The Ballet of the Flag

Even in the shade, the air is extremely warm today, actually hot! My lawn chair faces the koi pond while I rest and scrutinize my latest project: wooded steps up an incline, or down, depending on which way I'm going. For several years I put up with the effort of making my way along this path, but finally when I had nothing else to do (believe that?), I changed the landscape to give the path a more designed appearance. Hopefully I'll get more leg muscles using the steps too.

With a glass of ice water in one hand and a pen and tablet in the other, I'm watching the flag, which hangs over the pond, dance in the breeze. It's not flapping loudly like in a strong wind, but gracefully rising and falling as the soft wind blows through my garden.

The old saying 'take time to smell the roses' is relaxing advice no matter what your age or occupation. The scent of my roses doesn't reach the pond area, but watching the flag flutter and waltz has almost the same results.

                                                              

                                  my "Royal Pageant" rose 

Seek out your private place of comfort today, away from the world's dreadful headlines and focus on your blessings and the beauty of nature—God's summer gift to you. 

Happy belated Birthday Tinsley

Happy Birthday Geni

Happy Birthday Sharon

Happy Birthday Zachariah

Love to all of you,

Juanita 

A Pleasant Day at the Pond

The cooing of Eurasian collared doves in a nearby tree, the waterfall splashing on the rocks six feet below the falls, the flapping of our American flag in the breeze makes a inviting day to rest in the garden shade. I'm sitting by the koi pond with a good book and a writing tablet. The koi are somewhat distracting as they jump and dive, trying their skill at catching flying insects. 

 

Craig attends a three-day church conference, so I'm in charge of watering flowers and pulling weeds. I hope the weeds cook and die as the temperature rises. The weatherman will hit his target today for sure. I wonder how he knew this day would be the only time this week the temp would rise above 95 degrees in the valley.

I just moved the lawn sprinkler. That's one great way to cool off!

Guess how many times the jumping koi woke me up. Three times! They sounded like someone fell in the pond.

I could sit in the air-conditioned man cave, but I chose to sit here in the shade and write to you. Thanks to the Internet, I avoid the task of writing 108 separate letters. And envelopes, too!

As I sit and enjoy my surroundings, I'm reading an old paperback written in 1936 by Bruce Corbin. He wrote, “It is a startling fact that no man ever owned anything. No man owns anything now. All he has is the use of God's possessions. God created the world for His own pleasure and for man's use.”

We live on our land, pay the taxes, and manage the garden, but I thank God everyday for His gift of life and strength to maintain this property, our temporary dwelling place. I'm reminded of the Biblical words concerning Abraham: He looked for a city which has foundations whose builder and maker is God.

The author Corbin was expecting the holy city to appear in his lifetime. Are you, as well?

Happy 31st Anniversary, Joyce & Gabby
Happy 28th Anniversary, Barb & Hal
Happy 60th Birthday, Barb - sorry, I just had to tell-it's such a nice round number. But I'm way, way ahead of you!

Juanita

My View of the World

“O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! 
 

Your glory is higher than the heavens.”

Psalm 8:1 NLT

I enjoy a new view in my world. My husband trimmed a huge, fifty-year-old cherry tree in our backyard. With the tree dramatically lowered, I now see blue-gray mountains covered with evergreen trees to the south. We planted so many trees on our two-acre property that we must look up to see into the distance. 

Looking up is good. As a little girl, I laid on my back on the front lawn, watched the clouds move across the sky, and looked for Jesus to appear as He promised. Now when I discover a beautiful cloud formation or an amazing rainbow, I still anticipate that glorious day.

The view from a 747 takes your breath away. One year, I enjoyed two worlds as we jetted to California, one view below the dark, stormy clouds and another above white, fluffy cotton balls. That inspiring scene at forty-one thousand feet elevation went on forever, or so it appeared.

Bill Anders, Jim Lovell and Frank Borman on the Apollo 8 mission to the moon in 1968 read the Scriptures in Genesis, chapter one, describing the events of creation. I wonder how Christian astronauts on their way to the moon contained their excitement as they saw what God created from their unusual vantage point.

I will never enjoy that particular view experienced as an astronaut, but the Lord has blessed us with many beautiful scenes, this side of the moon, of His magnificent earthly creation.

Our imagined views during eternity evoke another possible topic and another time.

Happy Birthday, Stacey
Happy Birthday, Corlyss
Happy Birthday, Roberta
Happy Birthday, Lynda

Happy 51st Anniversary - Barbara and Harold

Juanita

 

Watch What You Say in Private

 

    Solomon, one of the world's wisest men said, “Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don't make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said.” 
 

This statement certainly applies to our day of wireless inventions. Solomon's little bird morphed into our big bird of a microphone left on when thought to be turned off, or a cell phone used to record a secret conversation or action.

Reading these words in Ecclesiastes, I thought of two recent examples. First, a whispered conversation into a hot mic between two world government leaders and second, a supposed private conversation with the owner of a professional basketball team.

Everyone is guilty of saying something we later wished we had not. Spoken or written words cannot be erased, but asking forgiveness is an important first step in reconciliation.

King David, another wise man prayed, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” This is an excellent prayer to begin each day before we say the wrong thing to the wrong person.

 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 

 

be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” 

 

Psalm 19:14 NKJV

Happy 46th Anniversary, John & Jean
Happy 80th Birthday, cousin Marlene

Juanita

Dog Days

Why are dogs considered man's best friend? Maybe because they listen, but don't offer advice.

As a child, we had a wavy black cocker spaniel. I remember a mostly happy childhood, but during my sad times, Blackie became my friend and a good listener. She cried with me as we sat in the backyard and I told her all my troubles as an eight-year old.

Several years later, we owned a light brown cocker. Taffy disappeared one day and we assumed someone stole her.

Daddy decided to raise Weimaraners, a hunting dog breed, so we moved to the country, rented a ranch and bought a female named Lady. My father's adventure didn't last more than a year because the first time Lady came in heat, Daddy tied her in the horse trailer to keep any unwanted neighbor dogs away. Most dogs do not appreciate being tied up and Lady didn't either. She tried to make her escape, but the rope was too short. Daddy didn't have the heart to continue with his dog business after that fatal experience.

The ranch didn't have drinkable water, so we returned to town. The former rental was still available, so we purchased the house and moved back in. About two months later, Taffy returned home. I missed her and I knew she obviously missed me by the way she smiled and wagged her tail.

In 1980, my husband read an ad in the paper advertising smooth collie pups for sale. Anyone who watched the movie, Lassie, knows how pretty and smart a collie is. But Craig was not familiar with the look of a smooth hair collie. As a puppy, her coat was short, but we assumed the hair would grow. It didn't. Visualize a beautiful, long-haired collie, then shave it. Not a pretty sight! We bought the pup from a down-to-earth family. They named her Spinach. An odd name, but we couldn't imagine a better one. She became a great family dog and we called her Spin for short.

Other dogs came and went at our home, but I hope these few stories took you back to your childhood or awakened memories of your best friend.

 Happy Birthday, cousin Carolyn !

Juanita

Storms of Life

“He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.”

Psalm 107:29 NLT

My world is stormy today. Resting comfortably in my library, I own a front row seat to follow where the wind moves and shakes. Birch and cedar trees are not gently swaying, but whipping and bowing vigorously. Their branches bounce one way, then bend back the other direction. I love the drama of a storm, but not the trauma it might create.

Remember your free entertainment as you watched a wild storm on the beach? The higher the waves the more oohs and aahs the scene received from you watching safely from your motel window.

The same is true with my view today. I want to see more action, more excitement but, “Lord, please no broken branches or a power outage.”

The calm before the storm is not as memorable as the calm afterwards. Twenty minutes later, my scene has changed. Buckets of pouring rain now hang empty, our trees stand tall and still, and azure sky briefly shows between fast-moving, stratocumulus clouds.

We all encounter storms in our lives. Trials appear as a breeze while other experiences act like a Midwest tornado. Whatever the velocity of the wind or the degree of trouble we face, a calm and peaceful future is promised sooner or later. Dark clouds may hide blue sky, troubles in our lives may block our view of deliverance, but the promise remains.

Our King is still our King. Jesus promised to never forsake us. He proved His faithfulness to His Father God's will, even though His experiences during His final hours looked desperate and defeated.

Jesus understood how His last chapter on earth would end and so do we. In Victory!

                   “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever,

                          and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”

                                                    Psalm 100:5 NLT

Happy Birthday, Rhoda
Happy 90th Birthday, Carolyn
Happy Birthday, Trudy
Happy Birthday, Leela

Happy 50th Anniversary, David & Violet
Happy 29th Anniversary, Patty & Mo

Juanita

Perfection Isn't Easy

 

     We think we're perfect; then we blow it. By the time we reach three score and ten years, we are beyond making mistakes. Or so we think.
 

Remember the time you planned a fancy company dinner and left out the baking powder in the biscuits because you were talking with your guests while you measured? Or the time your half-slip dropped to your ankles during an important meeting attended by only men and yourself? I do!

My red Cadillac sat covered with pollen from pine trees and desperately needed a car wash. I have gone to this particular car wash business many times and his final words are always the same: close your window and place the transmission in Neutral. Easy instructions.

Yesterday, I experienced the fastest car wash ever! I accidentally left the shift lever in Drive and my car sped forward on the moving tracks through water, soap and brushes like I had entered a horse race. I have never been so embarrassed! The understanding attendant said it happens all the time and he kindly sent me through one more time free of charge. I'm not sure if I shall ever have courage to swallow my pride and return for another car wash.

Wounded pride can be mortifying.

Lord, help me live with a humble attitude. I need to rely on Your grace instead of my human abilities.

“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”

Proverbs 16:18 NLT

Happy Birthday, Susan
Happy Birthday, Pat

Happy 13th Anniversary, Brian and Nancy


Juanita

Christ Is Risen !

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

~~ John Wesley, 1739 ~~

Dinner with the Governor

Dear Governor Huckabee,

Dinner with the Governor! Exciting, for sure! Thank you for the invitation and the wonderful dinner. My tender salmon didn't even need tartar sauce. My pride list continues getting longer as tonight became my third dinner with a potential president of the United States.

I enjoyed meeting you face-to-face and shaking your hand.

I'm sorry your wife Janet didn't join us. But as you said, grand kids come first ahead of traveling. Congratulations on forty years of marriage. Craig and I recently celebrated number fifty-one, but we're lots older, too.

You looked relaxed playing base guitar with Shelly James and her Musicbox. My husband and I didn't stay for dancing afterwards either. Didn't you love her version of Amazing Grace? I'm glad you asked her to sing “America the Beautiful”.

You made me laugh when you told your story of a woman concerned about your being a former pastor and a presidential candidate. When she asked if you believed only Baptists will go to heaven, you said, “No, I believe not all Baptists will go to heaven.”

Your handling of the Q&A session impressed me. You didn't avoid any questions and didn't need a teleprompter for your speech.

Craig wanted to tell you that he also lived one generation away from no electricity and poverty.

I didn't realize Lava soap had the reputation of a strong exfoliator, but I'm not brave enough to purchase it. Did that brand honestly burn your skin as a child? What happened to Lifebuoy?

We enjoyed the evening with you. Thanks for honoring our veterans and believing in our country!

Sincerely,

Juanita Paslay

Lights that Go Flash in the Night

Sunday night we enjoyed watching again the first Christian movie I ever attended as a teenager. The film ended as usual with Richard Burton and Jean Simmons holding hands and walking to their execution as white, fluffy clouds surrounded them. “The Robe” played at my junior high school auditorium in 1954.

On that inspiring note near midnight, we dropped the Roman shades in our bedroom, turned off the lights and got cozy and comfortable under the blankets. With eyes closed, we laid close together on the verge of entering dreamland, one step away from unconsciousness.

Suddenly, I opened my eyes. “Did you see that flash of light?”

“Yes, I did!”

Ten minutes later. “Did you see it again?”

“Yes, I did!”

“Did you hear any thunder?”

“No.”

“I think thunder always follows lightning.”

“Let's keep our eyes open.”

Our sleepy eyes refused to stay at attention and we drifted off again.

Closet mirrors line one long wall in our bedroom. Fifteen minutes later through closed eye lids, we saw a flash of light fill the bedroom once again. After the fourth episode, Craig investigated the front, back and side yards, but found nothing suspicious. I suggested he sleep in the library that adjourns our bedroom and wait for the light to appear again. Before he could enter the library and sit down, a bright flash exploded, but this time accompanied by loud popping and snapping noises.

I sat upright in bed. “Oh my goodness! I see an electrical problem!”

No, China has the problem and gave it to America! Now our government insists we buy those tubular light blubs that hiss at you while you sit in the library, minding your own business reading your favorite book.

President Bush gets the blame for this decision. I wonder if I'm responsible to tell him the light, with the switch off, comes on repeatedly before China's bulb blows up and creates a mental emergency for the elderly.

Sure glad I went to Jerry's a couple months ago and purchased twenty-years supply of good old Mr. Edison. My sons will groan when they inherit these efficient antiques.

Happy Springtime!

Happy Birthdays, Joyce and Margaret!

Juanita

Famous People

Meeting or seeing a famous person makes exciting news to 'write home about' or record in my blog. I want to share a recent experience with you.

My husband and I took a bus with Tulip Tours to Canada. We visited an art gallery displaying works of talented artists. One painting captured my attention. I couldn't take my eyes of it. Nearly full size, a beautiful young woman dominated the scene. With long golden hair falling past her shoulders, she wore partial shoulder armor over a long, dark gown. The woman stood on a rock formation with her eyes focused upwards. The picture was bordered in 23 kt. gold leaf paint. The name of the oil painting: The Good Fight. The picture rested on the floor, but I could almost look her straight in the eye. I was probably the last one of the tour to leave the gallery that day. So inspiring—she kept my attention spellbound!

When we returned home, I found the artist and his paintings on-line. I inserted 'my' picture on my desktop to enjoy at no cost to me. Neither me nor of my friends could afford to purchase this work of art from a world famous artist.

Last week, I went to his website  (www.manuelnunezart.com)  once again to adore his work. I noticed a tab to contact him. Since I had a couple questions about his work, I filled out the form, but thinking he probably won't answer me. In less than an hour, my phone rings. Manuel Nunez, the famous artist, is on the line! Almost speechless, I forgot most of my questions. I couldn't believe he called me. He didn't appear in a hurry and we talked for several minutes.

Because of the title he chose, The Good Fight, I thought he might be a Christian. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” So I asked him. Yes, he was! 

 

He proceeded to tell me the woman with the armor represents the Bride of Christ! Oh, my goodness! Now it is my favorite picture for sure. He said the original painting belongs to a man living in Spain. I was pumped the next three days and told my friends about my phone call from a famous, yet humble-sounding person.

I was even crazy enough to tell him that I was an artist too. My medium —spray paint. 

 

We artists love to create, don't we? All talent comes from the Creator of the universe!

Happy Birthday!

Barbara

Jane

Suzanne

Sharon

Lois

Taelor

Margaret

Happy Anniversary!

Peter & Julie 52nd

Ron & Joyce

Juanita

 

Blessing #84 – RETIREMENT

Welcome to my library!

Please join me in a hot drink. Mine: cinnamon sticks in hot milk. I hope you brought biscotti. A perfect day to retire to my library. You measure taller than I (most everyone does) so you may recline in Craig's larger rocker. It takes more energy to rock when my feet don't reach the floor.

You ask, “Where's Craig?” He's in the hot tub with an inch of snow on his bald head. Actually, he's wearing a hat.

Today is for the birds! All the birds—western scrub jay, steller's jay, dark-eyed junco (I called them my hooded bandits), doves, northern flicker, and varied thrush—came for breakfast.

If we weren't retired, (blessing #84) do you think we'd be sitting here? No, we'd be slipping and sliding through snow on our way to work. But instead, we enjoy each others company while our feathered friends entertain us and snow flakes float down from the thick gray sky above.

To those of you not retired yet: You Are Going To Love It! Then you can write a silly blog, too.

Happy Anniversary, Clyde & Margaret !

Happy Birthday, Maria and CJ !

Happy Birthday, Dear Sister !

Love ya all,

Juanita

“To write with a broken pencil is pointless.”