Category: Life is Precious (soul)

  • I’m Back !!!

    Greetings & Salutations!

    Been so long busy preparing and traveling on our year-long Great Loop journey that I am sorry I’ve neglected this blog. In the interim, I hope you’ll find, read, comment on our blog link at www.TravelsOfSanctuary.com. Our blog will give you a clue as to what my husband Steve and I have been doing for the last six months.

    Steve & Teresa on the deck of Sanctuary
    Steve & Teresa on the deck of Sanctuary

    This is day #179 of a potential 365-day trip. Doing the math, I calculate that 182 days will be one-half way through. I can honestly say I am not the same person when Steve and I began on September 3, 2016 back at Lakeshore Yacht Harbour, Muskegon, Michigan.

    I’ve been honest with everyone—we are living aboard my dream boat on Steve’s dream trip. We’ve weathered ups and downs. In case you wonder if every day feels like living in Paradise; the answer is no. Many are wonderful and we see beautiful sights such as sunsets, manatees, and Key deer.  I can move my body geographically to a warm location, but with the body also comes my mind and soul. All my previous deficiencies and hang ups come along with me. My fears, doubts, worry (I know that I am not supposed to worry), probably even multiplied—they did not automatically magically disappear (wouldn’t that have been sweet?)

    Circumstances of life and known people stayed behind for a time. New circumstances, geography, people took their place while on this year long journey. I’m thankful for stay-over visitors we have from time to time.  My main source of communication, interaction needs to be found in my husband of 40 years. Other Looper boaters and my surroundings change constantly and sometimes daily. Lately, the mantra I repeat is:

    I cannot do this, Lord! I cannot do this without You!

    Depending on the day, I may be referring to:

    • Being stranded on the boat for a few days and nights without leaving while rocking and rolling in a storm trying to remain brave and not get seasick
    • Washing another dirty dish by hand
    • High temperatures and humidity feeling ready to pass out
    • Not seeing my children/grandchildren/friends for months at time
    • Lack of exercise aboard due to not much square footage and no car to take me away. We rely predominately on our own two feet or bicycles

    I constantly remind myself that He is my all in all. The great I AM. Learning to lean into Him as I combat impatience, loneliness, frustration, anger, and physical limitations. God gives me the choice and will to praise His name and be thankful for my many blessings of which there are many if I look around me. God is still in control.

    How do you handle loneliness? Frustration and anger? Have you been in a situation where you are at the end of your resources and had to call out to God in desperation? Maybe you are there right now. I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment or question. We can both grow together spiritually.

    Blessings to you & your family, Teresa

    I leave you with a few choice words from Colossians 3:15, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

    *****

  • Ready for Adventure?

    Today is day #28 of the Great Loop adventure. And, yes it truly has been an adventure. We’ve seen landscapes, waterways, and sunrises not seen before. Met new Looper people we would never have crossed passed with in our regular, daily life.  Learned to go without embracing the basics of life.                                              img_20160927_140010943_hdr-1

    Let’s stop right here and look up the definition for the word adventure. Here’s what I found for the word adventure:

    • Escapade
    • Quest
    • Journey
    • Exploration
    • Undertaking
    • Exciting activity

    Okay, I am kind of weird. I admit that, but keep tracking with me. I then went on to look up the word exciting. Here’s where the road may diverge for you as it did for me. Here’s a few definitions for the word exciting:

    • Thrilling
    • Exhilarating
    • Stirring
    • Stimulating
    • Electrifying
    • Inciting

    That’s enough. I have felt all of those emotions and I haven’t even been on this trip for a month yet. What does that say about the trip? What does that say about me? I am not sure, but I’ll let you fill in the blanks. I’m just putting it out there for anyone else anticipating or planning such an adventure. It doesn’t even have to be the exact type of adventure we are involved with. When I think about the word electrifying, it does not bring up a positive connotation. Certainly not dull or boring, I’ll give you that much. More like scared to the point of wishing I were anywhere else but standing in my own shoes. Admittedly, I have felt that. Like when we said good-bye (don’t like that word, so I say: see you later) to my daughter and my friends. Those see you later words are so hard to say even though I know it’s only for a year, or in some cases, months until I see their smiling faces and hear their precious voices in person.

    I go through this exercise to share with you my emotions hoping you, too, can relate. Even a simple day’s emotions can range from peace to utter chaos within a short period of time. From tears of sorrow and disappointment to tears of joy. Sometimes without any warning.

    Then God gives me a verse to ponder. To hold onto and call my own: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence . This is a poignant reminder that He is approachable. He’s not a wizard that sits with a magic wand in never-never land occasionally swooping down to check on his created ones. The book of Hebrews describes this throne with the word grace (unmerited favor, mercy, or kindness). I like the thought of my Creator being available and that He is described with mercy and kindness. The verse goes on further to add that I can approach boldly and in confidence. I need not worry or fret; He’s got my whole life under control and in His competent hands—the Great High Priest.

    What do I take away from this?

    1. Approaching God and His throne is not reserved for nobility
    2. No holding back; no reservations
    3. He’s there for me anytime day or night
    4. God may not take me out of the storm/trial, but He’ll ride through with me

    God already knows all, so why do I hesitate to share my innermost feelings with Him?
    Is there a deep fear you’ve been holding to? One you hesitate to share with anyone?

    Reminds me of a tune I sang as a young girl called, Tell it to Jesus alone (words by Edmund S. Lorenz)

    Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
    Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
    Are you grieving over joys departed?
    Tell it to Jesus alone

    Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
    He is a friend that’s well known
    You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
    Tell it to Jesus alone

    Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
    Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus
    Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
    Tell it to Jesus alone

  • Where is your gaze fixed?

    Instead of trying to “fix” yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love. (Jesus Calling)

    The song, He is Mighty to Save by Hillsong United continued to come to my friend’s mind as we navigated through and beyond yesterday’s challenges together.

    Horizon Display

    Savior, He can move the mountains

    My God is mighty to save

    Forever, author of Salvation

    He rose and conquered the grave.

    Jesus conquered the grave.

    Yesterday was an amazing day all the way around. An event which my husband and I + family and friends had been preparing for, praying over, sweating about and eventually turned over to Him finally came to completion. We are overwhelmed, thankful, and still amazed at the outcome! To top it all off, God displayed His handiwork across the horizon in the evening skies.

    When was the last time you doubted, second-guessed God and His timing? I should know better since He’s proved over and over again that He is faithful and just. His timing is perfect even though I sometimes long for a speedier response. When will I learn that His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord? “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

    Lord, I want to fix my eyes on You; not on me. The fact that You see me clothed in Your righteousness, radiant in Your perfect Love is tough for me to even comprehend. Yet, You said it and I believe it! I praise You and thank you this day and how You showed Your faithfulness.

    *****

  • Homeward Bound

    Teresa-Karen cross country trekBaldwin sisters on their trek home. Karen and I nicknamed ourselves the Baldwin sisters–remember The Waltons television show?

    Our trip proved a mix of enlightenment, frustration, joy, anger, sadness, sympathy, and loss. We found our dad—at least a shell of who he used to be. His body and mind fails more often than not.

    My mind longs to forget the now and return to the then. I choose to remember his quick wit, willingness to help others, when his body moved freely and without constant pain, his insatiable quest for best bargains and love for food.

    Dad, we love you and hope and pray only the best for you.

    *****

  • Master Sculptor

    A little boy watched a sculptor begin chiseling a large block of marble. The sculptor worked meticulously until the slab looked like the face of Abraham Lincoln. “How did you do that?” the little boy asked. The sculptor said with a smile, “All I have to do is chip away everything that doesn’t look like Lincoln.”

    Writing is a bit like sculpting. I chisel a little bit here; chip away some more over there. The hope being that the written message originally intended is left behind.

    As I nurture my “sculpture,” one of the key ingredients being is how to seek and achieve balance in a too-crazy-busy life. So many people and things cry out for our attention these days. Where do you turn? And when do you cry out for help? You’ve probably heard, “Love your neighbor as yourself” before. But have you considered first loving yourself properly in order to love others in your life? My hope is that through my perspective of a brain surgery survivor you, too, will regain control of your mind, body, and soul. One clue is to practice the art of being still.

    For now, back to my edits to make my sculpture (i.e. book) excellent and appealing to you the reader! More tips to follow.

    *****

  • Galley proofs in!

    “Though is tarries, wait for it.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

    A few days ago, I received my first galley proofs of my book and cover. Lauren, Publishing Services Associate, exclaimed “Congratulations!” True, I am very excited to be moved to the next phase. Yet, I do not want to miss any of the good parts in between. There is still much work to be done. Rushing not allowed here if I am to take Habakkuk 2:3 to heart.   Daffodils popping through snow

    I do and do and do. Sometimes before I give proper credit to timing and waiting. When I go forth in my own strength and just do on my own, I miss much. I miss God’s guidance, wisdom, and blessings in the end. I think I am doing the right thing by instigating hurried results, but am I really? God seems to be more visionary than practical like us mere mortal humans. Impatient. I am extremely impatient; thereby potentially missing out on His best. Missing “the fulfillment of the vision;” I wonder what that vision would have looked like had I taken the time and exercised patience during the wait mode? God must be disappointed when I do not implement enough faith to wait for Him to work out His best plan.

    “We cannot bring the vision to fulfillment through our own efforts, but must live under its inspiration until it fulfills itself. We try to be so practical that we forget the vision. At the very beginning we saw the vision but did not wait for it.

    We rushed off to do our practical work, and once the vision was fulfilled we could no longer even see it. Waiting for a vision that “tarries” is the true test of our faithfulness to God. It is at the risk of our own soul’s welfare that we get caught up in practical busy-work, only to miss the fulfillment of the vision,” thoughts from Oswald Chambers.

    • How about you; is it difficult for you to wait?
    • What are you waiting on now?
    • What plan could you devise to wait patiently?
    *****

  • Spring Release!

    This brain tumor survivor is announcing that my book is now in the Design/Production phase. Looking forward to a Spring Release. I’ll be sharing glimpses of my personal journal entries interwoven in this frightening health crisis. You will learn of the need to regain control over three areas of life: mind, body, and soul. Then, and only then, can we experience joy and peace while learning to be still.           Green shoots - signs of Spring (Copy)

    I will keep you posted regarding progress. Thanking God and all my angel-helpers along the way who contribute to make this dream a reality. Totally excited to have you follow and come along with me in the birth of a new “baby!”

  • Where do You Find Strength?

    “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

    The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

    For the director of music. On my stringed instruments

    Habakkuk 3:17-19

  • African Proverb

    “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,”—African Proverb.

    • When you read this quote, what thoughts or emotions run through your mind?
    • Are you someone who wants to go fast, or would rather go far together in community?

    I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one.

    African Proverb

    ******

  • Where’s your solitary place?

    C.S. Lewis wisely points out that no one was busier than Christ. “Our model is the Jesus … of the workshop, the roads, the crowds, the clamorous demands and surly oppositions, the lack of all peace and privacy, the interruptions. For this … is the Divine life operating under human conditions.”

    Our lives don’t consist of raising people from the dead, casting out demons, or healing the multitude. We manage challenging schedules while shuttling children back and forth from school, lessons, or sporting events. And then there’s our own schedule … where do we fit into this crazy chaos? Some days it feels like the four-wheel vehicle is your home. It’s easy to think, there’s nowhere to go where I can really be alone. Someone always wants something from me. If only I had a few more hours in the day. If only my spouse would be more helpful or my children behaved?

    If Jesus felt it necessary to carve a piece of His day aside for meditation and prayer, how much more I need this sacred time of renewal.

    “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”—Mark 1:35–37.

    Reflection: Where do you go to be isolated and silent before God?  What keeps you from going there? Jot down several concrete ideas.