Changing Seasons

Although some may think otherwise, one of the blessings of living in North Dakota is the changing seasons.  With each new season comes the promise of the next to follow.  There is a unique kind of beauty in each season as it comes and goes, and the cycle of new life, growth, and dying off repeats itself year after year.  There is even a promise in God's Word which reminds us of the continuity of this cycle:

As long as the earth endures,

seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,

summer and winter, day and night

will never cease.

~Genesis 8:22

 

This past week the weather has been reminding us it won't be long until the season of cold and winter returns.  The days are getting shorter, the temperatures cooler, and the changing colors of the fall leaves are found more often on the ground than in the trees.  I came across this colorful display on a small tree sprout in an area we had cleared earlier this year. 

 

 

Most of yesterday afternoon was spent outdoors.  The flower pots, which had provided me with bursts of color throughout the summer months, were now in need of emptying.  Several nights of freezing temperatures had put an end to the life cycle of the flowers, and it was time to store the pots away until spring.

 

In the process, I did come across a few remaining bright spots.  Why they had escaped their demise, I'm not sure.  Maybe, because of their location, they were more protected from the cold.  Or perhaps they were extra hardy plants able to defend themselves for a bit longer.  At any rate, they made me smile!

 

As I went through the garden plot to clear what was left, I came across two more surprises.  A few sprigs of late lettuce were poking their way through the dirt, and in the midst of the corn stocks I found two little cobs to enjoy for supper.





 

Yes, the seasons are changing.  In a similar way, as God's children, we face our own seasons of life.  According to Acts 17:26, God establishes for each of us a time and exact place in which we will live.  Through the process of birth, He plants us somewhere, then encourages us to grow.  You may have heard the expression, "Bloom where you are planted."  If we read on into verse 27, we find God has a reasoning behind creating a special time and place for us. . .He wants us to seek Him, reach out for Him, and find Him.  And what a blessing to be reminded He is not far from each one of us.

 

In each North Dakota year we are promised 365 days.  None of us, however, know the number of days in our unique time span.  The seeking process God asks of us will lead us to an understanding He is with us through all of life's seasons.  And even when we face the dreaded winter season of death, He is waiting to welcome us to a new season. . .eternity!

 

 

Sneaky Sins

Housework has never been on my top ten list of favorite things to do.  It has always been one of those necessary obligations, usually neglected until some unknown force challenges me to take it on.  The German half of my gene pool keeps shouting, "Get it done!", while the Norwegian side is more laid back and whispers, "It will always wait!"

It's funny how my eyes and mind can be blind to the disorder (and dust!) for a long time, and then, all of a sudden, one day, I see it.  That's when the German in me gets busy.  It works best if I start some good, lively music playing, and often having a "to do" list with some goals helps.  But why can't I just have a regular routine, one which would consistently keep things clean and organized?  I've researched ideas, but it seems they never last.

This week, while I was having one of my "clean the shower while you're taking a shower" moments, [Check out the company Norwex and their "Bathroom Scrub Mitt" if you think this sounds strange!] I found myself hearing a bit of a spiritual lesson to go along with the cleaning. 

It had something to do with the way sins have a way of creeping into one's life, unnoticed until, one day, the reality of them hits you.  That's when you call on the Holy Spirit to do a complete cleaning in the deepest corners of your life, allowing God's grace and the love of Jesus to wash away the "dirt" accumulated. 

When defining the word, "sin," it is easy to think about what one would consider the BIG ones. . .murder, stealing, adultery.  But what about the sneaky ones?  Jerry Bridges wrote a book called, "Respectable Sins," with a subtitle of "Confronting the Sins We Tolerate."  Pulling from his list we find such things as unthankfulness, anxiety, frustration, discontentment, pride, selfishness, impatience, irritability, anger, judgmentalism, lack of self-control, envy, and jealousy.  Ouch!  That's quite the list, and not one of us is immune from the temptations it brings our way.

In God's eyes, sin is sin.  There are not degrees of it, nor does He tolerate one kind over the other.  In His eyes there is only one thing to do with sins. . .forgive them.  He looks for repentant hearts and already has made the sacrifice of His only Son to make atonement for them.  Our part is confession, and a willingness to make an effort to turn away and not repeat them.  Good thing for us, God is also a God of second chances. . .and third. . .and onward as high as you can count!

My project for the week?  Tackle some of the neglected housework, and while I'm at it, take a look at those sneaky sins and see if I can't do away with a few from the list.  It's an ongoing battle, for sure, but with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, who gently reminds me when I slip up, I can look forward to a cleaner inner house while working on the outer one!

Meanwhile, if you have any tips on a housekeeping schedule, please clue me in.  The German in me just might be willing to give it a try!

 

Making Way!

It has been a busy and exciting week for us, with preparation work being done leading up to an addition we are planning to add to our home.  After 39 years with very little change, this is going to be a big one!  Looking back, our house starting taking shape the year after we were married.  My husband and his dad, along with help from several brothers, did the majority of the work themselves.  They even got some help from my dad with the shingling on a day when it was twenty degrees below zero!

Our house is currently "L-shaped", with the living room extending toward the street to define the shape.  The plan is to add 16 feet to the bedroom end of the house, and add a second extension which will become a sunroom and office space.  In essence, the "L" will become a "U" and at the same time we will also enjoy additional room in our bedrooms.  We haven't planned it out entirely, but my vision is to include a walk-in closet, add a master bathroom, and create a separate laundry room.  Our laundry has always been in a closet in our bathroom, so it will be nice to give it a space of its own.

What does it take to create such an addition?  The first step was cutting down several trees, which was a hard thing for me to watch.  One thing about trees in North Dakota is knowing they were lovingly planted by someone back in the early days of pioneering the prairies, with nothing but miles and miles of grassland.  Knowing it will take the replacements some time to grow, it was sad to see the branches fall to the ground.

 

 

One tree in particular was hard for me to let go of, even though I knew it was in the way.  It was a pine tree which was originally planted when my kids brought it home from school.  Both the tree and our son have grown up over the years!

 



 

The next step was hiring a local excavator to dig out the space where footings will be formed to create a solid foundation for the new addition to be built on.  It was fun to watch them as they first dug out the tree stumps, and then created a three foot deep hole in the space which had been marked out as the boundary.

 

By afternoon I was able to get a visual of just how much area will be added once the project is completed.

 





 

Perhaps one of the most fascinating part of the whole process was observing how many roots there were protruding from all directions.  Even where there were no trees in the immediate area, there were roots which had made their way through the dirt and across the yard.  It made me think about how important roots are.  They are what brings the needed moisture into the tree to make it grow.

 

 

Each of us has our own set of roots, too.  Today I am thankful my roots are right here in North Dakota.  Both sets of my grandparents homesteaded in Divide County and established roots I haven't strayed far from.  Once a "farm girl," I found myself a nice "town boy," and together we have made our house a home to both a daughter and a son.  We are now blessed to have four grandchildren who come often to visit, and it is fun to be able to share with them the history of our family going back to the early days of settling the prairies. 

 

One of my treasured keepsakes is a picture taken of my maternal grandparent's farm prior to the construction of the big two story house we knew as "Grandma's House" growing up.  It's strange to see this farmstead without any trees, since it is currently surrounded by them!

 

 

So today I end my day thinking about my roots. . .both the family kind, and the ones being removed to make way for a new space to enjoy more times with those grandkids.  Perhaps you might one day be able to visit, too!

Seeds for Another Season

Over the past several years morning glory plants have been among those gracing my back yard.  At first, the seeds were purchased from a local store in convenient packets.  I've tried a variety of colors ranging from white and light pink to blue and a deep purple. 

As my love of flower gardening has increased, I've started dabbling into collecting seeds in the fall to save over winter for planting in the spring.  Such was the case last year with the morning glories.  With our house needing new siding, my husband asked if I could plant the morning glories in a different location.  If planted in their usual spot by the back door, they would be in the way if the siding project got underway.  I found a new spot across the yard, broke up the soil, and added some potting mix to give them a good start.  The saved seeds were planted, and they ended up providing lots of beauty over the summer months.

 

With the forecast indicating a possibility of frost, I decided it was time to once again look for the seeds to save.  Morning glories are actually quite fascinating to observe.  As the flower buds start to appear, the petals are wrapped in a sideways fashion, and open when the sun hits them in the morning.  As noon approaches, however, the petals curl back up, but in a different direction, this time from the top of the petals inward like this:

 

 

As the petals subsequently dry up, a pod develops and begins the process of creating seeds.  They grow in clusters with a white membrane surrounding them.  As the seeds mature, the white turns to brown, and eventually the brown pops open, allowing the seed to drop to the earth.  For my purposes, it is best to find the brown pods.  This tells me the seeds are developed, and are ready to be harvested.  Here are pictures of the developing pods, a brown one ready to open, and what it looks like after the plant has given up the seed on its own:

 

 

 

Gathering as many seeds as I could, I then brought them indoors and went to work removing the seeds from the pods.  Here are some close up shots of the pod before and after I squeezed them to remove the seeds:

 

There is now an ample supply of seeds to be tucked away through the winter, ready to provide another round of beauty next summer:

 

As I worked with the seeds, I found myself thinking about the seeds of God's love we are sowing into the lives of children every Wednesday night at our church.  A Bible story, verses to memorize, songs, hugs, and kind words combine as seeds, which may or may not immediately sprout.  The important thing is the seeds are tucked in place, ready to grow when God's appointed time arrives.

 

The empty pods seemed to be a representation of how we often feel after a session is over.  We are tired, emotionally drained, and possibly wondering if our efforts have been worth it.  As I throw the empty pods away, they are a reminder our work may be done, but the hope in the seed remains.

 

 

One final lesson awaits me just outside my back door.  Although this year no seeds were planted by me, the recent fall rains have caused many small morning glory plants to sprout.  Apparently some of last year's seeds fell to the ground, yet remained dormant until the ideal conditions produced the new life.  What does this tell me?  It reminds me we never know when or where those godly seeds we plant might develop.  A child may move, time may pass, but the seed is there.  We trust God will, in His time, bring forth the beauty, and another harvest of seeds!

 

 

It's not important who does the planting,

or who does the watering.

What's important is that God makes the seed grow.

1 Corinthians 3:7 (NLT)

 



 



Miles Upon Miles

Today the road took us to Williston for a "Celebration of Life" service honoring a dear friend.  Her life was cut short by our standards, but it was refreshing to hear her sons recount the many times her physical challenges gave opportunity to share the message of Jesus with those caring for her.  The church was full of family and friends, all who were in some way impacted by her life.

Our connection to her began during the time our daughter needed a place to live while doing her student teaching.  This woman and her family graciously offered to take her into their home, and it was during this time our now son-in-law came into the picture.  Although our friend claimed she never delved into the world of "match making," I can't help but think she did her part to insure our daughter found the perfect match.  For this I am eternally grateful!

Back home this evening I am putting together an overnight bag, as in the morning a group of ladies from our church will be headed down the highway to Bismarck for a Ladies Conference.  There will be two different speakers and lots of fellowship time with other women of faith.  My heart is already open to receive all God has in store for us.

From Bismarck, some of us will journey back to Williston for a Fall Fundraising Banquet at the Christian school our grandchildren attend.  I try not to think about the total number of miles covered in the course of three days, but instead am thankful for the opportunities there will be to hear from God and the plans He is placing before us.

Around my computer desk are multiple messages. . .special writings which at some point inspired my life.  It has actually been a long time since I've taken the time to read them.  Tonight, as I end my day, one in particular caught my eye, and I feel it would be fitting to share.  As we put on the miles this week-end, please keep us in your prayers!

LIFE IS A MIRACLE

 

Life is a miracle,

don't let it slip away.

Open your heart to others,

give of yourself each day.

 

See the beauty in everyone

Regardless of where they've been,

Some have a difficult journey

And really need a friend.

 

Share your gifts and talents

Listen with your heart.

Do the things you dream about

But don't have time to start.

 

Pick a bouquet of flowers

Show someone that you care,

Be gracious and forgiving

Life is never fair.

 

Hold on to your courage

You may need it down the road,

We all have a cross to bear

It could be a heavy load.

 

If you practice all these things

No matter where you roam,

You may find both sun and rain

But you'll never feel alone!

~Author Unknown

Butterfly Kisses

A month has now gone by since the departure of my dear Aunt Mabel.  Days have been filled with the usual activities of my world. . .exercise, yard work, music, reading, and trying to stay abreast of the housework, laundry, and cooking.   I'm very thankful for my husband who has stepped up to the plate to help on days I just haven't felt like doing them.  The thing missing from my world has been the visits with Mabel which blessed my life beyond measure.

Her youngest daughter, who is a year older than me, has been here taking on the task of sorting through her mother's things, and making the decisions as to what will be their final fate.  Children and grandchildren had the first chance to take things which were special to them.  From there on, things were sorted to be given to various extended family members, or set aside to be disposed of in a number of ways.  Some went to a second hand store in a neighboring community.  A large stash of fabric was delivered to a group of women known as the "Pack Rats".  They are a thrifty and talented group who sew quilts, blankets, and other items for those in need.  Other items have been set aside to be part of a community auction sale next month.  And, alas, some simply filled the dumpster in the alley.

As I did what I could to help, I found myself often singing the words to a song.  It is one which was sung for Mabel at one of her "milestone birthdays", and has a fitting message.  The song is entitled "Find Us Faithful," and was made popular by Steve Green.

We're pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

 Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

 After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

 Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
 Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

 

Steve Green "Find Us Faithful" [Click to hear song]

 

Yesterday I found myself once again walking to Mabel's house.  My heart longed for another visit with her, and I felt perhaps a chat with her daughter would help.  Alas, she wasn't home.  As I looked around the now near empty house, I found myself tearing up.  No longer would there be times spent rocking in the chair opposite Mabel's, unloading whatever happened to spill out in search of her wisdom.  As I made my way to the door, my eye spotted a card covered with butterflies.  The message seemed to be just what I needed to hear:  "Gently as a butterfly, may happiness touch your heart today."  It was one I had given Mabel years ago, which her daughter was planning on returning to me. 

 

Just outside the door, I paused on the steps to glance around at her flower beds, now finding their rest at the end of the summer season.  Suddenly, a glimpse of color caught my eye.  A beautiful butterfly flew nearby and seemed to send the message my dear Mabel was not far away.  Somewhere in the back of my mind came a voice spoken with love, "I'll always be here, cheering you on, until the day I welcome you to your heavenly home!"  It was a message I needed to hear, and I'm thankful for a God who sent it just when I needed it most.   

 

Of Flowers, Birds, and Butterflies

It has now been two weeks since my dear Aunt Mabel left this world.  It is an empty void for many, as her amazing life intersected with a host of people.  Her family has begun the process of sorting through her things, and I am thankful to say there are a few items which have found their way into my possession to remind me of her.  Not that a "thing" is required, but sometimes it is nice to have a piece of her world in mine.

Besides the things in her home, so much of nature brings her to mind, as well.  In particular, the top three reminders for me are flowers, birds, and butterflies.  She was a wealth of knowledge when it came to flowers and birds, and butterflies were her trademark symbol.  After her passing, my daughter gave me a little butterfly ornament with an oval containing the words, "If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies."  Losing Mabel was one change I could have done without, but thankfully we have the assurance through God's Word we will one day see her again!

 

Mabel's youngest child is my cousin, Susan.  We have had a close bond through the years, and it has been fun looking through pictures with her, and passing stories back and forth.  One story of particular interest involves a plant Susan purchased earlier this summer.  It was said to be a hibiscus plant, and was to produce red flowers, but even though the plant grew, no flowers appeared.  Susan had told her mom about the plant and they had discussed it on several occasions.  After Susan received the call from her brother relaying the news of their mother's death, Susan went out on her patio to shed some tears.  Lo, and behold, out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of something red.  The hibiscus plant had begun to flower!  My first thought was seeing Mabel marching up to Jesus, and asking Him if He couldn't do something about Susan's plant.  Whatever the case, it has now been blooming!

For me, there have been almost daily visits from a little hummingbird in the backyard.  They come and go so quickly, it is hard to catch them, but it seems the timing has been such I have caught him among my flowers on many a morning when looking out my kitchen window.  On one particular day, I hadn't seen him.  Later in the evening, I decided to water the flower pots at our church on the next block, and sat down to do some deadheading of the spent blossoms at the same time.  Who decided to pay a quick visit?  My hummingbird friend!  I could imagine Mabel and her brother (my dad) arranging the chance meeting, which put a smile on my face, and a good dose of needed joy in my heart.

While visiting with my sister-in-law, she related taking her dog out for a walk on their farm shortly after Mabel's death.  She said the prettiest butterfly she had ever seen appeared, and danced through the air around her.  Reminders.  They are a good thing!

This brings me to this morning.  I have gotten in the habit of looking out the kitchen window in the morning to see if I can spot the hummingbird.  Today there was no hummingbird, but instead another beautiful butterfly.  Yes, things have changed here on earth, but Mabel memories and reminders abound.  Blessed be her memory!