Tag: Iowa

  • Thinking about sheep and my Good Shepherd

    Ottumwa Iowa field

    I just joined a small group from our church. We’re studying Psalm 23. I’ve recited those words to Psalm 23 on numerous occasions. Most of you have probably heard it spoken at funerals, memorial services, or Sunday sermons.

    Just when you think you know it all, heard it all—BAM! Something significant slaps you between the eyeballs. That’s what happened to me this week.

    We’re studying the Resume of a Sheep. Strange title for our work assignment page, but bears spending time on. There are four attributes of a sheep listed. I’ll cover the first one today and more the next time we meet.

    • Sheep are Vulnerable. I had to look that word up to be sure I understood the meaning of vulnerable. Here’s what my dictionary said: accessible, defenseless, exposed, unsafe, weak, sitting duck. Capable/susceptible to being wounded or hurt. Open to assault. Boy, is that true. Right now, I feel like a sitting duck and unsafe in a certain relationship. I don’t like this feeling. I want to get beyond it. I’m just not sure which path to take at this moment in time.

    Ever feel this way? Like you are stuck, exposed and not able to wriggle your way past a certain situation? You are not alone!

    Here’s a verse I’d like you to consider. Maybe even post it where you can ponder, recite, and believe the Truth. Consider reaching out to a trusted friend to help you through. There is Hope—never forget this no matter how deep or dark your journey.

    “But as for me, I will always have hope, I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14)

    *****

  • Day #2 of our Journey

    We did see corn, corn, and did I mention corn (again)? And soybean fields galore. Iowa—feels like I’m coming home even though we don’t plan on meeting family members. Most have either died or moved to other locations throughout the U.S.

     I hear that “Sarah Palin will re-launch her “One Nation” bus tour in Iowa tomorrow; the same day that Republican presidential contenders will take the stage for a debate in Ames, Iowa.”  Plus, Obama turns up the volume in campaign. Iowa must be the place to be! And here we are.

    But I was more interested in eating at the alley Canteen in downtown Ottumwa, established 1930s. I haven’t been to Ottumwa for at least 25 years. Radar, from the TV show Mash and I share the same birthplace. I wonder if the donut shop will still be there—the one Grandpa, Karen (my sister) and I visited when we visited Grandpa and Grandma. Maybe I’ll get some more memoir writing material while in town.

    Nearly all the seats in the diner are full and the screen door constantly opens and closes. Some order in; many order out. One friendly employee said she’d been working there for 17 years; Flo has been there for over 30 years.

    What’s a canteen you ask?  A loose meat hamburger in a bun ordered wet or dry. Wet choices: ketchup, mustard, pickle and onion.  Steve topped his off with a slice of fresh peach pie ala mode. Nothing beats a canteen!  They are the best…now, I can die happy. 

    ***

  • Day #1 of our journey

    We made it 370 miles and landed in Muscatine, Iowa traveling through four states (Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa). The first thing I heard upon entering the city was the sound of locust armies—very loud and annoying.

    Beautiful day for travel beginning the day at 61 cool degrees. Saw temps rise to 88 degrees later in the day. Breakfast at Cracker Barrel (one of my favorites) in Stevensville, Michigan where the waitress knocked my tall water glass and water and shattered glass hit the floor like a shotgun.

    By 2:00 p.m., I felt a bit toasty in stop-and-go traffic on black, fresh asphalt in the middle of a 17-mile construction zone. It might be because I still wore black leathers and long johns for the chilly early morning hours.

    Around 3:00 p.m., we crossed over into Iowa—my birth state!  Traveling downtown, we discovered Riverside Park bordering the famous Mississippi River. My sights immediately went to a small marina the edge of the park where houseboats proved most popular.

    Dinner; then headed back to the motel. Early to bed since we’re both tired from being out in the sun and wind all day. Good night to all!

    ***

  • Today’s the Day!

    Road trip day – soon to begin.  Anticipation high and somewhat difficult to sleep. After tossing some in the early morning hours – decided it was time to rise and shine (even though the sun had not.)  My mind/brain kept adding just one more thing to do or cram into my bags.

    This evening: Muscatine, Iowa (355 miles from Grand Rapids, Michigan).  Plan to post again when arrive at our destination with Internet access. Until then, blessings to you all this day. 

    “The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:26).

    ***