Saturday, January 26, 2008

Today was another sort of dreary day, but the sun did come out toward the end of the day and gave us a beautiful sky. The clouds were all so different across the sky and even the blue of the sky was in different hues. I just love watching the sky. It gives me a sense of peace and connection to my spirit.

I took a picture of our duck, Buffy, with some of her recently acquired friends. These we call Whistler ducks. They are an odd variety. They roost in the trees, have long orange legs and make a sound very much like whistling; hence their name. I think Buffy was glad to have the company and actually acted a bit maternal when I approached. She came waddling over and scolded me because as I approached many of them began to fly to the other side of the pond.












My DH and I decided to have a "date" today and went to a matinee. We saw the movie Untraceable . It starred Diane Lane, whom I adored in Under the Tuscan Sun, a lovely "chic" flick, which leaves you with a warm glow as you leave the theater. Untraceable was a suspense thriller and to be honest it was unsettling. They did a good job with the subject matter - too good. It delves into the question of what internet atrocity footage is doing to our culture, our youth, personalities who may already be unstable. Colin Hanks, the son of Tom Hanks gave a chilling performance as the "villain", if you will. If you want a warm fuzzy - I don't recommend this movie. It really gives a sad commentary on some things which are unfortunately very real or, could be, in our society today.

Well, I have had my Dad on my mind a lot. You remember this week we had a bit of an episode with Dad angry about the family trying to get him to give up driving. I spoke to Mom yesterday and found out that Dad has made an appointment on Monday with a new doctor to try to get the forms completed that the Driver's Control office gave him to regain his driving privileges. My bible study this morning and thoughts after the movie we saw just confirmed to me that I needed to stay in fellowship with Christ to strengthen my faith in this and all circumstances and not give in to fear or try to take control. In my Bible Study Fellowship International class, we are studying Matthew this year and today's study dealt with Peter when he asked Jesus if he could walk on the water during the storm and Jesus said "come". Well, Peter fixed his eyes on Jesus and starting walking on the water toward Him until he became aware of the wind and waves and believed not with his heart, but with his eyes and his human knowledge. How often I want to be like Peter, but don't even get that far, but when I do, I, like Peter, am tempted by those things which I have seen and learned in this world and lose my focus and my faith. Fortunately, as the Lord did for Peter, He is always ready to take our hand and save us when we ask. In my readings today I found a few items which were helpful to me and thought I would share them:

In reference to worry and discouragement -
When we yield to discouragement, it is usually because we give too much thought to the past or to the future.
Therese of Lisieux


In reference to worry -
"It's no use putting up your umbrella til it rains." Alice Caldwell Rice


In reference to finding peace -
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6-7 from The Message

I hope these will encourage you, as they do me.

Before I go snuggle down with DH, (I already hear the buzz of his "sawing logs"), I thought I would show you the progress I have made on my cancer hospital block. I have two seams done. It is a joy to work on, albeit, slow.... a speed of which I am well acquainted. There are chores to be done before I can comfortably sit down to stitch with a relaxed mind. Hopefully tomorrow after church, more time can be spent relaxing with this piece.

2 comments:

Jane said...

Your block is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing those pieces of encouragement from your reading studies today! I also hope that things get better with your dad. I can relate to what you're going through... Jane

Jan Campbell said...

I think I've figured it out...we shall see.
Love your blog, all your pictures and the inspirationals. Keep it up. Love ya friend, Jan

 
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