Summer Gatherings

 

 

"Stop long enough to see around us, not just glimpse" ~Unknown~

 Proverbs 10:5 "He that gathereth in the summer is a wise son."

I am really trying to not let my endless list of "To Do's" control me this summer. I am determined to soak up some summer. I have a bucket list.

I don't eat much ice cream except in the summer.  I have already shared a few licks with my grandchildren. There's just something about ice cream and children that go together!!  Ice cream is my summer indulgence!

I'm not a big time fisherman, but we have a special park in Kentucky that we love taking the grands.  I just experienced that  a few days ago.  I could sit on that bench a long time and watch the ducks swim by and chew gum for the kids to bait with!!  That lake is pure serenity!

I have an updated back porch. It has been beckoning me all spring. Unfortunately, allergies have kept me from enjoying it as much as I would have liked. But a meal of fresh squash, grilled chicken and sliced tomatoes taste so much better on my back porch!

The first singing of the birds intrigue me. We had a mother bird and her nest just outside of our bedroom. They were a bit noisy, but it's hard to get upset with God's little creatures. Their songs and their comaradie charm me

I always have to remove a stain or two on my clothing from my biting into new peaches, strawberries, and tomatoes. It's worth the scrub!  I cannot get enough of them.  Blackberry cobbler is a must on my June birthday. I spend days looking forward to it!!

I'm a little mesmerized and awed by summer thunderstorms. My husband loves them! We were on a road trip last week and I made myself relax and analyze a storm. I was so challenged by it as I compared my personal storms to that one, and knew as It passed so quickly, that God lets storms come and go to prove His presence and power to me!

My summer flowers bless me.  The perennials I have kept from my mother blossom and thrive and bloom through the hot summer! Their faces turn toward the sun and grow that direction. I want to be like the flower that absorbs the Son in my life.

Having just returned from a trip to the mountains where the star sprinkled sky and early and beautiful sunsets speak peace, I was again reminded of God's love speaking through Nature. 

Not a lover of water, I purposed to calmly sit and let the recent boat ride on the lake calm me. It was beautiful and soothing to my spirit. On that trip with my family, I thrilled when we shared our picnic and sat on the shore in our bare feet!

I mention often, that I enjoy the seasons. I have been so busy in my life and feel like the beauty that surrounded me for many years has been overlooked or diminished to some degree. I didn't have or take the time to really soak it up.

All the things I have taken for granted, I want to do. I am asking God to help me focus on the beauty and feeling of His Creation. I have reminded myself when I am faithfully knocking off those "To Do's", that I need to stop and work on summer gatherings.  It is a good thing to do.

 

 

 

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The Charm of Old

 

 Proverbs 9:11 "For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life."

Frederic Amiel said: "To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living."

I celebrated another birthday this week. I enjoyed a party with several "older" family as we chatted about old times. This is always the conversation of us who are old. We are pretty predictable. When I suggested we play the game of Password (also an old game), my two granddaughters and daughter burst out laughing. They had already guessed that would be the chosen game!!!!

Enjoying my traditional (and old ) recipe of blackberry cobbler baked by my daughter who is a superb cook, I chose to just enjoy the day with my "favorites" and my "olds".  I selected grilled chicken salad ( another tried and true recipe perfectly seasoned and cooked by my husband) for the meal.  I decided that growing  older shouldn't be stressful; it should be peaceful.

I can choose to adapt to letting go of who I was and accept the reality of who I really am. This is my life. I am a senior. There's no shame in that; I should not feel regret.  It is a privilege that many folks have been denied!

I should not compare myself to who I once was but embrace today. Aging is God's plan. It can be a beautiful season of life.  There is comfort in old shoes. There are amazing facts and history in old books. There is beauty in old trees. 

What I really am charmed by are old houses.  They can be very old and still have great character in their structure and foundation. You can feel the charm in their corbels and  porches. Their old staircases and woodwork have an air of grace. So many stories and laughter and tears are in their halls. Memories are stored in their attics and closets. 

So, I have appreciation for another birthday.  I feel kind of like a house. So much of me has changed and aged. But I choose to try to adapt gracefully (despite the temptation to murmur at the wrinkles and pains).  I am coming to terms with the definition of the word "charmed" which means pleasure. I think if I learn the wisdom of being content and accepting of my present, as I am passing through this chapter of life, I will have learned a lot.  Sure, it has it's less attractive side, but so did every other phase of  my life. I want to embrace the good part of it because I am telling a story that others may or may not be charmed by in later years.....

 

Tribute to Tyrel

Proverbs 19:21 "There are many devices within a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand."

I love all ten of my grandchildren equally. And I love that I can observe their individual personalities developing. When I see particular strengths that they build into their lives, I want to encourage and compliment them. 

This summer has been your debut, Tyrel,  into "adulthood". You just passed into another phase of life and you're due some kudos. 

How proud we were of you, our first grandchild. We bought you tiny camo overalls your first Christmas...then little guns and fishing poles. You embraced life with full steam, all boy and such cuteness!  It was hard to keep up with you as a little guy and your busyness.  You were quite the little man!!

You were trained by your good Daddy and Mama to be tough and hard working.  As you phased into adolescence, that combination caused you to be a little arrogant ( as most are at this stage). You pretty well knew it all and didn't hesitate to let others know!!! I worried a little and prayed a lot!!

Somewhere in your teens, Tyrel, you began a sincere journey with Jesus. I had some unforgettable conversations with you about the lessons you were learning. I said " Thank you, Lord!" and I have watched you.

Tyrel, you have enough brains and brawn that you could try to change the world. You are a natural leader, friendly and affectionate. You will make a difference. But, I noticed, in your graduation speech, you didn't mention once what your goals were for the future  but you spent a good bit of time thanking others and God for making you into the young man you have become. I cried as I watched you embrace all your family unashamedly.  You smiled alot and you were ok with tears. I watched you often seek out your mom this week, to give her a hug.  You took the time to make me feel special and loved!  You grabbed your younger sister when she was being emotional at your graduation celebration and assured her you still would be there for her! Your cousins adore you!

A few years ago,Tyrel, you had all the components of being arrogant and demanding. But I have seen you humble yourself and seek the counsel of people  who you look up to. I know how you have prayed. 

Tyrel, I attribute who you are today, to you seeking counsel of God. I pray God to continue to guide you into being a man  who can lead by your humility.  I loved your theme song, "God just needs a few strong men!" I believe you are on the right road!!!  I'll be right behind you...on my knees and cheering for you!  My love.......MawMaw

 

A Small Thing

 Proverbs 30:24 "There be four things which are little upon the earth but they are exceeding wise .........ants.....conies.....locusts.....spiders"

And I want to add.....pennies!

For the past two weeks, I have been helping to organize my daughter's household for a move to a different location.  I have sorted through a lot  of what appears to be useless stuff (a move always uncovers that!). One of the things that shows up under beds and in forgotten corners is pennies!  Generally a    sizable quantity of them! Sometimes they  are hidden in a pile of discarded small coins that someone didn't want to put in a purse or pocket. But often they are alone and dusty, having been there for an extended time! Probably they had been noticed more than once, but not valued, so left, because a penny is considered of pretty well no value.

I have been guilty of trashing them but have changed that philosophy pretty much. A penny is really valuable!

It is still the most widely used currency, but because so many people do discard it, 2/3 of all produced US mint money is the penny.

But, they are also considered a nuisance because they are circulated; thus they cannot be used in any vending machine and few toll booths accept pennies. Rarely can they be used in bulk.  That's the negative side.

However, charitable organizations have always depended on the copper penny to fund millions of dollars for needy causes. And many times, it has been suggested that the government discontinue the penny, but the general conclusion is that that it keeps inflation in check!!!!

So I still save pennies for the most part. On the rare occasion, when I am cleaning, and I toss one into the trash, I feel guilty. I always remember that penny has value. One quote says it all: "Watch the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves". 

This lesson seems to be a small one in financial management, but we know it really isn't.  Learning the difference between what's needed and wanted and focusing on the important issues out there are life changing. This philosophy will bring not only financial peace, but peace in other areas of life as well. 

How important is a dinner with family interaction? What is a walk holding hands with your spouse worth? How much time does it take to give a hug or a compliment? What is the eternal worth of family devotions? Who can calculate the multiplied benefits of calling your parents or siblings once a week? How much time is lost in your week if you choose Bible Study or Prayer Meeting over other social engagements or relaxing on the sofa? What does it cost you to turn off your phone and plug into nature and God? 

The seemingly little things matter.  The pennies of life count up. They turn into valuable dollars that can be invested for a lifetime of benefits!!!