Life is Fragile

/1 Comment/in /by

 

I replayed the message over and over again to make sure I’d heard it correctly.

 

“Hi, Teresa. I just wanted to tell you…my daddy died this morning. He was riding his bike and the Lord took him home with a massive heart attack. Just wanted you to know my mother is alone now.”

 

My dear friend, Bonnie, of over 30 years fought to hold the tears back. I felt her intense pain and the effort it took to verbalize those words. Our history went back to “BK” (before kids). Both of us continued to visit each other once or twice every year. Together, we had weathered teen uprisings, graduations, weddings, and various celebrations. We had worked together, but she now lived in another state.

 

 

My husband, Steve, and I had the privilege of staying overnight in her parent’s home on more than one occasion. One such time was while Bonnie and Rob’s house was being built. We made the journey to Pennsylvania just weeks after our baby #2, Amanda, was born. Our baby #1 son (just over a year old) tried to escape through their 2nd floor screen window in order to avoid napping. Even though his given name is Andrew, his nick name became “Little Houdini.” Over the years, Milton and Dolly offered their 2nd floor apartment to us to stay while other relatives were in town. Hospitality came naturally and we always felt like family in their presence. Milton died just the way he would have wanted: healthy and doing what he enjoyed.

 

When I heard Bonnie’s shaky words, my mind went to my own father. The same unpredictable event could happen any day to my own father.

 

Reality struck me—I needed to make more of a point to keep in touch with my dad. I picked up the phone and called my dad.

 

 

All other ground is sinking sand

/3 Comments/in /by

dscf47062 

All other ground is sinking sand

I needed time away from time clocks and scheduling. Next week would be happily filled with a long distance trip to Minnesota from Michigan. My husband and I were eager to see our two grandchildren and to help our son and family move to another town in Minnesota. But today I needed to come to this oasis to escape chaos and cares of everyday life. Water and the sound of water calm my mind and soul. So I drove to the Lake Michigan shoreline to walk the beach. Just the sound of water exudes peacefulness and a sense of security. In this quiet place, it seems so natural and easy to worship my Creator and spend time in thankfulness and prayer.

A light breeze stirs in the air and plays with my hair. Sea gulls chatter and dive in the waves. A distant mourning dove sings his song of lament. Waves gently lap over countless grains of sand. As I walk along the cool water’s edge and the sand oozes between my toes, an old hymn plays out in my mind:

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

The water ripples evenly, consistently. You are in the breeze as if to say, “Hello, I am still here—remember me?” Ah, yes, how can I forget You? You have been here for me through trials and blessings. You were near then; you are near now. Waiting for me to communicate with you, pray, mediate, memorize scripture, talk of you, and write of you.

I must tell others of your Divine Mercy, Everlasting Love, and Forgiveness. You are truly Christ, the Solid Rock on which I must stand. All other ground is truly sinking sand.

Maiden Voyage I ~ I saw three ships come sailing in…

/11 Comments/in /by

 

Maiden Voyage I

Three All-Girls Vessels

Thankfully, our voyage did not end like Gilligan’s Island three hour tour! In order to encourage camaraderie among sailors and power boaters at our marina, a few of us planned an all-girls overnight sailing voyage. Cast off Muskegon dock: 10 a.m. Power boaters and sailors alike stood on the docks and at the pier waving and taking pictures. We waved back feeling what celebrities must feel like in view of the public eye.

By morning, skies were blue and Captain Mary stood behind the helm. Waves remained confused from the big blow of 40 knot winds from the night before. We were tossed about on the trip south from our home port. We tacked back and forth in order to capture the most efficient wind from our main and jib sails. Unfortunately, the sloppy seas and light, variable wind did not allow us to sail all the way.  By 2:30 p.m., all three vessels were safely tied up at the municipal dock in Grand Haven.

Gabrielle had never been taken out alone without the presence of our guys – Henry and Steve. When the subject was originally broached of an all-girls sailing adventure, both husbands were 100% in favor of the idea. Secretly, I almost hoped one of them would veto the idea so we wouldn’t have to carry through with the idea. Instead, our guys backed us up the entire way as they cheered us on and were our biggest champions. They both said,

“You girls looked good out there sailing. No more tweaking needed to be done…we’re proud of you!”

Water was flat and wind calm by the next morning. Crew member, Deann shared words of wisdom from her 95 year old grandpa:

“The wind, she’ll wake up ’bout 10 and then ’round 6, she’ll tuck herself away. She’ll generally be still at night.”

Wind was light most of the sail home, so we motor sailed Gabrielle back to her home port. On the way back, our all-girls boat had time to reflect and muse. A common thread rang out: each of us was blessed to have husbands who encouraged and supported us in our independent endeavors.

I am so thankful our men trusted us to take the vessels out in open waters. Hot Fudge, Gabrielle, and Sea Lass sailed the trek with no injuries and returned with the same amount of bodies we left the dock with. “Guys, you taught us well!” The whole experience was a great confidence builder and self-esteem booster.

Basil, Cilantro, and Lettuce

/4 Comments/in /by
Basil planter below deck garden

Basil planter below deck garden

My Deck Garden
My Deck Garden

 

Light green, leafy lettuce dance in my miniature deck planter. Mingled with basil, cilantro, oregano, one hot pepper (for hubby) and one green pepper (for me). For those of you who do not know me, I’m basically a city girl who should be dubbed a “country girl” born in Ottumwa, Iowa in Wapello County. However, my folks moved away when I was very young.

 

My husband and I live in a modest condominium along with all the rules and regulations associated with condo living. Huge, vast gardens are not on the horizon for this “no green thumb” lady. However, while cooped up for the long, winter months in Michigan, my mind began to dream of succulent fresh, leafy greens home grown and ready to pick. My girlfriend, who tills a spacious garden in her back yard, assured me that a deck planter could work for me. Sharry was willing to coach me.

 

At that point, I knew I had all the tools I needed to get the job done and realize my dream. A deck planter meant no worries about rabbits or other critters carrying away my bounty. No room for weeds. Plus, I’d have the convenience of walking a few short yards to my deck and viola…fresh produce ripe for the picking!

 

You can imagine my amazement when those first lettuce heads popped their tiny heads up through the black soil! I was surprised they even appeared, and didn’t wither up and die. Reminded me of the parable of a tiny mustard seed, “…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed…Nothing will be impossible for you.”

 

Anyone who came to our home received the official tour straight to the deck and oohed and aaahhed with me as we watched the garden grow. No one was exempt from my daily observation of my mini garden deck planter. Later, I added two peppers plants, chives, and several spices.

 

At a doctor’s appointment, my doctor promptly asked if I had a garden.

 

“Why do you ask? Is my green thumb showing?”

 

“You look like you’ve gotten some sun,” he added.

 

My face beamed. Someone had noticed. Although I doubt that my small amount of time spending tilling my mini garden was the contributor to the tan.

 

“Do you have basil in your garden? It’s not a garden unless you have basil.”

 

“No, no basil yet,” I sheepishly replied making a mental note to add some basil to my garden. 

 

“Basil is good in everything. You must have some.” Well, folks, there you have it: doctor’s orders to plant basil in my garden. I had no other option than to comply.

 

 

Two nights ago, my daughter came over to share dinner with me. I made a luscious summer salad accompanied with stuffed pasta and chivied basil and onion sautéed in olive oil. Out of this world! Last night, I harvested (love that word) another batch of lettuce to share with my hubby along with chopped cilantro in the sauce for our tacos.

 

Folks, it doesn’t get much better than that!

 

p.s. Did I happen to mention the meaning of my name, “Teresa?” It is of Greek origin meaning “to harvest.”

 

Writer’s Meeting Recap

/7 Comments/in /by

Just a few tips gleaned from our WMFC meeting:

 

  • We shared long and short-term goals with each other. Accountability is a huge key in staying focused.
  • Diagrammed our personal goals and how to measure our progress toward our inner voice. We each need to move forward in the direction of our own unique voice. Harmonize with your voice. Disharmony results in being off sync which can happen if we attempt to mimic other voices and style. Clear certain things from our schedules and move them out of the way-mulch-so young sprouts have room to grow. Those “certain things” are different for each of us.
  • Familiarize self with “Christian Writers Market Guide” by Sally Stuart containing a wealth of information for writers.
  • Websites are a great way to further hone our craft and build a writer’s platform.
  • Blog. In order to drive the traffic, adhere to these guidelines:
    • Write regularly in your blog – suggest at least two times per week
    • Assign key words, tags
    • Write on other people’s blogs
    • Social network: Facebook, blog etc.

 

Assignment for Next Meeting on July 7:

 

Come prepared with a piece written within the last 30 days. You can post it on “meetup.com” so comments/critique can be offered ahead of time, or bring copies to share at the next face-to-face meeting.

http://www.meetup.com/wm-fcwriters/

/0 Comments/in /by
Panel Discussion Time

Panel Discussion Time

AMAZING! Cedar Falls Writer’s Conference

/1 Comment/in /by

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to participate in the writer’s conference in Iowa this past week. I was privileged to travel with my newest writer-friend, Shelly Beach. She allowed me to probe her mind and brain for eight hours plus! My husband, Steve, suggested I limit my questioning; otherwise, she might send me back to Michigan on an airplane. Not true! We traveled home together much the same way we ventured out to the conference in Cedar Falls.

 

Speakers included: Shelly Beach, Dennis Hensley, Tracy Groot, and Jolene Philo. The conference proved truly awesome and amazing! I’ll be sharing more on the conference in future blogs.

 

To a Writer’s Conference I go…

/2 Comments/in /by
Cozy cabin-Riverview Conf. Center

Cozy cabin-Riverview Conf. Center

This week will be my 1st out-of-state writer’s conference.  I’ll be traveling with author and speaker, Shelly Beach and Tracy Groot.  Cedar Falls, Iowa will be our destination which is about 8 hrs from Grand Rapids, MI.  I’m excited to learn and a bit nervous at the same time. 

Dennis Hensley (author & teacher) will be our main speaker.  I’ve created my portfolio and am eager to share & receive critiquing from some of my recent writings with him and others.  My prayer is that I would be focused and retain what God has uniquely planned for me.   I am most grateful for this opportunity to attend!

Hello world!

/0 Comments/in /by

Hello, this is my 1st experience at Blogging.  My son, Andrew James, just so happens to be my official creator of my 1st Blog site–I’m so excited to begin!