Continued Thanksgiving

Father, How Can I Thank You?

Heavenly Father, I sing to you… praise you…

But I wonder, do I thank you enough?

When I am rejoicing in the things you have done,

Does my heart reveal my thanksgiving?

Does my joy make You smile at my recognition of glorious gifts?

Sometimes in moments on the mountain, I fear I forget to thank you.

The joy of the situation overwhelms me…

I smile in jubilation until my face aches with gladness.

I automatically thank You for the beauty of the spring flowers,

For the fruits of summer…. For the warm autumns golden glow…

I praise you for the way the moonlight glitters on the fallen snow.

You should receive thanks each time the Bible is opened…

Your words to me should echo from within.

When  thoughts in Your word reach out in a special way

A verse lights my soul and I claim the truth of the message.

In great rejoicing and awe of Your presence I find delight.

Inwardly I am filled with thanksgiving, but do I form it into words?

Do I consciously communicate this great love I have for you?

Do others see evidence of Your presence in my words and actions?

As You fill me with the joy of salvation…

As You grace me with the love of others…

With the joy of witnessing grandchildren running to me with open arms…

Running to me with open arms of love and delight in their eyes…

I am overcome with the overflowing of Your loving kindness.

I love to write praise to worship Your glorious presence…

But do I stop and simply say thank You?

When obstacles are moved… when pain is lifted and my body healed…

Do I whisper my appreciation of Your hand gently guiding my life?

Do I thank you, then sit in stillness,

Enveloped with the certainty of your attentive hearing?

It is in this quiet expectance that I feel the warmth of Your gentle breath.

It is then I feel the prevailing presence of Your acknowledgement…

Your Spirit within me whispers “you are welcome.”

My thanksgiving to You must go back to the beginning of time…

Back to creation where You prepared my heart to receive You.

Back to each providence along the way.

For through Your perfect providence Your light guided my pathway…

Through providence You awakened desires which You then abundantly filled.

How can I begin to thank You for drawing me with Your powerful love?

Drawing me to hunger and thirst for Your truth in all things?

If I do not express my thanksgiving as often as I should

Please take my joyful praise of You as declaration of gratitude for Your grace.

May desire to touch the hem of Your garment be a sincere expression…

One of love for You Lord, and of thanksgiving from the depth of my soul!

Time Flows Gently Into Autumn

This concept of time continues to capture my imagination with its powerful purpose and its illusive nature. A day or two ago summer was moving toward its grand finale with the late blooming purple ironweed and stands of magnificant goldenrod smiling in the morning sunlight. I turn around and the mornings arrive with a distinct chill. The valleys fill with layers of fog moving along the natural curve of the riverbed to lend a surreal misty element to a soft morning. It seems fall combines the brilliant flourish of a summer's end with a softening of the surroundings to prepare us for winter's harsh glare. These mornings can be so beautiful as to cause one to linger at this window of time.
As summer slips through my fingers as quicksand the hourglass of time is being refilled with a new crisp atmosphere.

There is a sense of urgency. Something of longing stirs my heart as I remember times of preparation in decades past. As a little girl autumn was accompanied by the arrival of a load of firewood and the time of staking wood into neat rows when my dad got home from work. At that time fall was a step of preparation for the comforting fires in the wood stove later on when I would walk home from school and stand by the stove to get warm, first front then back, and feel the radiant heat clear to my bones.

Fall meant a time of outdoor activity; of taking Sunday afternoon drives through surrounding hills to delight in the turning trees. Now as I drive from the mountaintop and travel country roads the sumac is shining in bright red along the road and the goldenrod catches the sunshine to make my heart glad. I think of some years in the high country of Colorado when the aspen were at their peak and whole mountains were ablaze with that gold that contrasted with the deep greens of the fir trees.

We just have to enjoy each of these days as it quickly passes by and to celebrate those images from other days in the realms of memories of another time. Such are the yarns of many colors stored in the heart through which we delight in the previousness of God throughout the span of years given to us for His glory.

One Season Blends Into the Next

Fading Breath of Summer

Amidst delight and exuberance

A longing for an essence noticeably out of reach

Summer is a time of sowing, reaping, giving out

Often drawing one from quiet time with the Book

There is a noticeable weakening from not being nourished

A hunger for that quiet path of restoration to be refilled

Along the way there appears a bit of mountain crispness

Astonishment accompanies a gasp of breath in the chill

A lingering summer tanager sounds a cry without answer

The cacophony of strife stills as

Hummingbirds begin their arduous journey

Glossy deep green leaves on black gum trees

Suddenly sing out in magnificent red

A few loosen their grasp to drift in downward circles

Carried along on a wisp of wind

To lie along a dusty roadside and gleam in the grass

The late afternoon sun shines through tall trees

To illumine the leaves with special light

Shorter days allow time for pondering and awaiting insight

For hearing what the Spirit brings to mind

To refresh and refill the storehouse of the heart

A harvest of treasure from which to pour out love

Lengthening shadows reveal a dramatic landscape

Golden leaves glow with more vibrancy in the evening sun

And tendrils of fog lift upward in the cool as the day is done

In a special way my soul is in tune with the seasons

I am compelled to praise God for many reasons

Autumn takes its cue

And paints the landscape with every hue

How marvelous the bronze and gold

Like the color of the pavement in Jerusalem of old

Oh to stop and allow that warmth to envelope my soul

My whole being rejoices in the process of being made whole

As a spectator of the changing of the guard

One season hands the baton to the next

It gives witness to the faithfulness of the creator

Just like promises, each season arrives in designated time

Though we may not recognize its presence apart from changing leaves

Yet the soul may sing out at hearing the cries of wild geese over head

Cold winds may come early and we walk briskly

Golden rod smiles with warmth enough to store in memory

To chase the cold with reflections of a time of blossoming

Perhaps sitting beside a fireplace wrapped in an afghan of gold

Imp 9/25/11

Peaceful Reflections

There are scenes of beauty that lift me above myself in a way that is almost indescribable. At first the impact of the vision might move me to stop and just stand in witness of such a lovely sight. I have framed the vision in my mind and almost unknowingly I bring the camera up in position to align with the image in my soul and record this moment to witness forever. It is a little piece of the fabric of my life. The reflections in the pool are more detailed than I first realized. Reflecting on moments of my life are filled with much more than I was aware at the time they came to be.

The soft, almost impressionistic image shines with a depth of which there are far too few words to express the magnitude of all of nature represented in this small garden beauty. The reflection of the rocks in the background contrasts with the lovely flowers, and surrounding the whole of it is the refelction of the glorious blue sky. Those rocks provide anchor for the pool and add texture and character. Oh how much I see some of the same images through pondering the moments of my years. I see how the Rock has always been there for me even when I failed to rely on Him. Instead of these flowers I recall faces of the years... teachers, friends, parents and grandparents and all the aunts and uncles and cousins... I recall moments as photographs of picnics and of riding the bike down a country road; I remember smells and sounds and dear voices; I can close my eyes and imagine passing scenes along the roadways of many trips whether short Sunday afternoon trips or longer journeys.

The colors and sounds and smells of celebrations and sorrowful occasions blend with the wildflowers on a set apart hill and the birth of my children; the wonder of meeting my husband of all these years as the memories of special times along the way grow more special to me every day.

Looking into this vast canvas more deeply I begin to see more of the providence of God along the way, weaving the pattern with details that could not have happened by chance. It is in looking through the memories that I can look forward with continued anticipation because I know the faithfulness of God in the fullness of His power and glory.

Looking at the reflections in this pool are a quiet time event. It is in stillness that we see more deeply into the intricate details with growing awareness of the mystery of life. It is delightful to watch rushing mountains streams and feel caught up with excitement that will carry me forward, but without quiet time beside a garden pool I cannot know the lovely nature of all with which I have been gifted. These wonderful moments are jewels, sparkling as the flowers in the garden pool, blessing after blessing that I would miss were it not for set apart times. Looking back fuels delightful anticipation for every new morning.  At times it is tempting to set up my tent and stay a while in what seems perfection for my soul. The Lord is still weaving the tapestry of my days and there is still work to do, so I must tarry for only a little while. Just as I gaze at the amazing details in the pool I realize that if I returned they would have changed and present something totally new. My experiences would also be different, my quilt would shine with new jewels through the numbering of my days to gain a heart of wisdom. The pool would still be beautiful in every season and every part of the day in the changing light from sunrise to sunset. God is unchanging but He is constantly at work in me so that I may be changed to blossom in His timing. Knowing this I must move forward with great anticipation while these beautiful images remain to help cheer me along the beautiful way.
I am thankful.

Looking Forward: Another Year

The old oak tree stands in witness of all the storms of life, of the beauty of the sunrise, and it hosts the joyful birds who sing throught the day. It is an anchor with which I frame each sunrise, a measurement of the seasons, and always an image of lovely form.



Through the years it seems we learn to yield to the temptation to sit a while in a quiet spot. It is in these times of reflective pondering that we have time to taste the deeper things in life.

 69 Going On 70
     Beginning another year leads to a new decade, 69 going on 70. It seems
so unreal, to be swept along in detached awareness of the passage of
time as if in slow motion, seeing more of the stages of life at the
same time.
     Body is aging, and yet I am still “me!” I am still the unique person I
was created to be. It is a journey of discovery in moving toward the
light. There is a vague longing for what I what I am that still lies
hidden and enfolded in the many peculiar layers of my dance of life.
This is another milestone in counting the days of favor, as I see with
redeemed vision as it works out what is being restored. It is an
amazing transformation when new compartments of the heart are swept
free of years of coveting worldly things. This brings new circulation
of life which adds renewed vibrancy to what was formerly a
struggling spark of eternal hope.
     As I climb further up the holy hill, different portions of life come
adorned with new applications of truth that measures against the
standards of holiness sublime.
     Seasons follow seasons, each perhaps as a rung on the ladder of ever
brightening ascension. Some trails navigate narrow dangerous drop-offs
on either side necessitating great care. The next segment often
arrives as on a gentle plain that encourages confidence. Tranquil
boundaries are such restorative blessings that confirm favor bestowed
by a loving Father.
     It is a gift to appreciate the precious expressions of God’s delight in His creation. We are encouraged to respond with the measure of delight we are enabled to absorb.
It is written that we are to be still and know that God is God. We
must be still to hear the truth of the ages; then in awe we become
aware of the gravity of being humbled before the Holy One of Israel.
There are points on the heights of joy when we can scarcely contain
the overflowing love. We are lifted up with emotion at seeing the
character of God made real through what He has made known, and then we
are lifted above our appointed boundaries to catch our breath in the
brilliant light of glory.
     Time travels its prescribed course and fills my mind with wonderful
memories. Though I cannot stay long on the mountain I can ponder the
accumulation of such moments through my sixty-nine years. With
childlike excitement I am blessed to anticipate many wonders as I move
forward into my seventieth year which is yet a mystery.
     Colorful jeweled memories mixed with patterns of poetry, marbled with
times of suffering and longing, bring more humbling of self inawareness of
the broader spectrum that is beyond present comprehension.
     My own shadow leaves but a trace when measured against eternity.  I
respond to the incomprehensible richness of the knowledge and wonder
of God with exciting joy in being compelled to tell others as I rejoice.
     I then step aside for a time to a quiet place with God given humility,
realizing I am as a unique shell along the mighty sea. I am counted
with purpose, then set free to be about the work prepared for me, assured of my place at the table for eternity.
     The Lord has been weaving the fabric of my life ever so firmly, strand
by strand until radiance unbeknownst to me is revealed. It is the
depth of the riches of this knowledge that thrills me so that I cannot
remain silent. I cannot attempt to keep this glorious river to myself.
For every thought or action that does not align with what I know to be
true of God the light remains dimmed until I respond. Jesus has more
to tell me but I cannot yet bear it. Perhaps I cannot yet carry the burden
of understanding nor deal with suffering and pain of life’s lessons.
     But I think perhaps it is that the weight of glory is so vast that I
cannot consume it all at once. Each coming day will arrive with
lessons and joys of its own. I trust He will enable me to pick up my
mat and walk forward with Him as He teaches me the joys of loving
others with His divine love. I ask that He help me take one day at a
time to delight in what I receive from His hand. July 2011

Watching the Light in Stillness

As the heavens declare the glory of God the Lord prepares our hearts to respond to the beauty He has prepared for us. We taste His goodness through what He makes known of Himself to those enabled to stop and listen to the beauty.

Do you find the time to sit and watch the sky? Sometime in the early morning hours it is as if I am watching the creator of the universe paint the heavens with broad strokes, at first painting a background for what will come next. At times there is a faint golden glow, perhaps tinted with pale orange changing to vibrant pink. At first it may seem that most of the sky is vacant of any clouds, but as the direction of the light changes there are many layers of different types of clouds, first one, then the other catch the gleam of the light as if just then being painted on top of the layers that were in place before. At times there are unusual formations that seem to pop up out of nowhere, catching the wind at a certain altitude and then sail across the heavens to somewhere beyond this viewpoint. When tall columns mix with shelf clouds and intermix with thin wispy layers, I am spellbound watching for the light to escape the hidden confines and burst forth in bright streams. At times there are brilliant golden tints to the clouds contrasting with blue shadows. Then when the sun reaches a certain point shades of coral and pink appear as if a watercolor wash moves slowly along painting them with glorious joy. It seems as if it is a symphony of light just for my eyes alone. But it is there for all to see; it is for all who would lift their eyes in delightful witness of the magnificence of God's creation. Our lives reflect something of the same glorious joy through the years when we stop to listen as the silence sings its own beautiful song of praise to the almighty power of God. We may not know from where the light comes at a particular time of life, but in looking back through the lens of the heart tuned to the harmony of all of creation, it comes together with a connectivity that illumines the understanding of scripture. We are touched by storms, warmed by a campfire, cooled by fragile snowflakes as they brush against our cheek. Joy is rekindled when we think of friends who have brought golden light to shine into our lives. All of the paintings we have watched being created, whether in relationships or gifts, or the overflowing joy of worshiping the Lord that connects us to eternity along with the cloud of witnesses whose faith has enabled them to persevere, we are caught up in the glorious delight of the ages, beginning even before time began. That same melody is in harmony with what we are given to witness both in the heavenly realm and all the ways God confirms His love for us in this present walk. Take time to listen. Listen deeply and allow your soul to connect with God through what He makes known. This is abundant life. Praise to the One Who reigns over all things. 

Seeing Through the Light Thus Given

The weeks flow along with increasing awareness of the journey to this point.  It seems that we used to measure time in multiples of five or ten; reunions, birthdays and anniversaries were given extra notice when we reached one of those milestones. Do you wonder why we have set that precident? Why do we set such goals for our present journey? How much joy do we miss along the way when we wait for those milestone moments before allowing ourselves to treasure cherished memories accrued on a more frequent basis? Now that our high school class has celebrated the "BIG" 50th reunion everyone seems to desire to meet yearly... and keep in touch more often inbetween. In fact, one of my long time friends, one with whom I started to school in the first grade, spoke up at the last reunion just this past year and encouraged us to meet again this year. She is gone. She had appreciated those connections that were made so many years ago, and valued each person who had crossed her path along the way.  The mother of a friend who was in my Bible Study group last year had been fighting a battle with cancer for several years, and during that time she continued to write and teach and speak to others of her faith. As her health got worse her delight in the Lord shown more brightly. It brought her great comfort to go back through the things she had written, the tapes of times she spoke to others, of special family occasions. It came to me that there is purpose for what God asks of each of us, purpose beyond the moment. Scripture tells us to write, to remember and to tell others of what we have seen of God's faithfulness. However, I am seeing further purpose than I had understood.  To have those poems, those teachings, and the photos and videos that we have written to the praise of His glory, those treasured moments with family and dear friends is to have a bit of treasure in heaven it seems. This treasure comforts us when times are challenging. This treasure fills us with joy when perhaps we might otherwise feel empty and helpless. These jeweled moments confirm Christ's love for us in every situation. Each time we sing the words of beloved hymns that are filled, with scripture the words become even more precious, causing us to overflow with even more joy.

It is not about the number of days we are given to live out God's plan for our lives. Each day is of such value that much can be accomplished if we listen and respond to the opportunities along the way. A most beautiful example of this truth flows magnificantly from the short life of our friend's grandson who lived just 87 days due to spinal muscular atrophy. Yes, it has been a great time of grief and seeking of understanding. Each of those days was given to loving him and and sharing delight of each day with many friends and family. At the same time much light has shown through this life that was so short in our understanding of time. Each day has value that makes that life worth living.  A foundation as been set up to do many worthwhile projects in his name, projects that will help others with similar challenges and to give hope to children in many life situations. It is beyond belief to see the ways little Miller touched the lives of others and now continues to spread hope as waves upon the sea, taking that hope to far places. When we give our tears to God He will take those precious tears and as He holds them for us, He will do more than we could have imagined to make much of our meager offerings.

Each life has potential of which we are unaware. We are to take one step at a time and to listen in stillness for that small voice to tell us which way to go. He will provide all that is needed to accomplish that which aligns with His will for our lives. So let us treasure our moments, for each moment is a gift beyond our understanding. Just about ten years ago I responded to the compelling urge to pick up my pen and begin to write. I was the most surprised of anyone at the progression of the flow of words and the continuing inspiration and delight in allowing the words to paint images of what God had placed in my heart. Recently, I have been taking time to read again some of those first poems and I am still amazed at the faithfulness of the Lord in making possible words to comfort and uplift others along the way; and I am blessed repeatedly as I read those words of life again and again; He does love me and care for me.  Nothing can take His love from me for it is the very gift of His love to me with which I sing His praises every day. As I look back through the lens of light thus given, I am assured of even more glorious things to come. This following poem is one of the first few poems in that first year of discovering that this gift of praise comes from above. To read these thoughts again fills me with exceeding joy, for the heart of it rings with the same truth He continues to teach me day after day.
Yes, I think this is perhaps treasure in Heaven.

A Prayer of Praise

Oh Lord, the beauty of life when we live it in You

Is an amazing day to day delight.

A taste of Your loving kindness in all You do

Is beyond anything that exists without your light.

You teach us more each passing day,

You fill us with Your love and joy, and encourage us to pray;

Lord, You alone are worthy of praise,

Thank you for Your faithfulness and protection for our days.

You open Your arms to catch us when we fall,

You change our hearts to know Your voice when You call.

You make it possible for us to desire to obey,

Then make sure we hear beautiful words You have to say.

You alone Lord are due the glory for the gifts we receive,

All You ask in return is for us to believe....

And to give You alone the glory You are due.

Lord, we bow down in total reverence to you.

We are Your creation, the objects of Your gracious kindness,

We worship You humbly and pray You will continue to bless.

You put in our hearts the sublime songs of joy

We will sing them back to You in affirmation of Your glory.

We will sing all our earthly days, and then...

Trust in Your promises for eternity. Amen!

IMP 5/10/02