The Value of Nonsense

I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope - which is what I do - and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.

~Dr. Seuss

Girls' Night Out

WA mom and I went to see Anne of Green Gables last night at the Everett Performing Arts Center. I think it was one of the first movies we watched together so it was fun to see the musical together. It was a surprise for her. She said she didn't guess it, so I'll believe her. I love all things Anne...

Prince Edward Island

L.M. Montgomery

The books

Sullivan's movies (Green Gables and Avonlea...not the other ones)

There were parts that made me miss my friend since all my trips to PEI have been with her and how can you watch Anne with Diana without thinking about your bosom buddy/kindred spirit? But...sometimes you just gotta let go...right?

One of the small comments I tucked away in my heart came from Mr. Lamb back in Curtis. We were talking about Anne with his wife - and he, being the kind husband he is, had actually watched the movies!! We didn't know he was listening, but from the other room, he said, "Anne puts me in mind of someone, don't you think?" Mrs. Lamb smiled and Mr. Lamb jerked his thumb at me. "Through and through," he shook his head. I don't know if he meant it as a compliment - he was a burly, gruff football coach - but I took it as one. Anne's the best. She's imaginative, intelligent, kind, odd, creative and totally unique. She doesn't fit in anyone's box. She loves deeply, feels things intensely and wrings every color, experience, and moment out of life. People can't help but love her in return.

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive - it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for the imagination then, would there?"

~Anne Shirley

There's a bit of Anne about my MA too. I think that's why we're the kindred-est of kindred spirits.

Just for you, my WA mom!

There's one in every crowdJ

Pain

To manage a life of pain, as a believer in Jesus, remember:

This is all the hell you will ever bear.

(M'Cheyne)

For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever.

2 Cor. 4:17

Thoughts

Sometimes when I listen to people talk about their absolute faith in God, their supreme sense of peace, their total ability to cede control of their lives - I find it very difficult to believe. Do these people never have doubts? Do they never struggle with questions...why? when? what if? Or do they have a supernatural ability to let go?

There are times when I think this attitude of complete acceptance gets in the way of true communication and burden-sharing. How do you open your heart to someone who has it all together? I don't want to be judged. I don't want to be told what I'm doing wrong or how I'm falling short. I don't want to be compared to someone else and found lacking.

I was thinking about this the other night because I was angry with God. (What's new?) As I tried to figure out the cause of my anger, I realized it wasn't Him. I had been listening to explanations, expectations and outcomes that caused me to question God. As I sat and wrestled with my thoughts, it occurred to me that none of the things I was arguing about were things HE said. They were things people said ABOUT Him. I was angry at Him when He had nothing to do with it. I allowed lies or misdirection to settle in my brain.

"If you did this, then He would..."

"If you accepted this, then He would..."

There really aren't a lot of "if/then"s in the Bible other than if you accept Him then He will save you. Otherwise there's no Hallmark card that says, "If you do__________, God will respond by taking away all your pain, doubts, hurts, struggles." It doesn't work that way. To feel guilty, like I'm doing something wrong, might be playing right into Satan's hands. To feel angry, like God has failed me, is definitely doing so.

Aaaaah...so much to think about and pray about. Refocus my gaze, retune my ears, renew my mind, restore my heart.

The Best?

We're not doubting that God will do the best for us, we're wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.

~C S Lewis

Painting Pictures of Egypt...part two

But the places that used to fit me

Cannot hold the things I've learned...

Painting Pictures of Egypt...part one

If it comes too quick

I may not recognize it

Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?

If it comes too quick

I may not appreciate it

Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?

Do I need to write more?! Those closest to me know - this has been my season of waiting, of wondering what's next. I have been learning trust, dependence and stillness. Sara Groves' lyrics from Painting Pictures of Egypt express ideas that are worth thinking about as I continue to seek my Father's guidance. Oh that I recognize the next step and appreciate the gift it is designed to be!

Harry Potter Wisdom

It is our choices that show what we really are...far more than our abilities.

~J.K. Rowling

New Year Prayer

O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed

In thy presence, in thy service, to thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains,

Sanctifies, aids every hour,

That I may not be one moment apart from thee,

But may rely on thy spirit

To supply every thought,

Speak in every word,

Direct in every step,

Prosper every work,

Build up every mote of faith,

And give me a desire

To show forth thy praise,

Testify thy love,

Advance thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,

With thee, O Father, as my harbor,

Thee, O Son, at the helm,

Thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,

My lamp burning,

My ear open to thy calls,

My heart full of love,

My soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me,

Thy comforts to cheer,

Thy wisdom to teach,

Thy right hand to guide,

Thy counsel to direct,

Thy law to judge,

Thy presence to stabilize.

May thy fear be my awe,

Thy triumphs my joy.

Amen.

~The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Arthur Bennett, ed.

The Pruned Tree

(sunrise from my bedroom window 1/4/11)

As a torn paper might seal up its side,
Or a streak of water stitch itself to silk,
And disappear, my wound has been my healing,
And I am made more beautiful by losses.

~Howard Moss

Yep, That's My WA Mom!

"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "Oh no! She's awake!"

She really does live her life this way!!! (Not the messy hair part)