Which Way Did You Say to Go?

It has been nearly a year; though, the pages of my life have not been empty, not by any means. Honestly, my heart is pounding now. To write again, it is exciting. Writing will be revealing.
 Often I have found that some innermost hidden thoughts come through on these pages. Sometimes I am surprised with what pops up. Sometimes I am amazed. Sometimes embarrassed.
I wonder, what will be discovered here, now that life has taken a drastic turn.
Today, I try not to look ahead, nor plan. I can see the path though, in my minds eye. Just large enough for my footsteps to comfortably tread, not so wide that I'll get lost. I hate that, by the way, getting lost. Beside this new path, open fields full with delicate wild flowers. A small bubbling brook, tickling its way over stones smoothed by its flow, winds its meandering path. A warm breeze, the fragrance of meadow flowers and water. Calm.
That is today's path. At this hour. It changes frequently from moment to moment sometimes.
On this journey, as some call it, my new path, there is as always, has ever been and ever will be the most dearest friend traveling with me. Not beside me, not behind me He is preparing the way ahead and within me to guide. Thankfulness so abundant it is hard to express. I know He is there, and have confidence He will forever remain. I may not see Him always, yet I will forever seek Him, I will forever run to Him, learn of Him, listen for that still small voice. There is none better, none sweeter, none stronger, none wiser. It is my precious Jesus and to Him my life is fully dedicated. I will try not to get distracted, though realistically, I will be.
This new path brings much learning, I am hungry for knowledge. Choices are a part of this path, two mainly. One side good, one side not. I choose compassion and ministry to others. I choose to put aside self and look for opportunities everyday to forgive, and to give. I have wounds, they hurt and they bleed sometimes. Those wounds are covered with the most precious, life giving blood of the One who grieved more than I could ever imagine. I find myself in fellowship with His suffering. It is uncomfortable at times, it is a place I would not have chosen, but I am here and grateful. It is a place I would not ever leave, now that I have been here. If that sounds odd, it is not. The rejoicing found here compares with nothing else. The depth of love, of compassion I am receiving and giving, words cannot describe.
My honey, my love, my sweet Jack has died. He is home with Jesus. But don't you tell me that, from your lips it is not comforting right now. Only the knowledge deep in my soul that it is true comforts. For those who have not experienced grief this deep it is hard for you to understand. That is ok. I understand where you are. Sometimes a hug is better than words.
Now, which way did you say to go? I will go with Jesus.
John 14:6  "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:"

I Grieve

I have not been here in quite sometime. It isn't that I did not want to write. I have been overwhelmed with life, and walking its dusty road. In this life, each day is a gift. Each moment to share all we come in contact,  the wonder of our earthly habitation. All of God's creation is more marvelous than we can conceive. As I look into the heavens, the clouds and the sun, the sky with its invisible stars by day, holds in its breath birds of flight. I am amazed. I look into the waters, oceans and rivers and streams, even the lowly puddle following the gentle rain shower. teams with life. I am amazed and overwhelmed with the beauty, the magnitude and the simple singleness of its beauty, life. 

I grieve now because life that is so sacred and unique, wonderful beyond words and thoughts has been so cheapened and robbed and defiled. The precious amazing wonder of a single heart beat and how in that one stroke, life's blood circulates, exchanges occur, food changed to energy, waste removed, enzymes and hormones and chemicals made. Electrons course through their pathways carrying messages to and fro, muscles respond.  

How can I bring this message I hold in my heart so dear and sacred and true. Life in all stages is a magical precious gift. No matter how conceived. There is no reason to cause its willful, thought through cruel demise. The most precious and vulnerable life of all, an unborn child, is at the mercies of convenience and "healthcare", and "point of view". My God, that precious conceived life is a living human child. Not a choice, it is separate and distinct from the womb in which it is growing. That defenseless child has it's own heart, blood, organs, brain. That tiny heart starts beating before the woman carrying that child knows it is there. What is the choice? Perhaps the choice could have been made months earlier, in prevention, in responsibility, integrity. Perhaps the conception is of violent force, not of free will, an horrid act. We run to aide victims of cruelty, identifying their plight as unfair, inhumane, unAmerican. The native Americans, the agricultural workers, people with skin a different color than white, or black or olive or red. Could the choice be to save an innocent life. My heart aches with deep grief that our society has turned its back on the most innocent and vulnerable amongst us. I grieve deeply.

Can't sleep.
Finances
Health
Can't sleep.
Restless anticipation
No focus
Can't sleep.
Strong assurance
Churning stomach
Can't sleep
Distracting noises
Stark realizations
Can't sleep
Cold
Anxiety
Can't sleep
It's all in His hands
Desiring His arms
Can't sleep
think I'll wash my hair

Time to Write Anew

Time has come to write anew
anew thought, anew phrase.
Been too long, the brain needs exercise
watching and waiting before all goes to pot

I've gained weight, oh drat
Didn't mean to do that

Exercise the talents given, use them or they will wither
Have listened too long to voices of defeat
insignificance and retreat.

A bold new step being taken now
So on to write and stir up the inner gift.

Long Time Away

Welcome back Me! I am glad to be back. Spurned to action by my sister and her husband as they venture out on another cruise of the high seas and wonderful Caribbean sights and pleasures! I admit the distraction of Facebook and other things have kept me away. But I shall return and write and share and hope to see a comment or two along the way. Welcome Back ME! So glad to be back!

Forever Grateful!

We are so thankful to our wonderful Lord, the hand of Mercy and Grace has been on my love for a long time, we realize not often enough of His protection and His intervention in our lives. Often the hand of the Lord is at work when we don't even know it. Protecting and guiding. Healing and restoring. What can we say to such an awesome Saviour, to such benevolence. I just want to let the world know that Jesus is real, He is true, and He loves all of human kind. He created the world to be a perfect place for us to live ... and when His creation messed up...He made a way for us to be with Him in a perfect place forever... in heaven. Come and dine at the table of the Lord. Come drink from the Fountain of Life, and you will never ever regret it. Honest!

Colorado Visit

Holly, Nancy, Julie Peter with Front Range Mountains in back ground - from T & C's deck
Oh Look! A Coyote!
Roger, Holly and Rod on the OMG road!
Jack and Peter at Red Rocks Park!

Resting in warm waters after a very very busy day of touring around Colorado and enjoying good food




Peter at Red Rocks Park
Julie Peter Holly Nancy
Can not begin to tell the absolute joy of having my sisters and brother visit us here in Colorado. We were all together for four fabulous days of adventure and (perhaps not a surprise to many) gastronomic delights of the southwestern variety. Mexican and barbecue so very good. Holly and Rod flew in on Wednesday late afternoon, spending some time in downtown Denver touring around. Nancy Roger and Peter arrived Thursday and we met up at our house in Thornton after those staying at a hotel got belongings there. Peter stayed with us. What a glorious reunion! Sharing our love and closeness as a family, basking in the presence of each other. Accepting caring loving anticipating planning the days to come. The first evening we gathered at Cinzetti's Italian Market for a buffet style feast with Jack's niece Jane, Jack's sister Joy and granddaughter Samantha, Terry, Colleen, Nori, Belinda, Kyoshi, Ben, Stacy and their children Meghan, Michael and Elana, lastly but not least, Julie Conant and her precious daughter Vesper.
Friday brought wonderful Colorado adventures - Peter, Jack and Julie to Red Rocks Park and the Denver Museum of Science and Nature...and of course a scrumptious Mexican lunch at one of our favorite Mexican Restaurants. We met for Barbecue Friday night after sharing the days adventures. Roger, Rod, Holly and Nancy traveled to Colorado Springs to Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Air Force Academy. Lots of pictures and adventure! Dinner Friday night at Famous Dave's Barbecue. OH MY! So good. Saturday Nancy and I went to the Denver National Quilt Show at the Denver Merchandise Mart while Peter, Roger, Rod & Holly went to Golden to the Railroad Museum, then on to Central City ( a gambling mecca) then an unexpected thrill ride over the OMG Road to Idaho Springs and then back to Denver via I70. We met in downtown Denver after the Quilt show and after the thrilled car riders toured Coors Stadium and 16th Street Mall finding their favorite roost at the Tattered Page Book Store. Dinner that night at LaLoma deluxe Mexican Restaurant. Again very yummie. Sunday we gathered for breakfast at The Egg and I, then off to the Mile High Flea Market where we had an old fashioned picture of all taken. That was an adventure, and we each have a wonderful treasure to keep. Back to the vehicles and off to Boulder to tour Pearl St there for Holly, Rod, Peter, Roger and Nancy. A whirlwind visit to Celestial Seasonings and Leanin Tree Museum, then off the Terry and Colleen's for the grand finale meet up of family. Terry and Colleen's sons David and Andrew joined those who met earlier in the visit at Cinzetti's. Jack's family had previous plans so couldn't join us, and we were sorry they couldn't. The rest of the day was packed with family fun, frolic, tractor rides that that kids loved. Introduction to music for some young-un's and as always great great food. Simple, wonderful array of delicious hamburgers, chicken, mac and cheese and appetizers. Rod and Roger brought "Chocolate Beer!" Thick dark and a bit sweet, a tastely burp maker! A surprise 60th party for Julie, unexpected completely and fun finished the meal. Such fun.
Early morning flights made the evenings end come quickly, so off to our respective roosts for a good nights sleep. Monday morning with flights to catch - we wished each other well, safe travels by phone and in person. The travelers made their flights and arrived home safe, sound and a bit tired. Jack and Julie smiled the day through and felt so at peace and contented. It meant so much to have Nancy, Peter, Holly, Roger and Rod visit. To share our new home. Colorado, Denver and family. An absolutely glorious time.