A Day at Home — in Dry Dock?

Posted on June 26, 2011 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Looking last night out our kitchen window

Good Morning, God!

A day at Home! I would like to go to the 7:00 a.m. church service . . . but My Whole Being cries Stay HOME.

Perhaps, this is because I am not back to full strength? Or maybe it is just that three Mainland trips in two months have made me into a homebody?

Are You Laughing, God? Perhaps I would weary of being home all the time. The “going out” from Home and the “coming back” brings to mind, God, a book by Dr. Archibald Hart calls Safe Haven Marriage. His point is that our Home should be just that — a Safe Haven — free of criticism and stress. In my mind, I’ve been calling it Safe Harbor. I guess I’m thinking of boats returning at the end of the work day to a safe harbor.

It sounds so OBVIOUS, God, when I think about it — the idea of Home being a place where we are Safe, Secure, and Protected. Hmm. Dr. Hart is talking about marriage — but, what about people living alone, God? How does one go about setting up the “Breakwaters” and “Wharfs” that make for a safe and productive Home Harbor?

Ah, perhaps, that is why so many cultures have “A Sacred Space” in their homes? A “place” that is set aside for You — or set aside to acknowledge You? Hmm. There is a quote from author J.K. Rowling about the good thing about hitting rock bottom is that it makes a good foundation for the rest of our lives. You ARE my foundation, God — my Context.

I do feel secure and loved — but it also seems to me that You run a Dry Dock — as well as a Safe Harbor. And, yes, it does feels as if I need to have barnacles removed — please, God!

Posted in accepting my need for help, asking for and accepting forgiveness, asking for help for myself, being FORGIVEN by God, being repotted, Maintenance

Kawai’nui Marsh, Maintenance and My Wetlands

Posted on June 25, 2011 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Kawai'nui Marsh with birds in flight

Good Morning, God!

Such a lovely day, yesterday! While I was driving a friend over to Kailua for our haircuts, she asked if we could check out an upholstery shop. We stopped, Googled, called, drove down a very narrow lane — and there it was.

My friend was happy visiting the upholstery shop. And I was surprised and thrilled finding Kawai’nui Marsh at the end of the lane. I had heard about the marsh and its maintenance troubles. But I had never seen it.

I had no idea that wetlands could be so beautiful, God! I took over 30 photos from various angles. And, “Thank You” for my good luck in catching these two birds in flight. That was a special treat!

The early Hawaiians’ used the marsh for flood control as we do today and they also used it for fish ponds and irrigation control for the taro beds. According to Kailua historical records, “About 500 years ago, early Hawaiians maintained the freshwater fishpond in Kawai’nui, which was joined by a stream to nearby Ka’elepulu Pond (Enchanted Lake). The fishpond was surrounded on all sides by a system of canals (‘auwai) bringing water from Maunawili Stream and springs to walled taro lo’i.”

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is responsible for keeping the marsh free of “trees” and maintaining the canal out to the ocean. Recently the levees were raised. Sediment keeps coming, doesn’t it God.

It makes me think of the “waterways” of my life. I, too, need to be aware of “trees” taking root and of canals needing dredging. Busy-ness — carrying countless small tasks and duties — does deposit silt in my waterways. Perhaps, God, You use “illness” as an opportunity for “dredging?”

Posted in healing, Maintenance, Removing the Root of Bitterness, responsibility

Kahuku Farms and our Nature Deficit Disorder

Posted on June 24, 2011 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Kahuku Farm with a wind farm behind it

Good Morning, God!

Yesterday I went with my Book Group out to Kahuku Farm. Driving around the island brought back memories. It isn’t a trip I make very often and the drop in population density always catches me by surprise.

So much land. So few people. I forget, God, that almost all of us used to Live on the Land. We used to be farmers. I think it was sometime around 2008 when the balance tipped so that over half the people of our world now live in Cities.

I wonder, God, if we humans don’t become, somehow, a Slightly Different Species when we live in Cities? I’m thinking of the stories of the Country Bumpkins . . . thinking of the Street Smart kids of the inner city who can name countless product logos but not one species of plant. Hmm.

The latest Nature Conservancy Magazine has an article called A Leaf Grows in Brooklyn and in it they talk about “Nature Deficit Disorder.” That’s a term coined by Richard Louv and it resonates in me, God!

Meanwhile, back at Kahuku Farm we were met by a lovely young couple who drove us on a tour of the farm. We saw taro being raised for the leaves. We saw bananas — lots of banana growing in “mats” that can produce for ten years. But they require monthly maintenance. I never knew how much I didn’t know about the food I eat.

Our Tour Guide was Third Generation in this farming family — but she had never lived on the farm. Somehow she seemed to be the best of both the City and the Land people. She gave me HOPE, God!

Posted in helping farmers, so much to learn, web of life

What’s Wrong With This Picture? Part One

Posted on June 23, 2011 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Change in employment among major industrial countries 2007-2010Good Morning God!

Good Morning, God!

A dear friend sent me an article entitled “All Work and No Pay: The Great Speedup.” Apparently, American companies aren’t rehiring as much as companies in other countries. Instead the focus is on “getting more work” out of each worker.

What could be wrong, God, with America being the most productive per worker country in the world?

The article points out — “Except [that] what’s good for American business isn’t necessarily good for Americans. We’re not just working smarter, but harder. And harder. And harder, to the point where the driver is no longer American industriousness, but something much more predatory.”

Predatory is a strong word. But, all of a sudden I am seeing this in a Spiritual Dimension. I am Re-evaluating the Sabbath, God!

Societies share common norms — and it is important that the norms enhance and strengthen the people. For many hundreds of years the norm was that No One was to work on the Sabbath Day. That meant one full day of rest — or play — out of every seven.

When that broke down — the church in America making do with only nine commandments — a very strong protective bulwark was lost. It’s interesting, God, that although Europeans are more secular than Americans they seem to be much better at observing a Sabbath Tradition.

Jesus DID say that the Sabbath was made for Man — not Man for the Sabbath. The “compulsory” Day of Rest was designed for our benefit. Actually, I’m certain that ALL TEN Commandments were intended as Protective Bulwarks!

As a person TRYING to retire a second time, God, I know — Work gets all entangled in Identity and Worth. We need protective bulwarks, God!

Posted in sabbath rest, Work

Countless Opportunities, Waiting to be Seen

Posted on June 22, 2011 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

The Patient Pickup Point at Queen Medical Center

Good Morning, God!

I took Kit in early yesterday morning for his out-patient surgery. It required general anesthesia — which opens the door to untoward possibilities. It certainly opened me up to fears — just barely held at bay.

But Kit is recovering nicely — and so am I. THANK YOU, God!

Operations, Illnesses and Losses serve to put things “into perspective” — making it clear just how important our Loved Ones are.

How is it, God, that daily duties and tiny tasks can so easily seize our attention and swallow us up?

How indeed? So, once again, I am resolving to better enjoy and appreciate my fabulous husband, family and family of friends that make my life a joy.

Easy to resolve, God. But what I need to do is change my behaviors. Change my Habits? This morning, God, I shall go for Wednesday Prayer and ask for prayer for me! Ask for Help in SEEING the countless small opportunities for change. Hmm. . . . Yes, God, I will ask for prayers for my rash on my upper chest and neck, too.

And, then, I shall come home.

Posted in a prayer for healing, accepting my ability to REDESIGN, accepting my need for help

Resting, Healing and Sharing

Posted on June 21, 2011 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Sans Souci Beach as seen from the Hau Tree Lanai

Good Morning, God!

I am SO thankful for the four days sick at home resting and healing! My Body was healing as my Mind drifted. Mind and Body have to share, don’t they, God!

And Thank You for timing my bronchitis for the 30th anniversary of the week Patty died. I think I coughed out a lot of grief. I feel lighter. I feel good.

Funny how our Body remembers past traumas and dates with such precision. Funny, too, how a physical illness can often be used to prompt emotional healing. I feel as if my Body does more than its share.

You have given me ONE nervous system. It can run HOT as I HURRY hither and yon — or it can run COOL as I relax and my Body repairs itself. I can’t run both systems at the same time.

This morning at our Monday Breakfast we were laughing at politicians who keep thinking they can “get away” with things. But, my Mind keeps thinking it can get away with not sharing fairly with my Body. Honestly, God! It is painfully humbling to catch myself like that. Ah well.

Yesterday, I was well enough to venture out with Kit. We took flowers to Patty at the Oahu Cemetery and then we went to the Hau Tree Lanai for an early Anniversary lunch — then home for a nap.

Today I drive Kit in at 5:30 a.m.for his hydrocelectomy. So I shall be off in just a few minutes. Off — but doing my best to run COOL . . . trusting YOU with my precious husband.

Posted in healing, health, rest

Stumbling on an Historic Spot

Posted on June 20, 2011 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

The Haystack Monument in Williamstown, Massachusetts

Good Morning, God!

Chance can led us in strange and unexpected ways, God. I recognized the name of the minister as we walked by her church in Williamstown. We met with her and she gave us a map to this monument!

Having been a “Congregationalist” since I married Kit I had heard the story of 5 young men back in 1806, praying together in a field when a thunderstorm came up. They took shelter under a haystack and during the storm they all committed to go “into all the World” to serve in the name of Jesus.

Hearing the story, I had smiled, God, thinking that it is easier to make such commitments to You when lightening is striking all around us. But, they kept that commitment and it lead to the establishing of The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission in 1810. Some of them went to India in 1812 and by 1820 missionaries came to Hawaii. All due to these young men — and Your Thunderstorm.

These missionaries came bringing the Good News of Your Love — and Literacy. They converted an oral language into a written one so that Literacy was almost universal in Hawaii by the 1850’s. It was quite remarkable!

Sigh, so many of us look back and judge them by our 21st Century standards. But, they were moved by Your Love and by Love of You.

And today? I vividly remember hearing the older women of Pohnpei sharing how hard it was BEFORE the missionaries came in the 1950s. The Good News brought by the missionaries changed the way men treated women — and each other. Those women were so thankful. Thank You, God, for reminding me to be thankful, too.

Posted in Changing, gratitude, Help me to see

Clouds: Coughing, Grieving and Trusting

Posted on June 19, 2011 by a moment with god — 2 Comments

the tail end of a passing weather front

Good Morning, God!

Cough, COUGH! Still, it is a good morning — perhaps because I am feeling my grief? Tomorrow is the 30th anniversary of the morning Patty died. Kit and I were lying in bed this morning and remembering.

Patty wrote:

Someday I’ll sleep below the grass / And dance above the sky / But now I lie between the two / And let the wind blow by.

For some reason I always substitute the word Clouds — for Sky. Picturing Patty Dancing above the Clouds, is a lovely image, God.

Yesterday, talking to You about being full of sticky feelings and thoughts, I wasn’t consciously thinking of Patty’s death. But today it seems so clear. Even my wretched cold seems perfect. In Chinese medicine the Lungs are associated with Grief. So, God, it seems that My Body, as usual, has been doing a lot of my “Feeling Work” for me.

I don’t “do” Grieving, God. It feels OVERWHELMING. And, of course, it is. [More coughing] Hmm. I guess, I have believed that Grieving would take away the Energy needed to do Useful Things. But, I have had it Backwards! I have wasted LOTS of energy — repressing my grief.

Letting it flow out — flow into the World — is part of the Healing Process. Oh, God! Oh, that the World might WEEP TOGETHER! All of us have failed and fallen short of Your Glory! There are no faultless parents — and I confess, God, I still find fault with YOU that this isn’t a perfect world.

Yes, God, I am Missing the POINT, once again. It isn’t about “Perfect” — it is about TRUSTING. Trusting that grieving is an essential part of living. Trusting that You will help us bring Good out of Darkness!

Posted in Grief, growing toward up, Trusting God

On Being Sick and Respecting my Body

Posted on June 18, 2011 by a moment with god — 1 Comment

The Shower Tree in Kokua Market's parking lot

Good Morning, God!

I took this photo on Wednesday when I felt fabulous — just tip top! But then the symptoms began — slowly sneaking into my consciousness. At first, I thought I was just tired from jet lag.

But, I did cancel Thursday’s activities and stayed home — taking it easy. Then, on Friday it was clear that I was SICK, not just tired. So, I called and canceled our attendance at a Special Birthday Event this weekend.

And, now, God, I am flat on my back in bed — except when a paroxysm of coughing expels me. I am lying here — full of feelings and thoughts — but they feel thick and congested — like my lungs. Please, God, help me sort through them.

I remember — going into work sick, as if I were too important to “stay home” and take care of myself. The other — darker — side of Duty. Keeping on until I got better or collapsed and needed antibiotics. Looking back, I see this as the Imperialistic Mindset at work.

My Mind as the Raj and my Body as unnamed servants or workers were toiling on and on. Hmm. Didn’t King George the VI have to wear iron leg braces to make his Body conform to “standards.” I suppose, God, that if we “oppress” our own bodies, then oppressing women, children, and anyone not one of “us” comes easily.

So, here I am, God, SICK but still, mostly grateful! Grateful that I am not sick with something awful. Grateful that my Body will get well. And maybe most of all, God, I am Grateful that my Body and I are “becoming friends!”

Posted in being together in a compassionate presence, Duty, healing, health

The Moon as Seen from Norway — and Swaziland

Posted on June 17, 2011 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Lunar eclipse seen from Norway

Good Morning, God!

Heidi and Ellery Lum and their boys, Matthew and Noah, saw this eclipse in Swaziland. They are there for Advocates for Africa’s Children, learning the language and living in a rural village as Villagers. Sunday, Ellery will kill the goat for the welcoming feast.

Hmmm. That gives me pause for thought. Please, God, bless them all — and bless the whole country, struggling with the highest AIDs rate in the world. Sigh.

But, this photo came from Norway — from the website NewsinEnglish.no. This is a website created and run by Nina Bergland, a former colleague of Kit’s at the Advertiser who is married to a Norwegian. It is such a Small World, God!

Yes, God, we live on a small round ball. A volcano in Iceland can shut down air traffic in Europe. Radiation from Japan travels. Plastic detritus from around the Pacific Rim swirls into the North Pacific Gyre. It seems odd to me that we ordinary people still think Small, Flat and Separate. One notices that in New England, where States are often separated only by Rivers — creating Historical and even Cultural Boundaries, God, that give us our sense of Us-ness.

Part of me loves it! I love living in Hawaii. We are different! Happily so! But, it only takes an Earthquake in Japan or Chile to make me realize we are all in this together. I “get it” and then, alas, I “forget it” and go back to my routine.

It is tempting to say — I am just One Person, what can I do? But, I know better, God. I can change my diet, change my spending, change my assumptions. Please help me, God!

Posted in Advocates for Africa's Children, becoming the change I wish to see, complexity, Understanding