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.

Tagged with: healing, health, hearing, loving, noticing, Respecting
Posted in acknowledging another's existence, awareness, being together in a compassionate presence, Compassion, respect

Learning vs Changing

Posted on April 1, 2014 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

spider lilies on my morning jog with Kit

spider lilies on Tuesday’s morning jog with Kit

Good Afternoon, God!

Thank You! THANK YOU for the Gift of Life! The gift of sight . . . the gift of my wonderful husband, Kit, who went jogging with me this morning. I went 2 miles . . . aiming for 3 miles one of these days.

Jogging takes discipline . . . Step 1 is just setting aside the time . . .Step 2 is then dressing, and Step 3 is getting started. Huff Puff.

Now on the other hand Learning is FUN. I signed up for 90 minutes at the Open Class at the Apple Store and was able to sign on for another 90. My Brain got so full I thought I should stand up and jump up and down to settle it. I couldn’t go the full 180 minutes but I loved what I did and what I learned

I am struck, God, by the difference between adding vastly enjoyable information to my mind and the effort of changing my behavior — for example, jogging regularly.

I’m using jogging as an example but any change of viewpoint, habit, or attitude is difficult. For example, it is getting close to my bedtime and I need to stop the joy of blogging away and away. I know that if I don’t catch my first wave of sleep — I’ll be up later than I want. I won’t get enough sleep to maintain a loving attitude. Hmm.

So, I will STOP and kiss my wonderful husband Good Night and maybe add to this tomorrow afternoon? I really do WANT to change!

Tagged with: changing, choosing, Learning
Posted in Changing, changing who I want to become, Cherishing our Bodies, choices, choosing HARD, connecting

Colors and Connections

Posted on March 28, 2014 by a moment with god — 1 Comment

Jade vine at the Oahu Country Club

Good Evening, God!

I took this photo a month or so ago at the Oahu Country Club. And I saw the vine again this week — still blooming — if less prolifically. I love it’s rich warm colors.

I’m feeling that You like it when we see and appreciate what’s around us — especially when we see and appreciate the people around us.

Such an appreciation happened the other day. Three of us were gathered for lunch but also for prayer. In my heart I felt that You were there, too — hearing us. And maybe even waiting to be heard?

This is the true essence of Life — that You, God, aka Creator of the Universe, desire to be in our midst and in our hearts. Wow!

So, God, why does it seem that the organized church is busy about other things? Oops! How is it that I am so busy about “other things?”

I think about the AA model: 1) Admit we are helpless over our faults and addictions. 2) Ask The Higher Power (aka, God) to help. 3) Turn our life and our will over to that Higher Power. 4) Make a searching moral inventory of our life. 5) Admit to that Higher Power, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. 6) Be entirely ready to have the Higher Power remove those defects of character. Wow!

That’s just the first six steps. BUT WHAT A BEGINNING! I know, God, that the AA model is just one model for connecting with You. You are always desiring to connect with us — always ready to rush out to meet us — taking 10 steps toward us for every one step we take toward You.

Ah, if only Your desire to Love and Help us was proclaimed from the rooftops!

May it be so!

Tagged with: 12 Step Programs, AA, asking for help, Connecting, Love, seeking
Posted in asking for help for myself, Belonging to each other, Colors, connecting, LOVE, Making Amends, Mistakes, Prayer, Praying together extemporaneously

Wanting, Seeking, Asking — for God’s Help

Posted on March 14, 2014 by a moment with god — 1 Comment

A detail from Creation by Michelangelo: Adam and God

Good Day, God!

Oh, Michelangelo really nailed it in this painting! In this detail, You are reaching out “purposefully” — intent on making the Connection and giving Adam Life!

Adam, on the other hand, seems almost indifferent. I mean, his hand is out, but it looks limp and listless. Dang! Most of the time that’s me.

You long to help and to heal. And, mostly I’m busy doing something else or maybe just goofing off.

But for the last few weeks I have been part of a group of four friends praying in a highly focused “Season of Prayer.” I’ve taken to phoning the “requesting” person every day to pray. It’s a fantastic experience! And, as You seem to delight in Mutual Blessings, I’m becoming more and more aware of my need for healing in so many areas. I’m beginning to ask for myself, too!

Over the years I’ve prayed with friends fairly often — but there is something qualitatively different about this four-person focused prayer. It’s funny. For years, the four of us have met to celebrate our birthdays. Now we’re humming along on a different plane! It’s like You had given us a powerful Ferrari but we kept it in the garage and only rolled it out 4 or 5 times a year to sit in it.

I wish, God, that EVERYONE had Prayer Friends to join with in Focused Prayer!