
one flight of stairs
on her old knees
an hour ago
seemed an impossible chore
Now 81 flights of stairs
loomed ahead
Nothing to be said
but to begin
After 35 flights it was clear
that she could go no further
One step had become two
until all strength was gone
Then she saw them
huffing and puffing
up and around
the winding rows of steps
They were younger than
her fifty-nine years
Their eyes showed
that they knew the danger
of staying one minute
too long
As the walls began to crack
and vibrate
the blueprints were clear
The heat was too intense
Zealots hatred
had penetrated too deep
The walls would soon
come crashing down
The magnificent edifice
which had seemed so permanent
now felt paper thin
With time running out
they would take her with them
An escort that had intended
to ascend into hell itself
now wisely settled
on the rescue of one soul
This decision would allow
a chance to respond
at other times
to disasters more familiar
less diabolical
and helplessly absurd
She took strength from them
The descent continued
until so close to the light of day
her last resolve was depleted
She had to stop
There were seven
of these men of honor with her
Their steps as clear to God
as any sparrows
Then with a sound atomic pitched
the walls came down
Tons and tons of the center
of world trade and finance
falling
falling into the pit
Left standing
where thousands lay crushed
were seven men and one woman
Nesled in the swirling
choking dust
on a life raft of stairs
and one landing
The steps of a righteous man
are ordered by the Lord
Though a thousand may fall
at your right hand
He puts His Angels
in charge over you
Jehovah-jireh cares for you.

Not Ordinary

August blog
Not Ordinary
After the great vacation in West Virginia in July
I really didn't have any high hopes or expectations
for August and in the Florida heat.
Surprise, it has been an extraordinary month.
My husband ordered several advance reader copies
of the children's novel I have been working on
over the last 4 yr. What fun to see the manuscript
in book form and to hold it in my hands
complete with pictures. The cover and introductory
pages are still in the works. I will be sure to shout
when it is finished.
Then, on an ordinary Sunday afternoon
surprise, a phone call from an old college friend
and roommate that I hadn't heard from in over 30 years.
We had a long talk to catch up and since then have
exchange pictures of how we look today along with
newsy letters. It was better than Christmas.
Well at least as good as.
At the last-minute I heard about a C. S. Lewis
conference being held near Orlando. I was able
to entice a friend to go. And, surprise,
tickets in hand we went on a 2 day adventure.
C. S. Lewis's son Douglas Gresham spoke.
He is co-producer of the two "Narnia" movies and is
presently in Australia working on the set of the next
movie in the Narnia Chronicles series.
The author of the best-selling book "The Shack",
spoke on how Lewis's writings have influenced him.
Jill Briscoe, who has published 40 books ( I would
have to live to be 200 years old ) spok. She was at
University in England when Lewis taught their.
I have recently discovered Sara Groves music
videos on You Tube and really like her music.
She gave a concert interspersed with quotes from
Lewis's books which have influenced her music.
Next an actor, whose name escapes me, performed
a one-man show, enacting one of Lewis's books.
I can't remember the title but it was excellent.
What a fun two days. I came away encouraged
to continue writing.
The following weekend my friend picked me up
and we then picked up my granddaughter
and were off to a 2 night music celebration.
It was a group of teens who call their meeting
Fire Dwellers. The musicians and singers
were young men and women who lead worship
at several different churchs.It was loud, enthusiastic
and uplifting.
So as we move into September, I am convinced
that with Jesus in the lead every day will be
full of instruction on how to move closer in
to His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.


Dawn's Migration
No beauty can be seen
without God's light
He illuminates his gifts
and within this illumination
flows His promise
There is more to come
Heaven's realm processes
perfection's grass
to roll in
while listening to the songs
of new creation
with matching colors
to drawout laughter
Pure pleasure echoing
childlike spontaneous delight
These sites and sounds
found within God's presence
you and He
can for all eternity
follow after.

My Vacation

July Blog
My Vacation
There's this park in West Virginia called Blackwater Falls.
I've been going there since I was a child. It's full of
happy memories of vacations over the years.
My daughter and granddaughter and I just returned
from four days in a cabin there. The air was crisp,
the trails lined with rhododendron in bloom and the
mountain stream's babbling their music.
Each time I go there, I think this time I will be
satisfied. This year the change from the Florida heat
and coastal flatlands will satisfy.
As much as I love my home, I can't help but continue
to dream of mountain air and forest birds,
of moss covered logs and fern carpeted glens.
I guess I will always want it all. So much of love
is dreamed. And God's spirits embrace is the only
truly satisfying realm available in every season.


Just a Little Walk
The shade of blue
chosen to paint the sky
is my favorite
The budding branches
of new spring leaves
hint of Your perfection
Babbling water
at my feet
reminds me of
the healing waters
that will flow
out from under Your throne
Your creation
Your handiwork
Your promises
cause my soul to rise
to join with the clapping trees
in adoration to the one
true and living God
that I love.

What Does It Mean

June Blog
What Does It Mean
This is a question I have been asking most of my life.
My mother used to read me the book of revelation as a bedtime story, at my request. I was fascinated by it.
The question that persisted over the years is, what is the sevenfold Spirit of God. I sensed that this was important. I went to church, read books, heard conference speakers, yet up until now had not seen this addressed much.
I was excited when I heard a man named Keith Miller on a TV show, say he had written a book that addressed this. I had a hard time finding a copy. I'm about halfway through the book. The title is "Surrender to the Spirit". It contains so many Bible references that its slow reading. Some I will mention are Revelation chapter 4, Isaiah chapter 11, and Zechariah chapter 3 and 4. This is by far the best explanation that I have heard. This is exciting to me, that God remembered my question and put this book in my hands so many years later.


Open The Heavens
Longing in my soul
thirst
for the deep pools of God
for His embrace
His clarity
of life's purpose
To ride the wild waters
with Him
holding on
safe
as we sit atop
what He has built
All else shaken
crushed
broken in pieces
cast upon the bank
left behind
As we ride the rapids
swiftly
toward the sea
of His endless love.

Nature on Display

Blog for May

Nature on Display
I recently went to Disney's EPCOT flower and garden show. My friend Chris and I went specifically to spend the day out of doors before our Florida heat sets in. It was a gorgeous, temperate, sunshine filled day complete with a delicious breeze. We stopped to admire every bloom, and topiary. The display coordinator for this event is a master at color and design using natural elements. We strolled leisurely through the park stopping often. Part of my enjoyment at any Disney park is people watching. This day did not disappoint.
A highlight of the day was lunch at the outdoor cafe in the Morocco section. This area is staffed with young people from Morocco. I always enjoy the special mideastern coffee. As I lingered over their pastry display, I enjoyed talking to the friendly young lady working at the counter. I always keep a few of my poems handy and enjoyed giving one to her.
Much to my delight she soon appeared with a morsel of backlava as a thank you. I also got to lalk with a young waiter from Casablanca. I shared my website address with him and hope he gets to read this and see how much I enjoyed talking with him.
I am re-reading "The Shack". Such a clear reminder of the enfolding relationship our Lord God desires to have with us.
God's Bedspread
I remember a sunset
with colors
that no artist's canvas
could capture in depth
In seconds
the shades and hughes
were altered
With words
I tried to capture
to name the flowing
merging
fading colors of the sky
Inadequate
I cried
to even try to print
this image
of the underside
of Heaven's floor
So I closed my eyes
and praised
the wonder of the God
who lets the rainbow loose
to play across horizons
as this part of earth
is put to bed
for one more night.

Its March

Its March
What a beautiful day. It's not too hot yet. I am tempted to just go outside and stay all day. Since I can no longer drive and my stamina for walking is less than my desire, a short walk around the yard had to satisfy. It just felt good to feel the sun on my face, to see leaves and flowers close-up and to breath deeply this marvelous Florida fresh air. I am reading an old book that's discussion of has resurfaced of late. I had read it about 24 years ago. At that time I found it some what unbelievable. Since that time I have experienced revelations of the Kingdome of God kind myself and now feel my spirit mature enough to believe. The name of a book is "Angeles on Assignment" by Roland Buck. I purchased a new Bible yesterday. One that is not so heavy and stiff covered that its painful for me to pick up and read. I always under line passages that are especially meaningful to me. So with this pristine new copy I am noteing the many references mentioned in this Angele book. My understanding of how fully God has things under control has been expanded.
Another aspect of why my day is light and full of hope is because of a visit from two dear friends recently. We had gathered specifically to wash one another's feet in the confessional sense. This is possible after years of building up trusting relationships. During this time of intensive prayer together, I saw myself as a first grader standing in a line being picked for a yard game. Never being all that athletic and rather shy, there was always the fear of being picked last or not at all. God was watching and assured me he had picked me to be on his team, first string. Then he placed his team uniform on me. A weight of fear of rejection that I thought had been dealt with years ago was lifted completely forever. Trusted friends are irreplaceable.
A poem
Out of the Ordinary
Every once and a while
a visionary is born
One who can see beyond
the obvious
One who dares to believe
the unimaginable
The mind of such a one
sees nothing as impossible
but perceives all to be
only a matter of time
The very imagining and speaking
of these impossible ideas
sets the clock in motion
Such impressions inspire
other forward thinkers
brave barrier breakers
Dreamers with test tubes
and microscopic dots
with nanosecond hands
Imagine a Kingdome
where such thinking
is able to be seen
and felt and heard
ruled by
infinities fabricator
Almighty God.

A Good Book For Lent

A Good Book For Lent
A friend loaned me a book that she has read many times during the season of lent. It is an older book written in 1992. The book is titled Reliving The Passion by Walter Wangerin Jr. I am enthralled by these short daily readings. Wangerin is an excellent writer. His telling of events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ become new and make the accounts come alive. They provide an excellent platform to deepen one's understanding of how to order one's thoughts and life to become more mature in our position in Christ. I have been especially impacted through his account of the woman who anointed Jesus with costly perfume. He brings out what a pure unselfish act of love this was. She had nothing to gain, "no self at all". This act in stark contrast to the Jewish leaders desperately trying to preserve their power.
His Season
The winter branch out my window
looked devoid of life
This branch filled me
with anticipation
Attached to the trunk
the trunk has sent out roots
The roots spreading out
the length of the branch
Soon tender buds
and flowers will appear
Leaves will burst on the scene
giving just the right amount
of covering
as the fruit develops
Then the owner will come
to taste
to drink the juices
As the fruit is fully ripened
the fruit may become so heavy
that it drops to the ground
providing a banquet
for birds
As you look in the mirror
remember the branch in winter
Let the promise of the spring
to come
fill you
be aware of its roots
With this vision
let the creator workin you
Let Him develop a branch
worthy of the Master
A branch laden with love
with joy and peace
Find your rest
your contentment
in the sure knowledge
that seedtime and harvest
the planting off the Lord
is sure
Through Him
you will be richly sustained.

A Question Answered

A Question Answered
When I read the Bible, sometimes I have questions about what I've read. One of the questions has been about the passage that talks about in the last days we will see signs in the heavens. Since God is really big I expect that the signs would be pretty clear and spectacular. Someone sent some pictures of our galaxy that were only able to be seen of late. Wow, pretty spectacular, these pictures were taken of places and events that were three to five thousand light years away. So what God told the prophets and what Jesus revealed several thousand years ago were places and events that had already occurred. God in his wisdom new that technology would not be available for these to be seen until today. I often proclaim, big God. The more I see and understand the bigger He gets.
A poem
Spirit's Kayak
Dip the paddle in
race into the vast beyond
where unseen wonders
of another realm
are clear as mirrored ice
reflects the dawn.

Notes on Vallotton talk

Notes and Reflections
from a talk by Kris Vallotton
at ibethel
I really enjoy this site. Kris Vallotton is just one of the inspiring speakers.
He says, a new season requires a new way of thinking.
I think - if you just keep doing the same things you will continue to get the same results.
The Lord says we have the mind of Christ available through the Holy Spirit. This leads me to
inquire into the deep wisdom that comes from Almighty God. Kris says - we are in great and glorious days.
I hear reports of how our loving Savior is making himself known today around the world. This inspires me to
- call upon Him and believe that He will answer and show me great and mighty things that were before unknown.
Kris continues - God is releasing riches - I believe that some have misinterpreted this to mean selfish personal wealth.
The riches I desire are to see the Kingdom of God manifested in ways that reveal God's love, His provision, and His
available 'more than enough' for the work that Christ commissioned as He ascended on high and is positioned as The Captain
of 'innumerable angels in joyful assembly' waiting to be sent to assist and provide for what God has planned - that none
should perish -there are many rooms in His house.
Kris - be influenced by God's ideas not the enemies.
I am encouraged daily to know that no mistake by man overcomes God's plan for those who love him and are
called by his name.

a new year

Jan. 09' Blog.
I made a resolution for the new year to blog more often. I find myself reluctant to do this. I think it's the awareness of how available to all, anything on the Internet is.
I think, what if people don't like what I write. What if they see misspellings or grammatical errors. This idea of judgment makes me cowardly. Since I know that I should only care about pleasing Him who provided himself a way for me to not be judged. And perfection is not available this side of heaven, I'll move forward.
I met someone new recently. This is one of my favorite things. A young mother and her baby came to talk about illustrating children's books. I enjoyed hearing about her life and sharing, what I hope was, useful information to encourage her. I would love them to come and visit again another day.
I am working on editorial changes for the children's fantasies fiction novel I have been writing over the last four years. It is exciting as the work comes so close to actually being in print.

Mind and Spirit
Walking in and out
under the shadow of His wings
Awareness of this cover
so hard to hold
His hand slipping into the puddle
of how I feel
My day
my way
distracting me from awareness
of who I will become
As face to face
my eyes open
Seeing all surroundings
more than comprehension allows
one dimensionally
Music draws me in
Love's melody
reminding me
of what the open door
reveals
Using imagination
picturing promises
fulfilled already
in the reality of God.