Mary's Heartbeats

Glenny, Jerry, and Bobby were the brothers of my Mother Verna.  I'm not sure why she seemed to always attach a "y ending" to their names, but it stuck with her and even them, regardless of their grown up years.  She also did it with my brothers, Johnny and Petey.  Maybe it was just a term of loving endearment in her big sister and motherly role.  No doubt it has happened once again this past week, as she welcomed her baby brother Bobby into his heavenly home. . .   Uncle Bob was probably the one brother I knew best from Mom's family.  Growing up, it seemed that we didn't always have a chance to spend a lot of time with her side of the family.  Grandma had died in her mid 50's of breast cancer, and although I was told that I was named after her, I arrived too late to ever have known her.  I only see her in the picture hanging on my wall.  Times spent with Grandpa and Uncle Jerry were limited due to lack of accommodations in their home....

The aroma sweetly filled my nostrils.  Ah . . .sweet rain has arrived!  I pedaled on my way enjoying each gigantic splat of rain on my face and back.  Big drops won't last long I assured myself, and I will be able to get my regular ride in this morning.  When you haven't seen rain for months, even a smattering of drops become a blessing.  Yes, it was healing rain that was falling upon me, drops of grace from God Himself . . . Rereading my journal of about 4 years ago, I recognized my inner changes.   Past days of disappointment, depression, anger, and resentment have been replaced.  Days of challenge now find me open and accepting, ready to be surprised by how the outcome may end up.   The shift in perspective is a process, one in which I'm still engaged.  But it was good to realize healing in my brokenness had enlarged my heart to give and love in better ways.  Rain had come to my  parched wilderness . . . She's a youn...

"All I know is that once I was blind, but now I can see."  How many times am I going to have to tell this story?  The formerly blinded-from-birth beggar who had lived at the mercy of others was now walking and seeing for himself.  Certainly not used to all of the attention surrounding his new visionary status, but why the repeated unbelief from his neighbors, the town folks, and even the religious leaders?  He watched as his parents were interrogated by the synagogue officials, questioning if he was really their son and if he had truly been blinded at birth.  The fact remained, the man had been given his eyes to see that day by a God fearing man who demonstrated His power through him.  His story stuck, all he knew was "the man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam, and wash'; so I went away, and washed, and I received sight." (John 9:11) All I know isn't much, at least I often feel that the older I get, th...

I am tired, dog tired today.  A night of no sleep hit me, sparked initially by the fireworks display in the backyard by our neighbors who put on their own private show for hours.  Goldyn does not do well with dramatic "pops" and "booms." Not only must he be kept inside, but he barks at what he cannot not see and quivers by the sounds that completely unnerve him.  If only I could find earplugs for him, it may solve the issue for both of us.  Even with the door and windows closed, the noise still won. . . oh, 4th of July . . .  Grabbing his leash, I called for Goldy so I could fulfill my promise for his walk today.  The cool gray foggy morning matched my sullen mood, and perhaps in my solitude I would find that former peace and creativity that seemed to have vanished like my sleep.  We made it up to the park and were greeted with a small flag lined path.  It was a pleasant sight and surprisingly simple.  My hunch was that a veteran...

July gives twilight like no other month.  The daylight lingers long into the evening and gradually blends its colors into tranquil blue.  Against that western canvas comes two brilliant lights that immediately catch your attention.  At first, I thought my eyes were fooling me with what I saw, since there is so much satellite "junk" in our skies.  But the lights kept coming out in the same place, side by side, at the same time each night.  With the assistance of a Google search, I discovered those lights were actually the planets of Venus and Jupiter.  Wow, how amazing that a universe I can usually only just imagine was displaying itself right before my eyes!  I couldn't get enough of that spectacular night vision.  I enjoy doing my yoga outside on our patio.  There is connection as you feel the warmth of ground, follow your shadow with each pose, and lie on your back with your gaze to the trees and the sky.  But what must it have bee...

The ride up the last part of the road challenges me with extra sweat and strain throughout my legs, as well as overstimulating my breath and heart, yet the end result is always worth it. I'm left at the dead end of the road, with the brush of the foothill and horse ranch behind me, and the entire valley laid out before me.  It's wrapped in stillness and subtle breeze.  It's absolutely worth every drop of sweat to arrive there, and yesterday, I was greeted with a gentle doe who quietly hid back into the underbrush.  For a moment, our eyes met, mine with wonder, hers with fear.  But the moment remains for me. . . In that place, I always am aware how your view can be clearer as you observe the whole valley and can pick out very distinct landmarks.  Even listening can be sharper as it seems sounds and calls echo up to the heights, as well as disperse across the landscape.  So it's not hard for me to imagine how Jesus could see the troubled sea of Galilee an...