Sunday, July 27, 2008

Camping






What a lot of family fun I had Friday night as I camped for the first time in years. Jenae is here from California, and she brought her tent so that I got to stay with her, Becky, Emily, and Kaleb. Julie, my niece and Jenae's cousin, came up with her tent, too, and she and her four children camped at the same site with us. The children got along great and could entertain themselves (spending a long time making an open "coffin" in the sand of the volleyball court near the lodge--we stayed at Mutual Dell up American Fork Canyon). Shaunalei came up to visit and bring Jenae's kids to stay (they had spent some time with their cousins earlier in the day). And although the weather was hot, and carrying all the gear can be less than joyous, we managed to enjoy ourselves a lot, playing games, chatting, and enjoying pine trees. I highly recommend it to anyone.

Sunshine Scripture 4


The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Romans 13:12

Let today be a morning, a new start, a chance to cast off darkness. Let the Light of Christ be upon you as a strong suit of shining armor. Feel the protection and confidence that comes from wearing powerful armor. It truly seems like the slaying of dragons of discouragement is possible if you are clothed in light.


Sunday, July 20, 2008

Who's Right









The skies looked just a teensy gray

today when Grandma walked.

“An umbrella?” Grandpa asked,

but Grandma merely squawked.

“I know best,” she smugly said,

“It isn't going to rain.”

And she was only slightly wet

When she got home again.

Sunshine Scripture 3


And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Isaiah 58:11


How joyful it sounds to have fat bones. Doesn't that seem solid and healthy? To be a watered garden or an unfailing spring of water would be wonderful. You could be a source of nourishment and refreshment to everyone around you. Walk this life with your fat bones looking for those who are hungry and thirsty. Fill them from your soul.


Sunday, July 13, 2008

A True Story

A True Story (I watched it happen)


A little fledgling bird, one day,

Sat on a pine tree limb,

And chirped and waited patiently

For mom to come feed him.


The mama bird came flying down.

She had a cherry, red.

The baby opened wide its beak

And then threw back its head.


The cherry was a bit too big.

The bird's mouth was too small.

Mom pushed to force the fruit inside.

It caused her babe to fall.


With fluttering wings, it tried to grip

A lower trembling limb.

The mother dropped the cherry down

And loudly chirped at him.


The baby's struggles were in vain

It fell and hit the dirt.

But since the limb was near the ground,

The baby wasn't hurt.


It flapped its wings to dust them off,

And flew beneath the tree.

Then chirped at mom with mournful sound,

“Please give some food to me.”


The mother found the cherry, red

And pecked the fruit in half.

If you had seen that baby eat,

I know you would have laughed.


It opened up its little beak,

Its cheeks were puffed out wide.

Its eyes shone bright when mama bird

Just stuffed each half inside.


Patio Poetry July 13, 2008





Saturday, July 12, 2008

Sunshine Scripture 2

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Psalms 19:1


Where better can you feel the presence of God than in the midst of his handiwork? Look around you. Sunrises, cloud patterns, tall maples and slender aspen trees with leaves like silver dollars that shimmer and dance in the breezes, quiet brooks that flow through stony beds: all the beauty of the earth shows the hand of the creator. Join with the heavens and declare his glory.



Thursday, July 10, 2008

I have spent many mornings this summer out on my back patio enjoying my private "forest" while I watch the birds or work on my latest story. It has been cool, and soothing to my soul at the same time. This picture is not a current one. We have added two bird feeders and have had a couple of greedy gray-breasted jays come to visit. They peck out the seeds they want and scatter the rejects far and wide around the feeder with their beaks. Very finicky, indeed.
This is one of those small joys that I get on nearly a daily basis. I hope you have a place of serenity where you can slow down and breathe deeply in peace.


I'm experimenting with blogging again. I feel very much out of my comfort zone. I may make mistakes and haven't found a way to edit my blog once I have posted something, so realize that I'm an old dog trying to learn new tricks.
The GRANDMAW idea is one I had a long time ago. I hoped my grandchildren and children could have an outlet for their original Music, Art or Writing. It would be GRAND for me to see what they had created. The result would be a GRANDMAW site. I have no idea if a blog can be used for that purpose. I know now (somewhat) how to post my own writings (and may even try to add a picture) but I would love to see their work, too. If any of you have any suggestions, please let me know.
I had a picture here, but it has disappeared, so I will try to find it again. There it is; it shows me staring fixedly at the computer screen with the self-made halo from the overhead light slightly off kilter to the left. I think this may be fun after all.

Sunshine Scriptures and Meditations

to start the day off right



The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

Romans 9:16


Doesn't it tingle the top of your head to think about this verse? We are the children of God. How in the world can we allow ourselves to live in denial of our true heritage? Feel within you the strength of that spirit child of God which you are. Rejoice.