Artistry of the Elements Saturday, Jul 5 2008 

The effect of being in my gardens and spotting an unexpected bloom of vibrant color … Well, it is a moment of sheer and total joy! :-D It becomes an amazing surprise, a reason to celebrate and a special gift from God.

… the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer. ~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

As an instrument, I have been planning, weeding, journaling and clearing. I am completing these tasks at a slower pace than usual. But that is okay. ;-) My gardening goals remain rooted in a perennial life-goal I nurture and maintain: Focus upon the Grace of God, and within that measure of Grace, craft beauty and celebrate the artistry of the elements.

The ritual of crafting and celebrating this artistry — this Red; the finding of the proverbial red. That is what I am talkin’ about! ;-)

The fabulous Daylily shown above is Red for me today. There were also some terrific other occasions of Red in my gardens this morning. Those unexpected blooms cheering me onward, inviting me to embrace the passion of Red and imparting vibrancy and inspiration to me …

Freedom Friday, Jul 4 2008 

“Lightbulb” Moment(s) Thursday, Jul 3 2008 

Habits Wednesday, Jul 2 2008 

Bubbles and Clouds on a Summer Day! :-D

The United States celebrates its Independence Day this week. And due to several circumstances which continue to require my attention, I am learning how to “stop” — to pause in the midst of said circumstances.

This is possible because I have let go of my expectations of “grand things” and long lists of so-called “To-Do” and “Should-Do” … I am finally willing to allow myself “to be” and to enjoy where am this moment of my life.

We are what we repeatedly do.
—Aristotle

This comforting and restful place is the result of a simple thing called a habit. I have purposed in my heart to get into the habit of taking care myself via rest and hobbies I enjoy.

Dear reader, you yourself may have changes in mind, some new habits you desire to establish in your life. Please allow for gentle change; allow said changes to begin with intentions and not a performance-based (and often, impossible) list of “To-Do” …

Change occurs first in the mind. Thoughts determine actions, actions determine habits and habits are the doorway to change! Step-by-step, ACT (Accomplish Change Today) intentionally and via baby steps.

I designed my own graduation announcement when I completed my Bachelor’s degree (many — many! — moons ago … ). It included an ink drawing of a geometric shape “falling into place” and the following quotation: The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. —Lao Tzu

My journey has continued to be fabulous — not without its icky surprises, heartaches and torturous moments — and I am confident it will continue as such! ;-) I learn something every day (because I am watching for “lessons” within the moments of my day); I also purpose in my heart to consistantly inquire of my Father God, “What are You doing in this situation?” and “What do You want me to do — if anything?”

That has been my habit. And now it is part of me. Selah … And I rejoice in that!!! :-D

There is a Plan and there is a Promise … Romans 12; 8:28.

Attack Fear Tuesday, Jul 1 2008 

Colorful Victory, June sunset

As I sip my café mocha … I meditate upon these words …

I learn daily the sublime lesson of trust and calm in the midst of storm. Whatever of sorrow or difficulty the day may bring My tender command to you is still the same — Love and laugh.

Love and Laughter, not a sorrowful resignation, mark real acceptances of My Will. Leave every soul the braver and happier for having met you. For children or youth, middle or old age, for sorrow, for sin, for all you may encounter in others, this should be your attitude. Love and Laugh.

Do not fear. Remember how I faced the devil in the wilderness, and how I conquered with “the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.” You too have your quick answer to every fear that evil may present — an answer of faith and confidence in me. Where possible say it aloud.

The spoken word has power. Look on every fear, not as a weakness on your part due to illness or worry, but as a very real temptation to be attacked and overthrown.

And Moses said … Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today. Exodus 14:13

— quoted from God Calling by Two Listeners

Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25

Above the Clouds Friday, Jun 27 2008 

Above the Clouds …

I often remind others (and myself!) that we “know” … Even when we are convinced we don’t. We know what to do when we are stuck in the mud, spinning our wheels … pounding the steering wheel, screaming expletives and futilely pressing the gas pedal to the floor. 8-O

This week, I have been somewhat forced to remember this for myself. I have been focused on breaking the cycle of my old coping patterns. I seemed to be moving through and then I was reminded that this is a process (as I fell into old patterns) and I remembered: Change takes time. :-?

When life gets busy (and two weeks ago, mine went wild :!: ) we default to what is familiar. And, forging new habits familiar is sometimes like following that Yellow-Brick Road: There is a lot of effort to “find” something you realize you already had. You simply needed to know it, live it — and just do it! :!:

This week (even as I was convinced I didn’t know what to do) I began to cope differently; to pause instead of running faster, to journal and to seek solutions. I did this via micro-movements, a moment at a time and not out of some sense of being driven to it. :!:

I have written these “how-to’s” before — but this week, I honored what I know. And it worked. :-D

  • Routines eliminate the quandry of what to do next. 8-O
  • Timers to manage “appointments” of time for work, rest and play create gentle boundaries.
  • Journal, use a time planner or some other bound (or otherwise contained) system. This is the most awesome and practical method of mapping the road to your dreams. It enables you to have a proverbial view from the sky, to see where you can delete, consolidate and literally create blocks of time for concentrated work, for tasks that will equip you and get you to your destination.
  • Pamper yourself with an appointment of quiet, uninterrupted time each day. :!: Allow yourself to simply be, collect your thoughts and focus on simply breathing in … breathing out. Once quieted, begin to examine, ponder and write about where you want to go from here. [This can be a mere 15-minutes that will "create" hours in your days.]
  • Minimize distractions (turn off your telephones, announce that you are officially going invisible at (the time of your appointment with yourself and refuse to be interrupted for anything less fire or blood)

Rise above; focus on your proverbial view from the sky … And dance as if no one is watching! :-D

Some Happy :-) Friday, Jun 27 2008 

I agree with Christine … And I have been listening to Chris Cendana, too. Click here for more “Happy” via Chris Cendana. :-D

Living Serendipity Tuesday, Jun 24 2008 

Instead of being more organized or controlling in your approach, allow for serendipity. Happy accidents happen when you look side to side or up, not always forward. Don’t stop planning. Rather step out of the tunnel. Put yourself in situations that allow for the unexpected. Life is situationally driven. Learning happens in context. Be ready when opportunities arise. The more space you’ve cleared in your life for something new, the more right things will happen. More or less. ~Marcia Conner

Serendipity and Mollee Monday, Jun 23 2008 

My Sweet Mollee Joy
English Cream Golden Retrievers

The past two weeks have been like a roller coaster ride; I have soared and swooped, up and down, winding around curves and screaming with both delight and terror. I have only held on tight as these types of weeks typically precede time of abundant joy and secure steps onward in my journey.

I have held on tight even when I was merely there for the ride (and knew I couldn’t simply jump out! ;-) ). This weekend was particularly harrowing …

Then, this morning Serendipity stepped in. Again. It reminded that waiting, patience and quiet are the fields in which Serendipity is planted. I received three e-mails that were sent to an old e-mail addy I don’t use very much; within each was written I needed to know.

It is amazing to me that we are being instructed, comforted and guided even in the midst of Life’s most mundane events. It is simply a matter of listening.

“You are in the midst of a union of circumstances to secure your launch for tomorrows …” ~January 27, 2008

One of the many other instances of Serendipity during the past two weeks is meeting Mollee. And every day since she came home with me from the rescue momma’s home 10 days ago (… feels like we have always known each other) her nudges and gentle eyes have been such a comfort and reminder of Serendipity.

She and met due to a series of events that started with saying good-bye to Duke. He “introduced” me to the rescue mom who was caring for Mollee the last day he and I were at the vet’s office; she had a male dog with her who looked just like Duke when he was younger. Then later in the week when I went to pick up Duke’s ashes, the vet’s tech recommended I call the rescue mom since she actually had two dogs that were a Golden Retriever mix. One was the male dog I had seen but the other was a female.

So, I called the rescue mom (despite the proverbial list of reasons in opposition to said call). Long story, short … I learned more about Mollee, made application to adopt her, we met, we connected and she came home with me — the next day! :-D

Serendipity.

All authority and power is His; All circumstances serve Him; His Word is forever settled in heaven; He does all things for our good and His glory; The One who did not spare His own Son will freely give us all His best things; God is for us, nothing can separate us from His love; He is faithful He supplies all of our needs; He knows, cares, numbers the hairs of our head; He is the God of all comfort and Father of mercies; He is able to supply His abundant grace to us so that in all things, at all times, we have all of His sufficient grace we need for all encouragement and hope; He shows His perfect power in our weakness; He is our strength, our shield, our strong tower, our refuge, our hope, our joy, our peace, our all; He renews our strength as we wait on Him; He is with us, a very present help; He has a heart that tears can touch and invites us to climb into His lap and cry (Heb.4:15, Ps. 56:8); He gives gladness instead of sorrow and praise instead of fainting. Weeping may endure for a night, but He gives joy that comes in the morning. When we lift Him up continually in a sacrifice of praise, we glorify Him here and now (Jn.12:28a) Source: Prayer Portions for the Family by Sylvia Gunter

I feel like I’ve fallen and I can’t get up … Sunday, Jun 22 2008 

Image Source

This is my sign. I have had such an erratic week; it is a time of new activity — activity that seems to take on a life of itself sometimes. It is all good (well, mostly ;-) ) … It is just that I am still attempting to sort through the newness and focus on priorities.

Then … There are those proverbial bumps in the road. Zipping along and then BAM :!: you are slammed to the ground.

So the pile on my desk will just have to remain until … Whenever.

I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow. ~Scarlett O’Hara

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