Christmas 2008

A burning hot sun. I was coming down the dirt road beside our apartment building and saw these men resting after going through garbage on the street.. and I was heartsick for them...

We later went to a small mall nearby and drove on cobblestone streets to get there. (This pic of the cobblestones in front of our apartment is smooth compared to some of the other streets. It works well until the rain starts washing some stones out of place. hehe)

At the mall, a beautiful natitvity scene in the middle of the mall... a visual reminder of why were are here.

We have a life full of contrasts on a daily basis... many challenges... many questions... few answers... but as one gets to know Jesus Christ, there is more peace.

Learning to have peace without answers is something I am learning more each day.

I liked this quote: “When you are ready to stop bargaining, He will lead you to a place of peace and blessings.”

Voni

“1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

NIV

This is the Columbia River Gorge, between the states of Washington and Oregon. All of the white spots on those hills are snow, and in the far distance are the Cascade Mountains.

Some of the trees below us are splashes of bright color as autumn does its work of removing their leaves.

It’s the end of November and the wind chills one’s bones, as we gaze at this beauty in awe. No man is capable of painting this canvas. Only God!

I read this today...

One day, I decided to quit. I wanted to quit my job, to quit my relationships, to quit my spirituality; I even wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me. "Look around", He said, "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo."

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo."

"In the third year there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit."

"In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. Still, I would not quit."

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge they could not handle"

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you! Don't compare yourself to others. The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come," God said to me. "You will rise high."

How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?", He asked in return.

"As high as it can?", I questioned.

"Yes", He said, "Give Me glory by rising as high as you can. And remember...I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I will never give up on you. I will never, ever quit on you."

Everyone has days when they want to "quit". When there are struggles...obstacles in life, remember we're just growing roots!! God has a purpose in mind for each one of us and we need to talk to Him and let Him help us realize that purpose. Always remember, He'll never leave us, He'll never forsake us, and He'll never quit on us.

Amen!

Autumn and Life

2009 11 04
I’m writing this in bed with the computer on my lap. It's cold, the bed is warm and I'm tired. But before my body says "enough", my heart is so full it must spill over into words.

Three meaningful events are wrapped around my emotions tonight.
Some powerful teaching about our God, by Pr. Allan Hamilton, a beloved friend and mentor.

A simple and beautiful memorial service for "Papa" John Richardson, a man whose life deeply blessed each person he knew - including mine.

Friends driving us up the Columbia Gorge to Multnomah Falls: Soaking in the contrasts of wind, river, colors of autumn leaves and stark bare branches.

Nature demonstrated to me what we celebrated today in John’s life memorial.

John left us with richly colored memories, but there is barrenness where once there was life..
The trees, also, toss their brightly colored leaves onto the ground, lifting up stark bare branches to the sky, waiting for spring to cover those empty branches with fresh shimmering leaves.

In the same manner we human beings long for spring. Our hearts long for the time when people who are dimming memories will once again be surrounding us with vibrant LIFE.

Winter will have passed and an eternal spring will be here.

Father God, thank you for Your comfort as we sorrow, and the hope you show us. Each moment today I was touched with Your love, knowing there is a TOMORROW with You, I am blessed.

Voni