Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our small corner of the world where January weather has been mild for the first couple weeks of the year.  Usually temperatures plunge and wind chills keep us inside. but we are heading to 39 degrees for Monday so what snow we have left will melt I expect.   We noticed that the squirrels who live in our backyard tree are very chubby, so I guess, like me, they have not gone without food this year!  

I expect for most of us stress eaters, food has been easier to reach for with all that came in 2020.  Unfortunately, 2021 has not started out any less stressful!  So, what works for you when stress creates "issues" in your life?  Maybe meditation, deep breathing, more laughter, more prayer time. less "grazing in the kitchen", less news?  Or more?  Whatever helps, right?!

Speaking of 2021, I cannot help but feel great angst for what happened at our Capitol in Washington D.C.  It was completely unacceptable.  As we sat glued to the TV, we were disappointed to see the violence, destruction, disrespect, and threats that sent all our congress members into hiding.  I was especially stunned by hearing a woman in her 60's speak to a journalist, saying she thought what had happened was great, and every member of congress should be "dragged out of the capitol by their hair".  We keep hearing that THIS is not America, but sadly we are IN America and this is happening in America at the hands of Americans.  We have become a divided country for sure.  I could give my reasons why I think we are in this place, but they would only be my opinions.  I'm actually a bit weary of hearing everyone's opinions so I won't add mine to the mix today.

A great start into 2021 was Joel's book arriving.  He has ordered copies of it to send out to family and a few friends, but I will say if anyone here is interested in reading it you can find it on Amazon as a printed or e-book.  The title is "A Little To The Right of Crazy" by Joel Dahlen.  (a little free advertising here!)  We are so excited that his years of hard work can be held in his hand now!  I have mentioned before that self publishing with Kindle was not without it's challenges, and he has continued to deal with them to correct mistakes we found in the current version, but putting that aside, we are very happy with the book overall and grateful that it is ready to share.  I have been reading it for a third time, this being the first time I have opened its cover as a reader and not editor.  I might be a little bit prejudice, but I think it is really good!

Yesterday and today I gathered up all the Christmas decorations to be packed away for another year.  This usually saddens me somewhat as everything looks so bare when all those special decorations are back in their tubs.  With the good weather Joel got the outside lights put away too.  We did decided we are going to find somewhere to put lights to brighten up the living area on dark and dreary days.  This year though, I confess, our tree was in a corner so we decorated only the front and sides....not the back!  I don't think the wall minded!

Today homemade chicken and rice soup in cooking on the stove, making the house smell so good.  Usually we wait for a bitterly cold day to get out the big soup pot, or if one of us is fighting a virus, but today it just felt like a soup day.  Everything we put in it from the chicken breast with skin on, carrots, celery, peas, garlic, basil, bay leaves, salt, rice and peas make it all a good natural healthy meal........or two.....or four!  Good thing we both like leftovers!

I headed in for an eye shot on Tuesday.  It went well, but my one eye is getting more fluid again so if you are inclined to pray I wouldn't mind that one bit.  I go so often I enjoy chatting with the nurses and staff.....We also had a good time on Monday having a mask wearing, social distancing, heated garage visit with my sister Kay and her hubby.  Hadn't seen them for too long to even speak about.  It felt good to see people in person, but I sure miss the hugs!  I am a hugger so am feeling a bit deprived.  So thankful I have Joel to hug on!

So, today I am giving thanks for Joel's book arriving, for homemade soup on the stove, the decorations all in their tubs tucked away, an eye shot to help keep my vision, texts, phone calls, garage visits, laughter, tears, prayers, Joel's hugs, God's assurance He's still God, and the love of family and friends.

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you on the very first one of the new year, 2021!  The weather changed in the past week and now our ground is covered with about 3 inches of snow that blanketed us a few days ago.  Still, over all it has been a mild winter so far.  

Speaking of mild, I don't think anyone would have described 2020 as mild in any way, shape, or form.  We were excited for it to come as I would be finishing radiation the end of January 2020 and we hoped to be doing a bit of traveling to visit our family after I recovered somewhat.  And then.........the pandemic hit and shook up not only our plans, but the world at large.  Then George Floyd died while the world watched and the protests began.  Rioting took place, and some in our country began a love hate relationship with the police. The election process brought with it more conflict, more division, and it seems like everyone's worst side came out of hiding to spew hate and fear into all our homes, our minds, and our hearts.  We definitely needed a shield of God's protection as unrest in our country, our world, and our hearts prevailed.  For many, grief set in at the loss of jobs, income, loss of just hugging, besided the death of friends, and family for some.  We did not escape the grief in our own family with the loss of loved ones.  

We acknowledge that in 2020 some people decided scientists were lying to us about CoVid.  That doctors and nurses were lying about how bad it really was/is.  Some people turned to the President as knowing more that the experts.  It was all baffling to me.  Even more baffling were the death threats and hate-filled responses to what was and still is one of our country's biggest pandemics ever.  And where was God in all of this?  According to a few, He was definitely on the side of those throwing caution to the wind. Those who argued about freedoms and no one telling them what to do or what to wear. Baffling. And here I will stop preaching......or I will need to get a platform to stand on!

So, looking back on all the crap that filled 2020, it seems very logical to me that we are all ready to have 2020 end.  We certainly know there are still dark days ahead, and the unrest of injustice, politics, and pandemics are not behind us.  So where does our hope come from?  GOD!   His mercies are new every morning!

Speaking of  2020, on New Year's Eve I, with Joel's help, made cinnamon rolls from scratch.  We have purchased a spendy flour that is supposed to be good for those with gluten intolerances.  (Time will tell).  So using coconut sugar, maple syrup, and heritage bread flour we created some yummy cinnamon rolls for our New Year's Eve treat.  We watched a fun special on NBC about the videos made in 2020 as people became creative while at home, and to end the year?   I was asleep by 10:30 and Joel 11pm.  Never have been night owls...........  Yesterday was a day of downloading pictures on our new digital Frameo, playing scrabble and cribbage, watching TV, and yes, more cinnamon rolls to enjoy!  

Looking at the new year ahead, what are you hoping for in 2021?  My hope is to focus more on gratitude for each day.......learning more - I am taking a class on healing in January........hopefully a new Bible study is in the works...........I would like to learn a language to keep my brain firing............begin writing the book in my heart...........see and hug on my family..............laugh more and cry less..................and speaking of less, lose a few pounds or at the least not gain........walk 30-45 minutes daily........ and get back to dancing.........in the rain?  Or in the house?  Anywhere....just have the energy to dance again!  Care to share what is on your "hope to" list?

Today I am grateful for a new year!  Grateful for homemade cinnamon rolls, laughter, games, memories of hugs and family gatherings, sunshine, puzzles, a Frameo to see family photos, walking, God's mercies, and hope for 2021 to be a year of healing for our country. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from our corner of Iowa where we managed to have a white Christmas after all.  We reached a balmy 47 degrees mid week and then the next day we were seeing a temperature of 8 degrees with 1/2 inch or so of the white stuff.  With wind chills at -26 we were reminded that winter does come to Iowa!  

Monday, the 21st, we drove out into the country to observe the North Star.  It was a small bright light in the sky when we saw it.  From there we drove about 20 minutes to a beautiful tree of lights you could see from the Interstate.  We drove down to it, and it was amazing to see.  From there we drove to a small town to enjoy a street they call "Candy Cane Lane" because of all the decorations and candy canes made of lights!  That evening was our one Christmas adventure for 2020.   

Christmas Eve day we made our pies and were able to watch three of our grands reading scriptures for their Christmas Eve service.  Then we watched the service at Lutheran Church of Hope.  We also were able to see a video recording of our oldest daughter playing keyboard and two of our grands and our son-in-law harmonizing to Silent Night at an outdoor service in the park that their church held with the temperature at 8 degrees and the wind chill at -10!  A cold night with people dedicated to worshiping our Lord!  We had a long talk (not walk) down memory lane with our oldest son later in the evening,  

Christmas day night we Zoomed with some of our family and today we Zoomed with our full time RVer friends.  Was so great to see our family and to catch up with friends who are living a life of travel and service.  Isn't Zoom an amazing gift??

Speaking of gifts, I purchased a book for my hubby this Christmas titled, "If You Lived Here You Would Be Home By Now", by Christopher Ingraham.  It's a great story about a Washington Post writer who moved from the commuting world in D.C. to a small town in northern Minnesota with his family.  It has touched us both as we reminisce about life in rural America where Joel spent his childhood and most of his ministry.  We highly recommend it.  

So this week we have much to be grateful for.  Lights.....in the sky, on a tree, and down a lane.  Grateful for Zoom, a warm house, virtual visits with some of our family, phone calls, a long catch up with friends, presents under the tree and pumpkin pie in our bellies.  So grateful for being able to hear some of our grands sing and read, and speaking of reading, getting lost in a book.  Grateful for Jesus coming to earth as a baby who would one day walk on water.  Would deliver our sons and daughters........Would save a nation, a world.  So grateful for the great I AM!  

Enjoy your weekend!

Revisiting Worship In The Little Rockies

 Almost every year I repost what I wrote about our favorite Christmas worship service.  While living in Montana Joel was able to officiate at a Christmas service up in the "Little Rockies" of Zortman, Montana.  We will never forget this unique, picturesque time of worship. It was so beautiful, so powerful......I hope you enjoy reading about it as we wish you Merry Christmas Eve!

                          

When my husband was in the seminary we spent his Internship year in North Central Montana. Malta’s Parish consisted of four main Lutheran churches, a hot springs resort chapel, and a tiny church in Zortman, Mt. ~ a historic mining town nestled in the foothills of the Little Rocky Mountains. Joel and his internship pastor ministered to all of these areas covering many miles each week.

The services at Zortman were held once a month, with most people driving around 75 miles across gravel roads to attend church and worship together. The small Catholic church sat on the top of a high hill and was one of only a few buildings in this small town. I believe at that time there were 9 full time residents in the village. People from the surrounding area often came to enjoy what the Little Rockies had to offer, and the small café/bar provided nourishment when they visited. We had the privilege of being a part of the Christmas service the year we were there, and it is stored away in our memories forever.

Our family drove the long distance through snow and freezing temperatures that December, arriving with many others shortly before the service. Everyone gathered at the local cafe beforehand, with all of us dressed for the bitter cold in snowmobile suits, snowsuits, insulated underwear, heavy boots, scarves, and warm mittens. When it was time for the services to begin, everything in the little town closed up. It was dark outside, and as we left the cafe many of us were given lanterns to carry up the long hill to the church. We were one of the last families to leave, and in doing so we were able to watch the glowing lights move up the steep winding path as the people walked the trail to the church. As each person carrying a lantern entered the sanctuary, the church filled up with light. What a beautiful sight to see! 

Once we arrived in the sanctuary, we all huddled together on benches to keep warm. The wood burning potbelly stove, which stood in the corner of the room, gave off a warm glow and provided the only heat in the church. Our hymns of Christmas joy were especially meaningful as we sang along to the old pump organ. Joel's breath was visible as he preached the Christmas message.  For many reasons, the Christmas story of Jesus being born in a humble stable held special meaning for us that night.

When services were over, we all walked back down the hill guided by the lanterns and moonlit sky. All those who attended then went into the local bar/café for coffee, dessert, and more fellowship together, before heading back out into the cold and traveling the long distance back home.

The service in the Little Rockies is forever a beautiful memory etched on our minds. Across the world people were coming together to worship our Lord and Savior and celebrate His birth. It did not matter whether we were worshiping in a big cathedral in New York City,  or a tiny “borrowed”  Catholic church in a small historic mining town in Montana. The focus was the same ~ giving glory to God for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

Saturday's Scribbles

Good Saturday to you from northern Iowa where we have now lived for 24 1/2 years.  How did that happen?  We are originally from Minnesota but with Joel's 8 years in the military and 40 years in the ministry we have lived in several states and overseas, but never longer than 6 1/2 years a.n,y.w.h.e.r.e. And here we are, almost a quarter century in a small micropolis ( somewhere between rural living and small city living). We thought living here was just a temporary stop like all the others.  God knew differently.

Oh, we tried to move.....Joel took another church, a larger congregation in a town 50 miles east of here but long long story short we ended up living here while Joel commuted a long distance to serve a congregation until Lyme disease put a stop to that.  Then we tried to move to Gold Canyon, Arizona but breast cancer came calling the first time, so we took our house off the market and stayed here.  My health has kept us here as I have battled cancer a couple more times.  Arizona no longer calls us to a permanent move, although we would love to spend winters there!

So here we are, coming upon Christmas 2020, year number 24 in Iowa and number 16 in this house.  Those are big numbers for people who have lived more of a gypsy lifestyle for most of their married life.  There were lots of great things about moving so often, but just as many not so great things either.  We have noticed that our children have moved very few times and are settled in their present locations for a long time I would expect. 

And back to Christmas.  Turning down our street in our association we are greeted with Christmas lights and friendly neighbors.  We love that.  We like living on the edge of towns when we can, and we are living just a couple minutes walking from the river and walking paths.  Our neighborhood is quiet, and with humor we call it Lutherhaven since so many of our neighbors are, and attend a large local Lutheran congregation.  It's a good place to be.  

Speaking of a good place to be, this past week Joel dropped me off at the eye clinic so I could see the retina specialist and get an eye shot.  It is usually a 1 1/2 hr wait as so many need to see the doctor and he is only here Monday mornings and Tuesdays.  It is amazing how many people have eye issues.  Anyway I brought in three bags of Christmas candy for the receptionist as they have a bowl for people to enjoy and in the past before CoVid, Joel would enjoy his share.....the nurse behind the counter thaned me and we chatted.  Then she offered me some one -time -use Christmas masks!  So fun!  She gave me so many I told her, "Oh you better save some..."  And she replied . "I don't plan to need them next year, Renee!"  We had a good laugh (behind masks and social distancing) while hoping she was right!

Speaking of Covid, I was surprised that it brought me to tears to watch the first people getting their vaccines this week.  I am not one to jump in on vaccines against things, especially since my Lyme specialist told me not to have the flu vaccine because of how my body reacts, but I think this vaccine carries a lot of hope for a hurting world.  It is one I hope to be able to get.  

Today Joel and I cut each other's hair once again.  Definitely not styled....but definitely trimmed and cut.  It is amazing what we can do when we need to!  What is the worst that can happen?  Hair grows....well, not much on the top of Joel's head and not enough on the top of mine since chemo....but all is good.

I have been reading about this flour that is supposed to be tolerated well by those with gluten sensitivities so I decided to order some of it from Sunrise Flour Mill ~ I ordered it and received it in less than 24 hours which blew my mind.  It is so costly it should be called "Gold" Meadow flour I, but  am looking forward to making some bread with it.....although it has been years since I have made yeast rising bread.  I actually made all our bread for a few years, even when I did day care.  Then it just got easier to buy it!  I think I need to quit watching the British Baking Shows!  I want to bake a lot more since tuning in to them......thus the organic heritage wheat flour that is sitting on my counter.

It is always good to hear from people we seldom see.  Cards come from Montana, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona, Iowa, WI, and a few other places.  Catching up is good, although this year we found out that two people we knew from Montana both died in the past 18 months.  They were an amazing couple who encouraged and supported Joel/us in his first 3 point parish in Montana.  So good, kind, and generous.  I am sure their families miss them.  We were also able to talk with a long time friend, Marge, whom we met with her husband Dick in Salt Lake City in the early 70's.  Another wonderful couple who encouraged and mentored us......So grateful for both these couples and for a long chat with Marge today.

So, giving thanks this week for Heritage Flour, the British Baking Show, old friends and the memories that surround them, fun Christmas masks to wear, the first vaccines, the staff at the Retina clinic, chatting and laughing with family, new hair cuts, and the gifts of the season.  So grateful.

Enjoy your weekend!

Finding Joy

Last Friday as I sat back and closed my eyes, God showed me an old fashioned train.  I was standing on the platform and before me was a train filled with people.  I could clearly see only one person and it was like I knew who she was but didn't know at the same time.  The whole scene was in black and white and shades of grey. I remember moving back on the platform and thinking, "I don't want to be on that train."  As I watched the train, I heard the words, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice"......Then as I looked at the powerful locomotive, a bright beam of light appeared and moved back through each car of the train and the heaviness seemed to lift, people seemed more active, and the one woman I could see clearly gently smiled.  I tucked this away in my heart, waiting for more clarity on it.

This third week of Advent focuses on joy.  On Sunday we were watching livestream Lutheran Church of Hope and during the sermon the pastor put up on the screen Philippians 4:4. There is was again......Philippians 4:4 that tells us to "Rejoice always, and again I will say, rejoice."  We do so because the Lord is at hand as verse 5 tells us. The pastor went on to say that we find joy in God's Presence and in His promises. It certainly felt like God was trying to get my attention.

Some of the Christmas cards I had purchased this year had "Christmas Joy" written on the front of them and I kept thinking, how do I send these out as we grieve all the losses this year with CoVid.  The losses we have had in our family and extended families in the past two weeks with the death of my sister Jo, Gr. Jo/ Gi Gi,  to our kids and grandkids, the death of yet another great grandmother for some of our own grands, and the death in an in-law's family of their sister to CoVid.  So much loss, so much sadness.  Yet God was reminding me to rejoice always.  Not so easy to do.

We are not being asked to deny our circumstances, our sadness, or our fears, but in the midst of them we look to Jesus knowing that "the joy of the Lord is our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).  We rejoice because in God's presence and His promises we are able to find the joy that eludes us in our circumstances.  Last December I began proton radiation treatments at Mayo Clinic.  We stayed at Hope Lodge during the week along with so many battling cancer.  One thing stood out for me when we were there, the joy still to be found in trying circumstances.  We were blessed by the stay, the people we met, the staff who cared for me.  So blessed.  Joy was present in the fellowship around meals, in the technicians who always were positive, in the Christmas music I listened to during treatments.  Joy was present. And today in the midst of a pandemic, in the midst of death and grief, in the midst of suffering and loss we turn our eyes upon Jesus and have joy in His presence and in His promises.  Joy in the memories we hold dear with those who have died.  Joy in the treasures we hold in our hands that were special.  Joy in knowing where our loved ones are celebrating Christmas this year.  We find joy in the depths of our sorrow because God is with us.  The Babe born in a manger gives us reason to rejoice.

So, knowing that God is with us gives us the courage and hope to grieve with a sense of joy.  Joy is not based on happiness, but on what we know.  And we know He is with us.  We know where our loved ones are.  We know we will see them again.  We know CoVid will end.  We know God has this.   In His presence and in His promises we find joy.