On my way home from school today, I noticed tall grass and flowers growing along the roadside. This in turn reminded me of a discussion I had years ago while living in Florida. A friend was telling me of a beautiful flower called Queen Anne’s Lace. As she described it, I didn’t think I had ever seen one… a lacy white flower with a jewel in its center, that glistened in sunlight.
The following year she was visiting relatives in Maryland, so continued her journey and traveled to Maine. While viewing a field near my parents’ home, she pointed out the flower. “Oh,” I said. “That’s Queen Anne’s Lace. Around here we call it a weed!”
What a difference in perspective! Is it not how people see each other as well? Our life’s experiences may vary, but one thing is certain, weeds do not grow in God’s garden. He created us in His image and no matter how we perceive our own self worth, God has placed a jewel within each of us; a jewel that reflects His love and shines for others to see. What an awesome God!
Each morning I crawl out of bed trying to be as quiet as possible for I know that Teddy will start barking, which for some reason, is not particularly pleasing to my neighbors. Having a cup of coffee usually aids my grogginess, but today time simply didn’t afford such a luxury.
So, I headed for the dogs’ pen. Stepping into the garage, I couldn’t identify the problem, but something was certainly awry. Between trying to maneuver in partial darkness and battling fogginess, my brain was telling me that sometime during the night, the cement floor had grown lumps.
Finding that rather odd, I decided to wait until my eyes adjusted. Then yet another discovery; something was missing from the stair railing. Was I dreaming? I certainly wish I had been.
Approaching the pen, there they were… eight legs of energy, wagging their tails in greeting. Perhaps they thought my reaction would be one of sheer joy. If so, were they ever misguided. There they stood, proud as can be. During the night, they had replaced their dull gray floor with a brown and white dotted one. Ivy leaves had also been added to their new decor.
I guess I don’t need to start my day with caffeine after all.
Women of Faith was awsome. This was my fourth conference, so I knew what to expect… laughter, music, laughter, being spiritually fed, laughter, and uplifting talks. Oh, did I mention laughter? God has certainly blessed these women through their insight, music, stage presence, and ability to share with others. And we are blessed to receive God’s grace… God’s infinite grace.
As one begins to process such a weekend, it becomes evident that words can not possibly describe the experience for you have to experience it to truly understand what it’s like to worship with thousands of women raising their voices in praise.
I feel revived, refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to go! I thank God for providing the opportunity for me to be a part of such a wonderful event. As I said, words can not describe the weekend, therefore, I channeled my joy into creating the following video. It is posted on youtube. The music is by nicole c. mullen (one of the many people performing at the conference). Enjoy
The URL is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gfKH-WZE3w
I’ll be leaving in about 15 minutes to attend the Women of Faith Conference in Boston. For those of you who have attended one of their conferences, you’ll know what I mean when I say, “I can’t wait!!!” This year’s theme is Infinite Grace. Will be returning home late Saturday, so this will be the last post until Sunday.
Actually, the title should be, “Dogs Rule!” as I am a dog lover from way back.
Sometimes my friends ask me how Teddy and Baxter are getting along. As you can see, they relax and dine together. Also, they help each other out with mundane tasks. Here, they are preparing to make my bed while I’m getting ready for school. Thanks guys!
There is one thing in my household that has changed though. With three of us now expecting to eat food from my plate, the rule is… no way. People, especially my sister, get grossed out if dogs eat from any plates and bowls. To give you dog lovers a chuckle, her rule is also, when washing dishes that the dogs have eaten from, drunk from, or simply drooled on…. do not ever use a dish cloth, even if you’re finished washing all the other dishes! Thus, the origin of paper towels has been revealed.
So to be nothing less than a dutiful sister, a younger sister I might add, my dogs no longer eat from my plates and bowls. After all, I have my priorities. In fact, there’s simply no reason for them to eat from any of my dishes because following a shopping trip, they now have their own set of fine china!
I’ve always found peace in music. From the time I was a child, I heard my mom singing. When her friend, Rita, came to visit, the house was filled with song, as Rita could play anything on the piano by ear . If she didn’t know the song, “Just sing a little of it for me.” and she was off. What wonderful memories! At bedtime, sleeping arrangements were made for all ten children. I don’t know where the four adults slept. Actually, I really didn’t care for I was snuggled in bed and the melodies were still filling our home. All was well with my soul, as it is today.
During the weekend, I created the following video, entitled, “He Is Here.” I hope the music will inspire you as much as it did me. If you are unable to view it, here’s the URL.
During times of crisis, such as 9-11, Americans ban together and there is a thrust to reach out to God. Whether or not hearts become faithful we do not know, but we do know that seeds are planted and that makes it all worthwhile. Remember a few years back when W.W.J.D. became a slogan and bracelets were prolific? Again, I don’t know how many people began or reaffirmed their faith walk, but to have people turn their eyes upon Jesus was worth it, as it is today.
Teaching in a prison comes with its own set of problems, but I’ve had an especially rough week, so please allow me to indulge myself in mentioning my frustration. If you’re not familiar with the letters W.I.I.F.M. it means, “What’s in it for me?” Attitudes are often shaped when children are very young, and throughout our lives, our experiences can add luster or rust to our being. Or, better said, our experiences can add luster or rust if we let them.
What ever happened to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”? Why is it that a common phrase has become … they need to buy into it and take ownership. I just don’t get it! Why do we need to persuade someone to do the right thing?
Why do people throw childish tantrums just to get their own way? The sad part is that I’m not talking about the kids that I teach. I’m sure you can relate to the frustration. I don’t know about you, but I can’t understand why people throw an anchor to those already sinking. So the real question… How can we exemplify peace? If you have any ideas, please leave a comment on my blog. (I have it set up so that only I can read the comments.) Thank you.
The music teacher in my school was presenting “The Carnival of Animals” by Saint-Saens to a first grade class. Her method was to show a slide while the music was playing, briefly stop to talk about what they were hearing, then continue the same procedure. To make things run smoothly, she explained to the class that when she was talking they needed to look at her, then when she said screen, they needed to watch the pictures. Off to a great start, the lesson began.
First was the slide which the entire class watched, then as directed, they looked at her while she was talking. When finished, she said, “screen” and with great enthusiasm not a child missed the cue; the room was filled with the sound of little voices screaming their hearts out to please the teacher. With such fun, no wonder the class raced to line up the following week when it was time to go to music!
I’ve always heard that when having a telephone conversation, a child, your own child of course, inevitably needs something desperately. I’m sure you’ve always wondered whether this also occurs in homes where there are dogs, so to quench your thirst for knowledge… yes, pet owners do experience this phenomenon. Don’t get me wrong, I love my pups dearly, but Beverly Sills has nothing over on Baxter and Teddy. Can they ever reach the high notes, and with great volume, I must add.
However, it only takes a moment to realize that harmonizing is definitely not one of their gifts, and when musical notes clash, it drives me absolutely crazy (not that I need to travel very far to reach that destination). I’m thinking that in order for Baxter, Teddy, and I to peacefully coexist, they need voice lessons. But I’ve heard that classes can be very expensive. When it comes to prodiges, I would think that two lessons for the price of one would apply, but for some reason, few people seek my opinion, so I guess I’m at the mercy of the choir director.
Applying my great skills of observation, I’ve realized that it’s not really the phone that is setting them off. Instead, the people in my neighborhood are responsible. They don’t seem to understand that anything that can be seen on the road is our territory. Walking, biking and jogging are simply not allowed. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that my neighbors should stay home.
So back to my dilema… Gas prices are soaring and I don’t even know if Julliard can meet the needs of Johnny One Note. However, having conducted extensive research, I’ve made a world shattering discovery! As a result, I’ve opted for an even cheaper solution so am now spending time gazing out the window… Mayflower movers should be arriving at my neighbors’ any time now.
There are times in our lives when words are just not enough. We so desperately would like to be able to “fix” the aching hearts of our friends, but find ourselves bound by the limitations of human existence.
However, we can turn to God, for He is the great physician, the maker of heaven and earth, and provider of amazing grace.
I created the following video as a way of expressing my faith in God. This music is one of my favorite Women of Faith songs, entitled Agnus Dei. I’d like to dedicate it to the following people: Rosa & Ron, Doris & Bob, Patti, Sharon, Betty, Denise, Linda, and Nancy.
God bless each of you.
By the way, the bank of snow is a a photo showing the 2008 winter in northern Maine.
If you are not able to view it from this page, go to the following URL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e98nnKCtK24
Posted by ruabliever2 
Posted by ruabliever2 
Posted by ruabliever2 
