TIME: Looking Back, Looking Forward?

Posted on May 20, 2014 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

The sea level around North America 77 million years ago

Good Morning, God!

Being a Human, I tend to measure everything in terms of My Life. I remember reading Rocket Ship Galileo as a child and wondering — Will we get to the Moon in my lifetime?

I also remember learning that our planet was in an Interglacial Period that seemed to last between 10,00 and 12,000 years — and that we were getting near the end of that time period. Did I think — Will I see the end of this Interglacial Period in my lifetime? I might have worried about the return of the glaciers. Or I might just have wondered, “What’s Coming Next?”

What’s coming NEXT is a really good question, God!

Even now I haven’t quite grasped that we are in a warm period inside of the Earth’s Fifth Ice Age. Ice Age NUMBER FIVE? . . .YIKES!

Let me step back to NOW. The melting of the poles and glaciers IS accelerating. And it IS a Positive Feedback Loop. That means that as melting speeds up, it sets in play forces (methane gas stored in the tundra, for example) that accelerate the melting.

Sigh. Mostly — I enjoy Science News. But sometime I realize that TIME is Too Big for me. I’m a human and so my life span is my yardstick. Advanced Civilizations can Learn to consider Three Lifespans BACK and Three Lifespans FORWARD. I think the Iroquois did that . . . or tried. I sure hope we have people working on that for us. Three Lifespans Forward . . . Hmm.

It would be really nice, God, if we humans could stop arguing about whether or not we are causing this global warming to speed up — and instead begin a global conversation on how we might respond to it.

Please Help us, God!

Tagged with: Global Warming, ice ages, Interglacial periods, positive feedback loops, rising seas, time
Posted in connecting, Perspective, reframing, so much to learn, time

A matter of SCALE, again!

Posted on May 13, 2014 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

The Eiffel Tower from a tour bus

Good Morning, God!

I was reading the book God Calling this morning and came across the lines: “What greater treasures can you have than Peace and Rest and Joy? And these are all stolen from you by doubt and fear and despair.”

And I thought that now science is agreeing — as we continue to learn about how stress hormones turn OFF the Body’s Healing System.

I’m laughing, God, at how long I have “known” this fact and how completely I have failed to grasp the SCALE of that reality.

Knowing a Fact and viscerally being grasped by its Reality are such different things that I feel I am lacking an adequate way of expressing it. All I can say is that it’s a Matter of Scale.

My favorite example of scale is the Eiffel Tower — such a hackneyed tourist image, I had thought in my ignorance. Ah, but when I stood under it — I was in AWE! It was overwhelmingly HUGE!

Kit and I had an incredible two weeks of being ON during our latest Boston Marathon trip. There was a lot of fear in me before the race but then the EUSTRESS (good stress) of being HIGH afterwards. My body was flooded with ON hormones for weeks! So God, most naturally I have experienced a Letdown/Collapse of my immune system,

Trips to two doctors . . . various creams and lotions and lots of sleep are finally bringing a resurgence of my Healing System. Honestly, God! It is lowering to have to keep learning and relearning! But, then “lowering” is undoubtedly good for my Health, too.

Scale — Reality — is HUGE and hard to grasp. So, thank You, God, for letting me be GRASPED BY IT! Sometimes I think that I only learn “The Hard Way!’

Tagged with: being ON, Eustress, healing, rest, Scale, sleep
Posted in a matter of scale, connecting, healing, health, JOY, learning, Peace

To SEE, and maybe to SEE my selves?

Posted on May 8, 2014 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

one of my beginning watercolors

Good Evening, God!

I stumbled upon this photo of a watercolor I did last month — and I really liked it! That was surprising because when I painted it I was not happy with it.

Ah, but in the ensuing month I had forgotten what I had wanted it to be. So, I saw it simply as it is.

This strikes me as an important Life Lesson, God. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if I could simply see things as they are — not through the filter of how I want them to be?

We see what we expect to see — and our expectations are shaped by our families, our schools and our communities. And Expectations are just ONE of many filters that keep me from seeing clearly

I was going to launch into how there is SO MUCH to see! How we only take in consciously a small percentage of the incoming physical data — and that was ignoring how I am constantly checking my iPhone for more information.

Ah, but God, I hear You telling me that shifting to external data is to continue Seeing as an Extrovert –looking Outside myself. What is FAR harder to SEE are the layers and components that make up Me.

And the Biggest Filter to doing THAT is that I really WANT to be an honorable and good person! And that strong desire blinds me to the vast “Unwanted Parts” of me — the less honorable parts of me. In the last few weeks I have had two occasions where a “dishonorable” part of myself finally came to the surface. In both cases I finally “confessed” that thought/feeling to trusted friends.

What surprised me was that — after I had accepted and revealed these unwanted parts –They sort of faded away, I could see that In both cases those rejected parts were just trying to take care of me.

Well, yes, God, I am not yet doing a very good job of taking care of myself. Accepting Myself as I AM — and hopefully seeing underlying Good Intentions — that is a Major Part of Caring and Loving myself.

Tagged with: Expectations, Filters, Loving myself, Seeing Clearly
Posted in awareness, Caring, Compassion, connecting, courage to see myself

The Joys of Traveling

Posted on April 30, 2014 by a moment with god — 1 Comment

blossoms from a flowering tree at Andover

new leaves from a tree at Andover

Good Morning, God!

I snapped this photo while walking with my wonderful husband Kit in the town of Andover Mass. When I saw the resulting photo on my computer I was amazed! I love it! I had no idea that range of color was there in the leaves. It is exquisite.

What a delight to be surprised by such beauty! One of the pleasures of traveling — though I am eager to be Home — is the flow of surprises and small adventures. Adventures like the power going off all along Route 9 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. while we were dining — and even , in retrospect, the drive with the help of Google maps though pitch black back roads with only 1% left on my iPhone.

Travel means I add more photos to my Inner Albums — as well as to my iPhone albums. And it is not just “photos,” it is also a wealth of Friend Connections. It is both Richer Connections with old friends AND an awareness of all the New People that pass through our days. Good people, God. And perhaps they want to be “noticed” and appreciated — even more than these lovely leaves.

It puts me in mind of one of my favorite quotes (by Paul Watslawick) that the Primary Purpose of communication is to Confirm our Existence as Human Beings. It doesn’t take much — a nod, a smle, a glance, even. I think of that quote as an extension of Your Command, God, to “Love our Neighbor as we love Ourselves.”

Perhaps Loving begins with seeing — with appreciation.

Tagged with: appreciation, loving, new leaves, seeing, small adventures, travel
Posted in Adventures, appreciation, connecting, friends, LOVE, seeing

My Husband, the Role Model

Posted on April 28, 2014 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

The Two of us — with grandson Mark taking our photo

Good Evening God!

My wonderful husband Kit and I were photographed by our grandson Mark (going to Vassar) a few nights ago at dinner in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Yes, I am giving Kit a Loving Look! (The same Look that so embarrassed our daughters years ago.) And this was even before our young waiter chatted Kit up about the Boston Marathon! I am actually enjoying being the wife of a Minor Celebrity. Better yet, he’s a really good Human Being!

Recently I was chatting with a friend whose daughter was an excellent basketball player. She said that when she and her daughter went to the mall, the young girls would tug on their mothers’ sleeves and say, “Look!” The young girls would ask for autographs. Young men don’t want an autograph, but a surprising number want to chat with Kit or have their picture taken with him.

We ALL need good role models, God! We need people we can admire and learn from. Ah, but that takes being ready. I am just beginning to learn the essential nature of daily floor exercises from my friends. I’m ashamed of being so SLOW!.

The WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) bracelets of a few years ago show our need for Role Models. Of course, with Jesus as Role Model it is important to realize that we must open ourselves to the Helper — That same Great Sprit who raised Christ Jesus from the Dead.

I guess, God, I am an example of knowing with my head — what to do — but failing to follow with my Whole Heart. I confess that. And I ask again for Your Help!

Tagged with: Boston Marathon, exercising, Holy Spirit, Love, role models
Posted in changing who I want to become, choosing HARD, Choosing Meaning, confession, connecting, Families, family visits, generating options, Growth Opportunities, Humility or Needing Help!

Passionate People, Critical Causes

Posted on April 26, 2014 by a moment with god — 1 Comment

Statue of Rachel Carson at Woods Hole

Good Morning, God!

I’m sitting here in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. — relaxed and happy. My wonderful husband, Kit, is out walking — exploring the Territory. In a couple of hours, our grandson, Mark, a freshman at Vassar College, will be ready to be picked up. And I am overwhelmingly thankful!

I’m thankful for the friends who prayed for us before and during the Boston Marathon. Thankful for all the friends who have opened their hearts, their picnic baskets, and their homes. Thankful for our family who stayed “with us” during Kit’s 26.2 mile run. Thankful that Kit is well and that he did a great time (4:45) in the marathon — especially at age 79.

I’m smiling, God. I am married to an Inspiration! At dinner two nights ago the young cashier asked to take Kit’s photo — so she (training to become an Occupational Therapist) could inspire her clients. So touching!

Inspirational people abound! Our friend Floy took us down to Woods Hole, where I found this statue of Rachel Carson. Carson wrote the book Silent Spring, which led to the banning of DDT — a powerful and persistent pesticide. The chemical companies fought her. Now with Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, and GMO-designed-crops created to be resistant to Roundup — I fear those companies have won the current battle.

Maybe I should say — are winning. The game isn’t over, is it, God? But, it is HARD to oppose LOTS of MONEY. Money spent to perpetuate and normalize the current situation. And it’s also hard for us humans to see Things Changing Over Time. Things like melting polar caps and warming seas. Things like the dramatic changes in our food supply since the end of World War II.

And having seen — then how do we respond? Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring . . . a book that helped non-scientists to SEE and to CARE what was happening. Ah, God! Please send us more Rachel Carsons!

Tagged with: Monsanto, pesticides, Rachel Carson, Roundup, Seeing Changes, Silent Spring, speaking up
Posted in Books, choosing HARD, Choosing to respond, connecting, courage, gratitude, web of life, words to strengthen

A HAPPY DAY

Posted on April 22, 2014 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

I find Kit after his 4:45 Boston Marathon

Good Morning, God!

WHEEE!!! What a HAPPY day, yesterday!

After confessing my wretchedly high stress level and asking friends to pray for me — as well as for Kit — I managed a fairly peaceful spouse’s marathon. I was helped by dear friends who came to support me at mile 20. Bless them! Not just good company but technical assistance in tracking Kit and with delicious food.

And daughter Sandy helped by feeding me frequently Kit’s location and time. And her dear husband Dave took over after she left for work.

In the evening we enjoyed a marvelous dinner with good conversation with good friends (my mile 20 support team plus another couple). While we ate dinner, a young male runner who on learning Kit’s time, asked to have his picture taken with Kit. That’s Not unusual. Ah, God, my husband provides young men with HOPE for a happy, active future.

And speaking of Happy Futures we had a wonderful time this Easter at historic Park Street Church. We went there because it was the closest protestant church to Mr. Dooley’s Irish Pub, where we had breakfast with friends. The preacher was inspiring, the music divine and the congregation friendly. AND, as things worked, out I got to ask the preacher to give Kit a blessing after the service! Before the service we met another dear running friend coming out of the service as we went in. More hugs and photos ops!

On Saturday, we had another Hug/Photo opportunity at the Expo when the daughter (in law) of a dear departed friend called my name. Marianna, marathon entrant, was there her husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandson! WONDERFUL! We could not have arranged to met them given the crowds and confusion.

So, in case I have not said it earlier — THANK YOU God for a Perfect Marathon experience! I am Very Grateful!

Tagged with: Boston Marathon, Easter, Friends, gratitude, happiness, Joy, Park Street Church, Prayer, support team
Posted in connecting, connections, Families, gratitude, JOY, rejoicing, thankfulness

Boston Marathon Eve

Posted on April 20, 2014 by a moment with god — 1 Comment

a walk between breakfast at Mr. Dooley's and Easter at Park St. Church

A walk between breakfast at Mr. Dooley’s and Easter service at Park St. Church

Good Evening, God!

I noticed I haven’t done a blog since April 9th . . . and I guess partly that’s been because my life has been FULL and partly because I’ve had my mind focused on Kit’s running the Boston Marathon tomorrow! VERY focused!

Actually, scared and stressed might be better words. The stress was so overwhelming that I asked for friends to pray for me — pray specifically for my stress level to decrease. I think I have mentioned, God, that I am a Very Proud Person. Sigh. So part of me wants to deny even that I am afraid, let alone ASK for help!

C. S. Lewis was right when he said Pride was the worst sin of all — because it separates us from God, other people, and in my case, even from parts of myself.

Fortunately I went to see my Spiritual Director the day before we flew off to Boston. What might be the purpose of fear, she asked. NO PURPOSE!, I cried. I just want to get rid of it! We went back and forth a few times and finally she said, “If Fear had a purpose what might it be?”

Sigh. Immediately I could see myself as a Horse with Fear as the Rider — using sharp spurs — but the Fear was trying to direct me into God’s Barn. Your “barn,” God. And when I got in there I felt salve being put on my wounds and Someone giving me a hug around my neck and mane.

I burst out laughing! You might think I would know enough — Trust Enough — to trot into Your Barn without Fear riding me. But, then, maybe not. I’m so very, very human. But I do know that I want to stay in Your Barn all day tomorrow — cheering for Kit — while “holding Your Hand.”

Tagged with: fear, God's Barn, Prayer, Pride, stress, trust
Posted in connecting, Prayer, Responding, Rethinking, Stress, Trusting God

Playing — the Joy of Surprises

Posted on April 9, 2014 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

In the brush doing what it’s doing it will stumble on what one couldn’t do by oneself Robert Motherwell

Good Day, God

I found the quote that’s below this image in the book, On Becoming an Artist, by Ellen Langer.

The quote meshes with what my beginning watercolor teacher says: “Dance WITH the brush and let it lead.” And, sometimes, God, I do break loose from my mind’s control and let my hand and brush have fun. For example this image is just one brush stroke — done mostly by my brush.

It does take energy to have fun. I’m feeling more rested now — after over two months at home, with no travel! Slowly, slowly my battery is recharging. The first “sign” that I had more energy came when I noticed I was wearing earrings again. Next I began to have fun with clothes. I love wearing bright monochromatic outfits — I enjoy the comments!

Today, my phone started to play, too. All on it’s own, it called a dear friend. As soon as I noticed the phone had done that, I hung up. But, of course, when the friend got home she returned my call. I explained and apologized!

But, then she said . . . “Well, as long as I have you on the phone I might as well tell you . . . ” She had news that she wanted to pray about. Since she is an Introvert, she was not rushing to call. After we prayed I laughed. “I’m mostly clueless . . . but it seems God is using my phone!”

I see this phone call as You “having fun” while arranging for us to help one another.

I’m sitting here and smiling, God. Joy is one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Or as C.S. Lewis said, “JOY is the serious business of Heaven.”

Tagged with: creating, Joy, playing, Prayer, Surprises
Posted in Being ENJOYED by God, connecting, Creating, Energy, Enjoyment, JOY, the JOY of praying together

Our Fellow Creatures

Posted on April 3, 2014 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

An Unexpected Dove arrives at lunch

Good Morning, God!

Yesterday, after the person on my right left the luncheon — this dove arrived — looking for all the world as if she had been invited.

Mostly I shoo away birds landing on plates anywhere near me. And, I guess, I should have shooed this one away. But, our eyes met, and I was struck that This Dove was a Fellow Creature.

Seeing her up close I could appreciate the delicate grays of her plumage and the lovely shading around her eyes.

It made me think of Jesus’ words about the lilies of the field being adorned more beautifully than King Solomon in all his glory. (Matthew 6:28-30) Such care You have, God, for lilies that last such a short time — such care for small birds. too.

You have Care and Compassion, too, for all Your Creatures. Sigh. It made me think, God, of how much slides by me, unnoticed.

Noticing . . . acknowledging the Presence of another . . . even by a quick meeting of the eyes and a nod . . . links us together.

Our oldest daughter, Suzanne, was sharing how upsetting it is for her when her fellow customers in restaurants fail to notice and acknowledge those there to assist them.

Respect for one another . . . I guess that maybe Respect is the Foundation of Love? I hadn’t put those two together before. In fact, I had separated them. But, now that I am sitting here thinking about it. Respect seems to be the very First Step in loving ourself and others.

Lissa Rankin had a wonderful article the other day calling for greater compassion. In it she talked about her visits to AA meetings as part of her medical education. She said that after hearing people share she came away with so much respect for what people had suffered — suffered and survived.

Hearing, Expanding our Hearts, Respecting . . . all are so healing . . . for ourselves . . . and for our world.