Stop or Go?

What does following God's path mean?
Does it simply mean that we should not do objectionable things?
How do we decide what exactly is objectionable?
There is so much disagreement among those calling themselves Christians.

If we ask ourselves WWJD? (what would Jesus do)
How do we know if we are right?
Does Jesus care what kind of cereal we eat for breakfast?
...And don't forget Jesus was considered a rule breaker by so many.

Beyond just behavior...
How do know what to do in a given situation?
What does "Letting go and Letting God" really mean?

Clearly we were given minds to think...
Where is logic in all of this?
sigh...
I shake my head and am glad for God's mercy when I think that with my trouble following map quest and other forms of direction...

It should honestly be no surprise...
that I have so many questions about following God's way.

So...
since St. Michael hasn't shown up to let me know what to do,
I will walk my path today.
I will try to do what I know is right.
I will try to trust God.
Maybe..
just maybe..
I'm not supposed to hold the map.

But,
darn...
I really like to know where I'm going!
=-)

Playing in the water

The water was calling us.

My son lost his shirt with a grin.

I handed over my cell and keys to a friend and followed him in.

Playing in the water,

watching minnows swim past my toes,

sitting in the water...

Happy.

Peaceful.

We were at Old Man's Cave today,

located down State Route 33 about an hour or so from Columbus.

Nestled in Hocking Hills State Park,

surrounded by trees,

moss,

cool air,

happy people...

It is a place to leave the outside world,

relax,

smile.

Although we favor the Old Man's Cave area,

there is absolutely no place in the whole area that isn't lovely.

Visit http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/tabid/743/Default.aspx to consider a trip for yourself. Go for a day trip or come for a weekend or longer. Leave the stress of the world somewhere else. Play in the water, walk the trails... enjoy the company of those you love or come solo and enjoy the peaceful views yourself.

May your day,

your night,

your always,

be blessed by the beauty of our world.

Peace to you.

Down the road...

Just like everyone in life,

I sometimes have situations that I am unsure of what to do.

Occasionally,

I have several such issues all at once.

I am almost positive that you know how it feels when you are up to your neck in questions and running a little short on answers.

I have noticed that in the end,

everything is solved,

one way or another.

I sometimes wish I could know how it works out...

Today!

Sigh...

In the end though,

the journey,

the search for answers...

Those who help us along the way,

these times,

our friends,

our families,

shape who we are...

who we become.

So,

I'll keep thinking,

keep working...

keep walking...

But,

if you see me coming your way...

Hide your cookies!

I might just eat them all.

May we, this evening, find the strength we need for our journeys.

May we be blessed.

Now, Always and Forever

Friday

As our week winds down.

You may be very weary.

You may be invigorated at the thought of the weekend.

Perhaps you're a little of both.

I pray.

I wish.

I hope.

That your day,

my day,

our day.

That it is filled with peace.

Whatever comes your way...

may you face it with the assurance in your heart that there is a God,

a Creator,

who honestly loves us.

That you,

That I...

That we...

That we are never alone.

Come what may...

(Dear me! Did I just say that? )

We will walk on...

with joy!

May I,

May you,

May we be blessed.

This morning,

this day,

this evening....

Forever!

Pigs

From childhood tales of friendship and loyalty,

to modern day fairy tales like Babe,

there is something about pigs that captures the imagination.

A dear student of mine has requested to learn about these fascinating creatures.

So, learn we shall!

From why they like mud,

to what they like to eat.

We'll work hard to find out all we can discover together.

I smile when I think of the dot to dots, the "pig" sight word games and even a "pig" art project that will take place.

We will meet our standards and fulfill a wish at the same time.

The thought of the week makes my heart sigh.

Innocent curiosity and pleasure.

Mud and slop...

Smelly and dirty

or washed in buttermilk waiting for the fair judges...

The little one who requested knowledge of pigs will be so happy.

His classmates will enjoy the fun as well.

I am so sincerely blessed to be a teacher.

May the week before you,

the events yet to unfold,

be moments that touch your heart.

I pray that whatever you face,

that there will be some innocent pleasure

to bring you peace.

May you be blessed.

The gardens are moved...

Sixty pavers made their way into two cars aided by three adults and one dear daughter.

Now they are nestled around the front and side of my new home and stand ready to be filled with dirt.

Hanging baskets...

little rabbits...

porch boxes...

even my fire pit...

all made the transition.

Now, back at the old house I sit,

still and quiet.

typing...

thinking...

Taking only the two smaller gardens means that I've decided that only my grandmother's black-eyed Susan's are coming with me.

All the rest can stay.

As one of my friends suggested, my gardens are fresh canvases.

What an apt way of describing the opportunity before me.

I hope that when you are given a chance for a new start,

whether it is a new job, a new hobby or a new friendship,

that you will find the strength to embrace the possibilities that are before you.

I have always liked the idea that when a door closes that somewhere one opens.

I think the sentiment holds truth.

Tonight, may you find peace.

The future is uncertain for us all.

Yet, we are promised we are not alone.

Embrace this truth.

Walk on with confidence.

We are blessed!

Safe in His Love

One of my all time favorite books is an endearing simple story called, Tommy's Camping Adventure. A little Golden Book, no longer in print, it is a story of adventure, the beauty of the outdoors and the love of family.

Today, I am so glad to have been raised in a family like little Tommy's where I was loved, valued and cared for so gently.

My life has had many trials, not the kind starving children face or refugees from war torn countries, but sincere trials none the less.

I suspect that many of you understand what I mean. That you have had your own scary moments in life.

I pray that like me, when you are faced with the unknown or simply with situations that overwhelm you, that you are able to know that you are loved.

(If you ever get a chance, find a copy of Tommy's adventure and read it. The beauty of nature, the love of family... these things are not an accident.)

The breathtaking views from a mountain and the warm feeling of lovingly being tucked into a cozy sleeping bag are, in my mind are a glimpse of our Creator.

May you see the good when you are afraid.

May someone kind hold your hand, feed you cookies and tuck you in.

May you be the kind one when it is your turn to comfort.

May you have peace.