Tag Archives: Thankful

Fine Art Friday, J. Clark

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Private and Confidential by J. Clark
Victoria Lane

These days I feel richer than a Rockefeller.  Blessing upon blessing has drenched me until I’m quite in danger of drowning in goodness and mercy.   ‘All this, and heaven too?’ is a refrain that echoes throughout the day. Elizabeth Barrett Browning stated it perfectly: “Earth’s crammed with heaven.”

                                                                            

To the extent that the medium of the web can be used destructively and for evil
purposes is as much as it can be redeemed and used to build, fortify,
strengthen and embellish. 

I have been exposed to wonderful new
authors, delicious menus and recipes, arresting quotes, beautiful art,
thoughtful musings, penetrating commentary, thought-provoking analysis,
and old-fashioned friendship in my sojourn through the sites.

In 2006 I have filled three journals with quotes, thoughts, comments –
many from my trips around the web-block, made some scrumptious dishes,
been inspired by you to stretch and grow, continued online discussions
around our own dinner table, listened to achingly beautiful music, put
more time into planning my reading, and acquired stacks of books! 

Thank you for the information; thank you for the inspiration; and thank
you for the anticipation of more in the future.

A doctored Albert Anker print.

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Norman Rockwell, Freedom From Want

Now with thanksgiving we bring on this day
Our praise to the Father, who formed us of clay,
Whose breath of creation, our spirits to fill,
Refashioned our loving to live by His will.

Now with thanksgiving we bring in this place
Acclaim to the Spirit, who guides us in grace
Unto the Redeemer, whose sacrifice shown
Provides us a pattern of love for our own.

May our hosannas returning above
Bring joy to the One who has brought us our love,
May we to each other in gratitude give
New psalms of thanksgiving in lives that we live.

Borghild Jacobson, alt.
Tune Slane (same as Be Thou My Vision)

Relinquishment

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This
fancy word for letting go has been floating through my thoughts.  There are
times when we are called to let go of certain dreams, certain people, or certain
substances.  In my experience there has always been a protracted struggle
between what I will and what I
want.  My knuckles are white from
the death grip that is holding tight.  And when my heart changes, release comes
slowly, one finger joint at a time.  When the hand is empty and I’ve
finally relinquished that “something” I’m so surprised at all the plusses.  The muscles
that were weary from clenching are relaxed.  The hand that was dedicated to
grasping is now available for a thousand other occupations.  There is a move
away from tension towards tranquility.  

 Elisabeth Elliot wrote (I
substituted ** for certain words to broaden the application): “Fred had prayed that God would help him
to be willing to relinquish **.  He did not want to relinquish **, but he willed
to be made willing.  Although the conflict lasted for six months, he was indeed
helped.”  That phrase, willed
to be made willing, could provide food for many mental meals.  I have
seen a small measure of relinquishment lately in my life, and for that I
gratefully give God thanks.

A Happy Sigh

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Today: oh what a day!  I took a day trip, driving alone for two hours and with a friend for two hours in a borrowed car.  It was the first time in my life that I’ve driven a Cadillac.  A snazzy red Cadillac!!  It was the smoothest ride of my life, bar none!  I drove along a corridor of snow-capped mountain peaks, the Elkhorns on one side and the Eagle Caps on the other (the picture is the Eagle Caps).  As I passed the marsh a Canadian goose flew just above my car.  Cattle and antelope were placidly grazing on grass.   To say the day was glorious is so woefully inadequate.

I just met my friend at the first of the year.  Shortly after we met she was diagnosed with cancer.  Today we drove to her daily radiation treatments.  We chatted as effortlessly as if we’d know each other for decades.  She told me how to roast veggies in the oven on cookie sheets, about a great consignment store in her town, and together, we covered a host of other topics. She is so comfortable in her skin that it’s a pleasure to be with her.

When I was alone I cranked up the stereo and gloried in the rich tones and aching beauty of classical music.  Sigh.   Offenbach, a Cadillac and the Eagle Caps.  All this, and heaven besides?

Hurray for Libraries!!

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[this post is written with a sleeping 1 year old boy draped over my shoulder: =) ]

I think one of the great gifts a parent can give a child is a sense of familiar comfort in a public library.  If they know how to get around the stacks and computer card catalogs they have quite a  horizon before them.   My local library has its limitations, but all the same it has blessed me.   Here’s a short list of things I love about  my library.

1.  My son and I are on a first-name basis with all the staff.

2.  They welcome my recommendations for purchases to their collection. 

3.  I get an email reminding me of upcoming due dates three days before an item is due.

4.  They are adding many Teaching Company courses to their collection.  I am currently listening to How to Read and Understand Poetry.

5.  Our library is an original Carnegie library.  This year a new building is going up.  For all its issues, I shall miss the red brick building, the steps up to the main door, the high ceilings, the charm of an older building, and the legacy behind it.  Thank you, Andrew Carnegie!!

6.  I have saved many $$$ by borrowing books from the library for curricula.  It’s not optimum, but I believe you could give a child a decent education from preschool through high school using the public library.

Early Valentines

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The Valentines Banquet last night was wonderful!  The men prepared all the food and served their wives. 

After we ate, each one stood up and read a poem he had written for his beloved.  Each one was unique: some were funny, some touching, each reflected the husband’s love for his woman. 

One couple will celebrate their 60th anniversary this year.  His poem mentioned the 21,795 days of his marriage being a blessing.  He counted them up, including the leap years! 

One man sang a song to his wife…lovely.  Our inimitable friend and composer, the ever capable Steve,  wrote portions of Song of Songs in verse.  It was tasteful, but biblical, hmmm, and we tittered giggles of nervousness when he started.  But I appreciated the simple, short words from quiet men who are not practiced in word-crafting. 

They were all beautiful offerings of praise.