standards

In the glitter city of Vegas listening to standards the likes of Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Irving Berlin, Cole Turner - a concert off the strip in the solitide of the weekend's accommodations, I'm soon to retire for the evening.

The husband edits some photography taken from the learning event we participated in the last two days and I update social networks and blogs as I let the pieces of a talk I'll be giving float around in my head until they work themselves together.

There's an honesty, romance, and transparency to the words pouring forth in melodious syncopation I am hearing. I am thoroughly enjoying this music and thankful to the people who have set it deeply into my soul - my mom and dad, all the singers of the time devoted to the nuances of its craft, and the beautiful voice of my precious friend Paula Prince.

It's simple things that bring beauty and peace to the soul. Thankful.

an awesomely austere new mexican adventure

Ps. 139:17-18 — "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."

As the eldest identified in the sand, we "were here!" to be remembered as long as a grain of sand is stationary. This big adventure was the trip to White Sands. Again, there was an aspect of New Mexico here that had just previously eluded me. It was here that the atom bomb was built - Los Alamos. It is here the NRAO Very Large Array, Johnson Space Center, the infamous UFO sghting at Roswell. It is here White Sands - you often hear about missiles being tested. It is here where there is the Carlsbad Caverns, petroglyphs, cliff dwellings, a volcanic past, and the gypsum of White Sands. There was once more not nearly enough time to see all of this, but we did see the majesty of White Sands gypsum.

The plan was to go to Cloudcroft and see the Sunspot Scenic Byway and a view of the Tularosa basin at the National Solar and Apache Point observatories, Trestle vista overlooking the Mexican Canyon, and Tunnel Vista. On the way, you passed a very recent attraction - the Inn of the Mountain Gods casino.

As we proceeded, the GPS seemed to have a penchant for indian reservations and frequently took us upon dirt and little travelled byways through flashflood zones and the like. This was not the road test we had in mind for Rondo. So we didn't expect highway244 to come to end and have to back track, but we did find a lovely little church there.

As we stopped for food, we didn't expect to parallel the highway on another backroad, backtracking once again. While it frustrated me, the navigator, and expended much of our day, we finally made our way to our destination. We cast aside the Tularosa Winery and the Eagle Ranch, only to pass highway 82 which would have taken us directly to Cloudcroft. Those weren't to be part of our day.

But we arrived at White Sands National Monument about 4pm. We drove into a wonderland of whiteness, at first there was plant life, but the deeper we went in, the scarcer it was. We were told not to rely on our sense of the direction or the sun. Gratefully, the GPS was working with us here. There was a stark loveliness here, and austere beauty - a world within a world. They set up an educational area that highlighted the animal and plant life in the area. It demonstrated how they could maximize solar power. It identified the types of munitions from testing fallout that one should leave alone if encountered here. There was also a play area too. Sledding was ideal.




See the album to capture the frontal views!
It was indeed an unusual drive to arrive at this place; but well worth it. Handsdown, we were all in agreement. It did not detract that we sighted the destinations we had missed on the way back. As the skies darkened and we meandered our way back to our place on high, we knew we had had quite a wonderful day. The next day would be Thanksgiving and, well, we were quite thankful. What an awesome God we serve!

'Choosing the Good' Friday

Caught up in the preparations for Resurrection Sunday Service, I lost sight of Who I was serving. So today, I am doing what is needful; I am at the feet of Jesus, putting away Martha and putting on Mary. I'm opening my Alabaster box. I want to hear you Lord; I'm sorry for what I made it.

_{Luke 10:38-42, Php 4:4-10}

TX trippin' on the Riverwalk - remember the Alamo!

River walking is highly recommended. We found our way to downtown SA area after a bit of wifi banking and breakfast at McDonald's - the Texans had the no where yet to be found in Dallas El Pollo Loco. It was a beautiful Friday. Thanks to the navigational skills of my Beloved and SIM, we undertook and surfaced from the riverwalk right by the Alamo where there was a bevy of activity. There were advertisers of the Circus Soleil walking around on stilts with tiny, tiny shoes and a Mary Poppins I believe. The clowns talked with the youngest, one bestowing upon him a 'special' small clear stone. Miss Mary chatted with him and gave something to brighten his face - a clown nose! We initially found public parking near the Greyhound station and entered the subterranean world of the Riverwalk by Convent Street near St. Mary's, traipsing along the meandering pathways at a leisurely pace taking in all the sights and sounds. It was also possible to traverse the river by water. It was rare eye candy - simultaneously colorful and bustling while sumptuously serene.

At one point, SIM broke out in a round of The stars at night are big and bright(clap, clap, clap, clap), - pausing for response or effect - Deep in the heart of Texas, which had us all laughing.

Learned 2 things in particular at the Alamo

• One of the men who died there - John J. Baugh of Virginia - might have been a distant relative.
• Texas was called 'God's garden' (hmmm...).
  I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the world, the best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw, and I do believe it is a fortune to any man to come here - _{Alamo hero Davey Crockett}

The giant wasn't going to be free until after late, so afterward we weary walkers found our way back along the riverwalk to where we parked and headed back to our revised accommodations.

TX trippin' two-step

You know you're on vacation when you have nary a worry. The husband and I are relaxed and loving it; we walked into town to Blockbuster and used his Christmas coupon to buy 4/$20 DVDs - we got The Last Mimsy, Facing the Giants, plus two others. We racked up 10,000 steps in that trip. We saw two snowmen, a horse grazing, a voting area surrounded by democratic candidate signs - mostly Barak, and one republican one with mostly McCain. Here, the caucuses were called the 'Texas Two-Step! At the end of the day, HRC won TX, OH, not Vermont but also RI (the difference between them remains about the same) and McCain clinched his party's nomination. And the battles rage on.



The husband and I familiarized ourselves more with Catan, but the eldest and SIM gave Canaan to the youngest for his February birthday. We played that today - it has nuances that are quite enjoyable, but that version can end rather quickly. I received the Jane Austen collection and an ornament that identifies the eldest as my favorite! She's been holding our gifts hostage until we got here ;-)

She and I went over to Mardel Christian - a very comprehensive and inexpensive store. I spent $11 on 4 books. The husband barbequed ribs and chicken at the end of the day; now every one has retired (except me) in preparation for tomorrow's trek to Lackland AFB in San Antonio to visit the giant. He probably won't have time for us until Friday evening - so, there'll be sights to see. Although it was a nice sunny day; tomorrow is expected to threaten snow once again. Since we are traveling south, I am not sure what we will encounter. But God is in charge and we are excited. We have reservations for the Travelodge Suites with a kitchenette. The eldest has made spaghetti and we have snacks for the road - can you say Roadtrip!

She's been playing Scrabulous on Facebook. I haven't looked at Scrabble online in ages; I was immediately re-hooked. Signed myself up outside of Facebook so I can enjoy in the future. This vacation 4 days in has been filled with fullness of family and fun = what a blessing. Going to get some shut-eye myself. C'ya!

lighthouses

Hace you been captivated by lighthouses too? I have always been intrigued by them - they're sometimes shrouded, but ever gleeming, always safe; they're romantic, inviting, mystically whimsical, serene, and mysterious. Even on our last vacation, we were drawn to some. It's no wonder I was captivated by these photos.

Where have i been all of my August - keys to serenity

Keyboards – I mentioned that – in addition to mine, husband now has a Yamaha YPG-225 – no not the outboard motor. So, its hooked up so we can both play side by side silently or together or either/or. We acquired a nice selection of worship music and other favorites – I love songs from the 40s/50s and he also added some 70s. I find playing very relaxing. Dueling keyboards? Nope not us :-)

If all goes well we may have a Christmas lawn carols for the hood - now wouldn't that be something?

Practice! Practice! Practice!

a discouraging word

It's been a lil bit and I'll catch things up shortly; this is just a quickie.

My friend posted about who we should esteem which lingered on the brain. I sure wish I had her reading time *sigh*) Anyways, silly enough, that song home, home on the range has been rattlin' around in my head as well, particularly the words where never is heard a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day. Where you treasure is, there shall you heart be also. My range and my heart are with God. I need to remind myself of that when I hear a discouraging word and go home - a place of comfort, correction, love and encouragement - and have a heart to heart with my Abba Father.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us _{Heb 12:1}

remains of the day ...

I was doing my usual 'keeping in touch' by reading blogs of friends of mine, when I recognized that I haven't been as cheery (even when some were in the midst of pieces of sadness) as most, even waxed a bit morbid. That's not really fair to the reason for the season. And so ... my 'remains of the day'.

There are those that deal with holiday blahs in some way or another. I deal with it to some degree at Christmas time and I have a sibling that struggles with the New Years celebration. Compound that with losing a loved one around that time of year, and things get a little harder. My mother went on to heaven last December. Too I spent some 16 years single parenting - the husband saved me from all that, bless his heart. The holidays then, though, represented loneliness and some sort of effort in futility in trying to create something for your children that seemed to be all over the floor, torn up in pieces of wrapping paper of unwrapped gifts. Still, while not the best parent in the world, those were precious years of 'mom'hood. They're just easier now and the husband has made the holidays easier too.

Here's one person's presentation of this phenomena:

THE HOLIDAY BLAHS !

Copyright: 12/29/92:

Thomas K. Hyland, Jr.


Well, each year the season seems to set upon us sooner.
Once upon a time, "Black Friday" was the official onset,
when all the shopping "zealots" of the world,
would descend upon the malls, in a great, gargantuan array.

But now, as the Halloween decorations are removed from the shelves,
their Christmas counterparts rapidly replace them ---
on All Saints' Day !

Every year, we're gon'na get a head start, right? Ho! Ho!
But, there's always that "last-minute project" at home,
rearing its ugly head, you know:
--- like: stripping the old wallpaper from the walls and ceiling,
or spackling and painting with nimble-fingered feeling,
or something equally laborious and unappealing.


Well, somehow you manage to perform a balancing act:
a lot'ta work on the "project,"
a little Christmas shopping, a lot'ta choir rehearsal,
an occasional "break" of shooting pool, and "tilting" a brew or two,
interspersed amidst a smidgen of familial chagrin,
all the while with a growing "knot" of stress within.

Then, finally: the "project" is finished,
the shopping is almost done, the gift-wrapping near completion,
the tree is up and trimmed, the candles are in the windows,
the house, cleaned and appropriately adorned,
and two out of four concerts have been performed,
what, pray tell, could possibly be next ?

Then, Bingo! The next thing you know, it's Christmas Eve!
The stockings are all hung by the chimney with care,
the grand, gorgeous glazed ham is baking in the oven,
the carols are playing on the old Panasonic,
the mood is quite warm, perhaps even harmonic,
but --- oops! The clock is still ticking off the minutes.

One-half-hour to: shower, shave, dress,
and get to the Church on time!
The Handbells are ringing the Prelude at six o'clock Mass.
Whew ! Made it ! Five minutes to spare!
"Regal Celebration" was quite good, tho' the rush was a mite unruly,
with a few "dings" and "dongs" transposed by --- Yours Truly.

Then it's into the van, and back to the house.
All the creatures are stirring, really in a tizzy,
now, baste the ham, stuff the stockings,
wrap the "last minute" gift for Aunt Lizzie.
Aah ! Time to relax and kick off your shoes,
have an "Irish coffee", to warm up your tummy,
un-uumm ! Was that yummy!

Oops ! Where did the time go?
Got'ta be back at the Cathedral by ten-thirty!
Rehearsal, Carol Service, Midnight Mass,
then, back home again, quick as a wink.
The clock chimes twice, as your baggy, bloodshot eyes
beg for blissful slumber, as they blink.

You open a few gifts, savor the flavor of the ham, and as
you gulp another Gaelic libation, the gong strikes three.
That's all folks! The Holiday "Blahs" have dimmed your light,

--- Merry Christmas to All ---

-- and to All --

a Good Night !

Somewhere in all this is a deep sense, at least for me, of the magnitude of this season and the need not to take it nonchalantly. In my little world that was at sometimes lonely, sometimes disappointed, sometimes reaching, reaching reaching ... there has always been a light that was created by the Lord in His love and His salvation in that He came down upon this earth and suffered so much, so much more than I, and is not simply the reason for the season, but the reason for everything - the very life that I have; and that everlasting. That is what I hold on to. Every year I can say Merry Christmas to All!

Lessin's Landscape

Well I thought I was fully inspired, but I then received an email from Dayspring with Roy Lessin's latest poem "Landscape" right after I was blessed with the good news I was waiting to hear for my serenity prayer time. So here you have it!

"Our lives are the brush, His blood -- the paint, this world -- the canvas, our ministry -- His masterpiece. We at DaySpring invite you to celebrate the masterpiece of ministry by enjoying Roy Lessin's new poem entitled 'Landscape.'

Landscape
By Roy Lessin,
Co-founder DaySpring Cards

Your life's like a landscape and God has the brush.
The work is in progress, He's not in a rush.
Each stroke has a purpose, nothing's by chance.
To see all His wisdom takes more than a glance.
Notice the sunbeams that shine on the dew --
Even the clouds can't keep them from view.
Look at the pathway that turns at the hill --
Its course will reveal what's next in His will.
The stream that's flowing with water so blue
Is bringing down blessings meant just for you.
The trees that are planted close to the stream
Will bring forth more fruit than you've ever seen.
The bird in the nest with mouth opened wide
Is just a reminder that God will provide.
Now look at the sheep in the meadow that's near
And notice the Shepherd that keeps them from fear.
He's brought them to pastures which give forth the best,
That cool and refresh, and keep them in rest.
The eagle above, that soars o'er the gale
Is God's way of saying, "My strength will not fail."
That part of the painting which now seems unclear
Will take on new meaning with each passing year.
So trust God to work in His own perfect way
And rejoice in the beauty He's painting today.

And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. Philippians 1:6 NLT"

Waiting....God's Choice

Well continuing in the same vein, these words of inspiration ...

you will also find at my desk asking me to remember.
I’ve had them too for some time as well, the paper coloring reveals.
Yet the encouragement is timeless, especially in 'serenity prayer' time.

One is by Irving D. Larson
(whose work with effort can be found on the internet)
and the other by Roy Lessin

Serenity Prayer time

Lord, what am I supposed to be learning here?

Three weeks ago, I requested a loan (from a reliable borrow from myself type set-up - I've done it before; would do it again) which was supposed to be processed in two weeks - the computer said so at the beginning and when it was finished repeated it in bold red letters! So, the husband and I go look for a purchase that would be financed by a portion of these funds and, after a week, settled on our selection. It was going to be ready in two weeks (a weeks leeway now).

I check the online access to the loan and call in occasionally and all is going well, but nearing the end of the 2nd week, we're getting antsy. I've spoken to the counselors by phone several times by this point and getting 'everything's fine' and 'it's in it's final stages'. There was one glitch though - a week after submitting, I saw 4 loan requests in the same amount - not just one. So I called in and the counselor advised to delete 3 of them; okay, done.

Well come to find out that the loan request was cancelled, by virtue of following those instructions everything was killed. But none of the subsequent counselors conveyed this nor even bothered to look into it far enough to discover this, as they gave their 'good tidings', until today (now into the 3rd week). Beset with frustration, anger, and a huge desire to dissolve into a puddle of tears, I was told that to rectify things I now must start over completely (which includes getting faxed a newly notarized document from spouse - of course that involves time!) and only as soon as they have that (not possibly before 4 hours after its sent) can they start over again and attempt to expedite it (a term which they did not define).

So, I did and actually had all that done by noon (a little more than an hours time - so the countdown began) working around a staff meeting even. Meanwhile the purchase is up in the air.

This might actually be 'whining;' sorry son. *sigh*

Lord nothing happens that You don't know about. You were, are, and will be. I pray that You would be in this situation; Your will be done.