Mary's Heartbeats

Here we are at the very end of the year.  It races toward us with increasing momentum.  I'm not quite sure why it seems to gain speed as we age.  But it's relentless in its pursuit of ending.  Hope lies in the fact that a new year will quickly follow.  I have realized in these days of journeying through time, that perseverance and endurance is a forward motion. I can't just sit out the rest of my days, there is no place for laziness.  I can't resist or dig my heels in when situations seem to go against me.  No, life is lived by moving forward, in the same direction, pressing on despite how fast the year succumbs.  But in the process of moving on, I need to stand the ground I've gained, build on what I've learned, yet still press on. . .  So with a heart of gratitude, I let go of 2011.  What's done is done, the past forsaken.  But what I've gained is not.  True, my journey came with volatile and turbulent times, days of utmo...

The year is quickly ending, and I find myself contemplating and reflecting.  Reviewing my blog, I ended last year with the thought that it was time to push off into deep water.  Life is not lived in a harbor or upon the shore. It's not avoiding or denying, but rather accepting the depths of trials and hardships.  In this process, I've discovered the buoyancy of God's grace enabling me to live with joy and peace, despite my circumstances.  I have come to know the meaning of being a disciple.  It's not about outcomes, it's not about manipulating and control, it's being . . .  In my ordinary life, I need to only be seeking after Christ . . .  Be silent . . . be still before God . . . Be sensitive for His Spirit for guidance and wisdom . . .  Be obedient to His Word . . .  Be filled with His Love . . .  Be genuinely caring for others . . .  Be a vessel of hope . . .  Be a light . . . Be . . . "The way to liberation...

Goldyn is such a contented creature of the heart.  After arriving in our home about seven years ago, he has found his place.  A former stray and dog pound occupier, he's now at home in our yard, our couch, and at times upon my lap.  Lately, he seems to enjoy the pleasure of being laid out on his back.  He almost beckons anyone passing by to come and scratch his belly.  Peace pervades his mood.   Of course, he didn't start out like that.  He was a feisty, nontrusting pup, who thought he needed to be in charge.  He growled over his bowl of food or treats, unsure if they were really his.  He tugged at a dog leash in a wild way, unsure of how to walk and run with one.  He chewed and bit so many things, I gave up hope at times.  Especially, when my leg calf became the thing he'd try!  Yet, little by little, we seemed to figure each other out.   He came to trust his master.  I learned to understand his nature. ...

I was all wrapped up in my thoughts that morning as I gazed at the  beauty of the colored trees.  The cold nights have certainly contributed to their deeper, richer hues of amber, gold, and crimson.  The wind seemed to sneak up on me, in a sort of hide and seek game, but I didn't mind.  No, I was focused on the peace my heart had found over the past few months.  As I was pondering that very thought, I started running down the path toward home.  All of a sudden, a gust of wind shot a round seed ball directly under my foot.  Instant pain grabbed my foot and ankle as I wobbled and bobbled.  Oh, here we go again!  Pain, trial, suffering!  I had to almost laugh, although inwardly crying from the pain, I was outwardly visibly wincing.  I had to get home, so I relished the fact that I didn't fall, the ankle hadn't ballooned instantly, and though it throbbed with terrible pain, I still could walk.  Isn't this exactly what I've learned ...

Life is built on seasons.  We're in the one of lingering autumn and early winter.  Our days are short, the frequent winds have just about blown off all the colored leaves.  The skies are filled with gray all day and every once in awhile raindrops fall and pour in torrents.  In these moody days of nature, I have found again the warmth of friends and kindness. Yesterday, I packed up cookies.  I carefully arranged some on the snowman tray and others in the Christmas boxes.  I sealed them up with cheery bows and cards.  Then I went across the street, right next door, and to the corner to deliver my goods to each neighbor.  It was fun to catch up on each one's news.  I realized again the blessing of having such fine neighbors in our lives.  It's a simple thing to take the time, but when I do, I come away thankful and full of joy for relationships in my life. I'm reminded of my Mom when I do those actions.  I remember well how she w...

Stumbling into the eerie peace of early dawn, Trying to hear the time chimed out by our grandfather clock, I paused. . . Our most beautiful autumn That scene of colorful trees of gold and crimson   Lay silent. . . Except for the humming of the winds Swirling through the leaves. Taking my walk and run uphill with Goldyn Led to downed trees and branches. Evergreens snapped apart Now lined up like fallen dominoes. Eucalyptus trees and towering oaks appeared to have just toppled over, Revealing shallow roots That stood no chance against ferocious wind. The serenity of nature lay broken, Where is this way of peace? No doubt those people of long ago questioned too, Since so much time had passed.   Their world seemed fractured Their nation ruined, oppressed by Roman rule. But God in His infinite love, Breathed Peace in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Birthed in a back inn stall, Humbly entering our human life Jesus the Savior w...

I've always wanted to be in Paris to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.  But the time arrived sans tickets to my place of celebration.  Yet, I find myself realizing that celebration is not bound by place or circumstance.  In fact, celebration like so many matters of the heart is more about who you are and not the situations you create. Case in point, I noticed as I rode the bike path that the backyards of many homes are  quite unkempt.  True, a lot of them have horse stalls, but even the surrounding areas  are filled with wild weeds, dried out grass or just plain dirt.  When you travel down the street side, the front aspect of their home is shown, and a different view is there for you to see.  The lawns are neatly manicured and gardens trimmed.  Some homes are freshly painted but only on the front, the sides are left undone.  I often wonder why?  It seems we're interested more in curbside appeal than finishing the job....

I woke up with the realization today of 25 years of marriage.  I had to wonder, how did we get to this point in our lives, where did all those years go?  I feel somewhat surprised when I realize that I have lived longer with this man than my own family of origin.  But that is just a naive statement in comparison to my parents who were married 66 years.  That's a lifetime!  I am always reminded of their marriage whenever I make waffles.  I have their wedding gift of a waffle iron, given to them in 1936, and it still makes the best waffles ever!  Now that certainly speaks of commitment and consistency!  Or better yet, it speaks of endurance, being a proven product that continues to provide quality.  Maybe one message for marriage is to be consistent and committed in your love, but more importantly, be enduring.  We have traveled the rocky road of adulthood together and now are entering the older set of years, endurance is no longer an op...