Everyday Epiphanies

The Lord is providing everyday epiphanies right before my eyes.

I open my bedroom curtains in the morning and look out onto this beautiful architecture. Do they make buildings as beautiful as this one filled with detail and grace? The journey is filled with lovely images.



I can peek at this church steeple from my window. Today at noon it's bells rang out a deep resounding notice that the day was moving forward.



This ornate iron, steel, glass and weathered green copper structure connects my building with the next. It is beautiful, someone created something not only utilitarian but graceful, detailed and gorgeous. The Empire State Building is spiraling upward behind the bridge.



Thank you Father, for these surrounding me with these wonderful visual glories.

Food for the Journey

It's wonderful to be from a small community.

We know about each other and we care.

They have found out about my journey and have called my friends, Anne and Gail, to see what can be done, how could they help.

Food! Was the answer. She'll need soft and pureed food.

And so for the past week I have entertained visitors at 42, laden with small individual freezer packs of every kind of nutritious food that can be imagined. Soups, smoothies, mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, veggies, lentils, and the list goes on.

The three freezers in the house are completely packed. And tomorrow will begin some of their migration down to the big city.





They came not only bringing sustenance, but smiles and well wishes, and prayers and books, cards and candles, and encouragement that when I return the ground will be soft and waiting for the trowel.

Lest any worry about the rest of the crew at 42 who will remain here in total despondency without their fearless maternal leader... my friend Susan has organized dinners to be baked and delivered at regular intervals. And I understand from the "white board" in my kitchen, that 9 1/2 will participate on Saturdays, cooking and generally entertaining the somewhat sad and lonely resident surgeon.

Valentines Day

A visit from # 2 son, with a beautiful pink hyacinth in green glazed pot, in hand for his mom.



A visit from #1 adopted neice, with specially made tin, filled with Ruth's vanilla sugar cookies in shape of hearts.



A walk around Partridge with 42's resident surgeon, in between trips to the emergency room.

An evening visit from three handsome young men, with two long stem yellow roses. Sweet!



A yummy steak dinner on yellow, not red, dinner and glassware.

Redeeming the Time, As the Journey Continues

I have been on some excursions during this journey that I am taking.

I've been here:



and here:




And here, the last couple of weeks.




These were little side jaunts, in preparation for the big trip next week.

For those who have lived here their lifetime and for those who live here sporadically, "redeeming the time", is a common phrase. Time is valuable and the use of it golden.

The words are found in Ephesians 5. They mean, buying up for yourselves the opportunity. Taking the moment, full of possibilities, but quickly passing by, and making the most of it.

Buying up time, while we have the chance. Being spiritually alert; and not unwise, walking circumspectly and not as fools, because the days are evil. We are all buying up for ourselves opportunities to share our testimony, to love someone, to pray for others, to have victory over tempations or sins, to read the Word, to hear His voice.

I read in Isaiah the other day..."And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, This is the way, walk you in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left." I am believing the Lord for that. That I could be sensitive to His leading on this journey and "buy up" the opportunities that He will give me. To look for others on my journey that are making the same trip but without hope or suppport.

I will be honest. A two month journey away is a long time.

I will miss these especially:




and these:




and these and so many others:




and this:




but the time will go fast and when I get back the grass will be green and the lilacs almost in bloom!

A Journey

I'm going on a journey.

It was not a trip that I ever thought I would take. I actually assumed that I would never go. But I did do the preparation work needed to take this journey, years ago.

Actually, this journey started January 7th in a remote place several hours from my home. I thought it would be a day trip. A short jaunt and then back to my simple life in upstate New York.

But it seems that this trip will be extended.

I need my VISA, my insurance card and minimal luggage for this trip.

But more than that, I need a foundation, the one that has sustained me, over the last forty-two years. This journey requires a particular part of my covenant, based on a Savior and His Word. A Word that does not lie. Studying, teaching, practicing concepts, those He bought for us, are the concrete and blocks of this foundation.

This will be a journey to several new locations and I will meet many intelligent and dedicated people. They will tell me where to go and what to do and how to do it. I'm not in charge of this itinerary, and I will accept their lead and direction.

Does a long and difficult journey require a departure address?

I don't know, but here is mine....

"My mouth shall show forth your righteousness and your salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.

I will go in the strength of the Lord God, I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours only,

O God, you have taught me from my youth; and hitherto have I declared your wondrous works.

Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed your strength unto this generation and your power to every one that is to come."

Psalm 71:15-19

Oklahoma Digs

Yes, it's cold out and I have not been outside for nine days now.

I'm still wondering how those tiny little birds stay alive outside in weather like this!

Only two short weeks ago we stopped outside 34 to say good bye again. I think Otis is going to be lonely.


Yes, the three of us rode in the cab of the blue truck for 1470 miles, only 23 hours and 12 minutes by google map! It was not that bad and Otis was extremely patient.


Stillwater is almost to Texas. It is cowboy land. Big sky and tremendous horizons. And big grain elevators in the middle of downtown. The university is huge with a gorgeous campus. I was only there for two days and the day I was leaving we were supposed to go and investigate the campus but it didn't work out. Hence, no pictures. Hopefully, Jon will get a camera soon and show us the buildings that he works in.



We set the apartment up quickly. He has nice digs. Hope he has some time to enjoy them. I think he spent the weekend with the food animals and dealing with some crises,

New Year's Day

I like to have all my peeps around me.

It's selfish, I know, and doesn't happen enough for my tastes. But we were all together on New Years Day. Ethan was up from the city, Laura was back from the midwest, Jon was in his final preparation for his next destination, and we were together for a great meal, prepared solely by Elizabeth and Laura at 34.

I guess I have just given my heart away to this small band of people I call family.

There is something comforting in their collective presence. Fun to sit back and listen to their banter. Stories of fantasy hockey, dogs, work stories, vet stories, community gossip, dogs, neighborhood interactions, questions about each of their new years, and did I mention, dog stories.

Yes, there's something comforting about tradition, plans, agendas, and promises kept.

We've learned a lot this year. Especially to live actively in the present.

But emergencies come and wildfires flare up, and we are caught in the never ending drama of real life.

Fears grip tight. And cause us to want to flee or escape or meditate on anxiety about the future.

But faith loosens strongholds and the Word of God brings light and hope.

And as we have done in the past, we take a thought and bring it into captivity, making it obedient to Jesus.