Clella's Corner

I DON'T KNOW HER NAME

2012-02-01T20:14:00.000-06:00

She is nameless to me, and yet I am inspired by her influence each Sunday-my young minister’s mother.

I don’t know her name but each Sunday I am moved by the sound of music from our choir-my choir director’s mother.

I don’t know the name of his mother or his wife, but I am encouraged each week by our worship minister’s creativity and sweet spirit.

So many nameless women who have given to our country that I might worship freely-the mothers and wives of our military.

Endless lists of inspiring women who have sacrificed that each day my life could be so blessed. The Scripture is filled with unnamed inspiring women-Noah’s wife, the woman at the well, the lady who touched Christ’s garment in the crowd,-all nameless-all inspiring But perhaps none more inspiring than the widow who gave her all.

“And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury: for they all did cast in of their superfluity; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark12:42-44)

She gave all that she had. What an inspiration! When we give of our meager funds, our time, our family, our physical strength, we often feel proud. Many times we have given of our surplus, but Jesus said she gave it ALL!

How often have nameless women given all that they had so that Christ and His kingdom might be lifted up? When I consider this widow, I am inspired to give more and pray that I might be counted as a nameless woman for the cause of Christ.

WALK THE TALK

2012-01-18T20:00:00.000-06:00

Note: The following post is a rewrite. I have been going through saved articles and posts as I work on a new proposal. I found this and thought how pertinent it is right now as we listen to all these promises from the political world.

Walking for exercise and meditation seems to be for all ages, sizes, and nationalities. Magazine covers, book stores and videos are filled with stories of the rewards of a personal walking program. Because I am a walker, I often reach for the magazine with “New Personal Walking Program” as its latest promise. Or the latest edition of Family Circle© that has emblazoned “WALK OFF MORE WEIGHT” in bright orange letters on the cover. Walking books are a part of my personal library, and every famous star seems to have an exercise or walking video available for $19.95. All are filled with good advice and excellent illustrations, but reading and watching give me little result. I read them all (well not all, but probably too many). Through experience I have discovered that reading the article or watching the video does very little except waste my time. I have “book learning” about walking, but if I don’t walk, my knowledge does me no good. Talking the walk doesn’t make me a walker.

Isn’t it the same with those of us who call ourselves Christians? Many today are naming the name of Christian, but reading the Book and watching the preacher don’t make us Christians any more than reading the article in the magazine and watching the video makes me a walker. I tell people I walk, but if I wear out after walking a block, I surely haven’t done much more than read the instructions. I can’t have been practicing too much.

I claim the name of Christian, but ‘if I have not love, I am as a clanging cymbal” only good for noise”- (1Corinthians 13:1 NIV) I attend the services of the local congregation on Sunday, sing, pray, and greet my fellow Christians. But, if on Monday my tongue is cutting and cursing those same people, I am only reading the Scripture not practicing what I have read. I have knowledge, but no action. James says “To know to do good and not to do it is as sin.” (James 4:17 NIV)

God’s Word tells us that even Satan know the Scripture. Knowing and doing are different parts of the Christian walk. Of course, we need to know God’s Word, but until we start walking it, His Word is useless. As reading the books and magazines does nothing for my physical body, reading and studying do little for my spiritual well-being. I must walk the walk. I encourage you also to walk spiritually as well as physically.

CHANGES

2011-10-24T21:52:00.000-05:00

Fields are beginning to be bare and geese honk as the shadow of their flight reflects on the water of the lake. Obviously the season is changing, and once again we will make the trip to our winter home in Florida. Even though I enjoy our home there, I find the change rather difficult at times. Perhaps it has something to do with age. I smile as I write that because I know it has much to do with age.

My mother lived for 92 years, and we often discussed the changes she had experienced in her life. And as I walk this morning, many of the changes I have experienced in my lifetime come to mind.

I once read my favorite book, Little Women, by kerosene lamp; after electricity came into our home, I listened to The Lone Ranger on our very modern radio; I was in the third grade before our family had a bathroom and running water; our ring on the party line telephone was two shorts and one long ring; and the changes went on.

My high school graduation present was a very modern electric typewriter; and later my children wore cloth diapers that I washed in a wringer washer and hung on the clothesline to dry in freezing winter weather. I taught myself about a computer on a new TRS 80 with DOS. I wore high-heeled shoes and skirts to teach school. Dial-up Internet was a miracle in Grandview, Illinois. And the changes went on.

Our son is now a grandfather. Our great-granddaughter celebrated her second birthday in September. She changes so quickly. What will she know in her lifetime? What changes will she experience as she walks into the future?

I can make few promises to her about her future. Changes will be many, but one promise I can make. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” If her faith is in Him as she walks through life, she can face any and all changes that come into her world. I walk on praying that she and all young children facing our changing world will realize this truth.

ANOTHER SEASON

2011-10-13T10:13:00.000-05:00

Some of this devotion may seem familiar to my readers as I have used portions of this description in past years.

ANOTHER SEASON

The musty smell of harvest dust filters into the breeze. Farming families eat in fields; wives and children become errand boys and hired hands. The grain market and the weather report develop into the major news. The geese fly south again. Leaves fade into brilliant reds and golds and the harvest moon rises in the October sky. Fall festivals are rampant, school is in full swing and the high school football season dwindles to one game and the play-offs. Autumn in the Midwest.

Little chipmunks and bushy tailed squirrels invade my lawn. One little fellow struggles defiantly with the acorns falling among the leaves on our patio. As I step out quietly for my walk, I stop to watch his struggle. He finds them much more appealing than we do.

Across the way, the geese are strutting around the edge of Eads Lake, staking their claim to our neighbors’ yards. Soon they will huddle, honk to one another and begin their journey across the sky. I pause to watch and listen as they rise into the blue October sky.

On around my circle, I notice that the neighbor on the corner has planted several mums-the full-blown bushes are swathed in blooms glowing in the light of the afternoon sun. I return to our house and note how all of my summer blossoms are beginning to fade to rusty brown. It is time to remove them from the pots and plant them for next season.

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sitting with the sun soaking my shoulders, I reflect on the seasons of my life. I have decided that each season of my life has had its sunshine and its rain, its clouds and its storms; however, much like God’s creation prepares this morning for the season ahead, I, too, continue to make preparation for winter. Of course, just as the seasons of nature come upon us rather quickly, so, too, do the seasons of life. It’s almost Winter for me-in nature and in life. Am I prepared for the coming season?

Today’s society seems so absorbed with today and the issues of the day that no preparation is made for the coming season. Planning and preparation are a part of God’s plan. He has made plans for us in this life. (“I know the plans I have for you…”Jeremiah 29:11) and for eternity (“I go to prepare a place for you” John 14:3), but we need to prepare for both. Perhaps I need to slow down, take a deep breath, and prepare for winter.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY: Lord, slow me down as I walk with you through this life. Help me to realize I need to take time to notice the small things you have prepared for me to do and not become so involved in “ busyness” that I neglect the little things of life that are so important. In Jesus’ name Amen
Enjoy your Preparation-I am
Clella

A QUIET LIFE

2011-09-26T21:13:00.001-05:00

A QUIET LIFE

I read my devotion verse today before I started walking. The verse for the day was “Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, “1 Thessalonians 4: 11 NIV. Later, when I turned the corner on the road toward Crestwood, I saw Mr. Boyer mowing his yard. I often see him working as I walk. Watching him working with his hands reminded me of the verse I had read earlier about working with your hands and leading a quiet life.

Christians are to aspire to lead a quiet life and mind our own business. A QUIET LIFE??? And how do I do that in our culture today? How can I mind my own business when so many put so much “business” out there for the world-Facebook, Twitter, evening news, talk shows and local newspapers.

My desire is to lead a quiet life and mind my own business, but I want to help my neighbor and to pray for the problems of the world. I want to rejoice when my friends are happy and cry when they are sad. How can I do both? What does Paul mean when he writes “mind my own business?” Perhaps he is talking about all the petty quarrels and gossip that circulates even in our churches. Maybe he is reminding us again about judging our neighbor’s action before removing the beam from our own eye.

God tells us to “be still” and the Psalmist writes about “still waters.” Jesus drew away from the crowds in order to pray. He told us to go into “our closet.” All of this reminds me not to be so caught up in my daily living and other people’s business (even though I may have good intentions) that I forget to take that quiet time for my own spiritual and physical well-being.

“If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” Paul admonishes the people at Thessalonica to keep busy so that they would not become busybodies. (Don’t you love his play on words?) An old adage states “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” God intends for us to work. He tells us if our work is for the Lord then our labor is not in vain. (my paraphrase) I pray each day that I might mind my own business and do some work that will bring honor to my Lord.

As I walk and think, I decide that I actually do “aspire to lead a quiet life” and because I do the rest will follow. May you, too, seek to lead a quiet life as you continue your walk.

IT'S HERE AGAIN

2011-09-17T16:23:00.000-05:00

It’s here. The cool, crisp air has finally arrived. I stepped out in a short-sleeved t-shirt and shorts, went across to the Crestwood track, walked one round and headed back. I wanted something a bit warmer on my arms and legs. Wonderful isn’t it?

After the siege of hot weather through July and August, cool breezes and lower temperatures are a welcome break. I grabbed a light jacket and started again with a little quicker step than last week when the heat had seemed to push me into the blacktop with every step (even in early morning.)

The weight of the hot summer has lifted. I can breathe deep again. Rejuvenated and refreshed. I anticipate walking even longer and farther in the next few mornings. I am still walking the same route, but the coolness of the morning, the rustling of the dry leaves and the geese honking across the lake encourage me that Fall is on its way.

I had known it would happen because God’s world continues to work in the way He created it, but for a while, during those hot summer days, I had almost forgotten the caress of cool breeze, the whisper of dry leaves and the harsh honk of the geese that suggests a new season. I welcome the day with a prayer of thanksgiving for all the seasons and the joy each one brings, but today I thank God for my favorite season-Fall.

Life has it seasons, too. Seasons that weigh us down much like the physical heat of this past summer. Days of grief or physical pain or worry and concern for loved ones. Long periods of days when putting one foot in front of another seems an effort. Seasons when we are so burdened we forget the caress of children, the whisper of love and the sound of laughter.

But, if we trust Him, God takes us through that long hard season and brings us back to those times of joy. I am reminded this morning that He is still in control of His Creation, whether it is the seasons of the physical world or the seasons of our life. And I am thankful.

Stumbling Into Grace

2011-09-03T19:16:00.001-05:00

Something new for me on this corner. I have been praying about adding to this blog and sharing other things with my readers about my Christian walk. Since I am an avid reader and many programs are offered for free books to anyone who will review the book at least two places on the internet, I have decided this will be my next route. I will continue to share my walking experiences but at intervals will include a new book review. I hope you will enjoy them.
Keep walking.

Real life, Real Gifts and Real Growth divide Lisa Harper’s STUMBLING INTO GRACE. Lisa confesses quite frankly that her goal “is for the lisping prose to compel readers to lean further into the strong, safe embrace of our Redeemer.” Lisa may not quite have me leaning on the Redeemer’s shoulder, but she certainly causes her reader to lean closer and grow in a relationship with the Savior.
Her refreshing admissions of her own stumbling in life are so easy to understand because we have all stumbled in the same daily areas. She opens Chapter 3 “So, today I’ve been thinking about fattening things.” Well who hasn’t done that? Lisa continues to discuss temptations and addictions both physical and spiritual.
In another chapter she discusses real growth. She relates her struggle to depend more completely on God. Her acknowledgment of her grief at the death of her step-father and her need to depend on the Lord during this time. Each personal illustration is one that as a woman I can so easily relate to and her use of Scripture gives me answers to those stumbling times.

Three sections at the end of each chapter are the exercises that make me lean “into the strong, safe embrace” that she refers to in her opening words. Reacting to the sections Living in Light of His Story, Personal Reflection and/or Group discussion, and Journal Entry helps me to recognize that I ,too, have stumbled into Grace.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

STAY CONNECTED

2011-08-31T21:57:00.000-05:00

STAY CONNECTED

As I turned the corner on Briar Hill Road, I realized I had forgotten my phone. I shrugged and walked on. When I first started walking for exercise (many years ago) cell phones were not even in existence. We did have those noisy C B radios in our homes and then in our cars. But, at that time, when I walked, I had no connection with the world around me. And it was then I really began to make my most important connection.

Today’s society has this seemingly intrinsic need to be connected. Texting and Skypeing, Facebook and Twitter are all a part of daily life. And yet statistics tell us that people today feel emotionally lost and lonely with no real ties to family and friends. Suicide rates, nervous breakdowns and depression run rampant in our culture.

All of these connecting devices have their use, and I admit that I am also a part of the communicate and connect culture; however, until a person has a real connection with God none of these daily devices will solve our need for connection – to one another or to the world in general.

I walked on and reflected about my early walking days and decided that I personally connect in three ways.

· Prayer is communication. Many believe that prayer is talking to God. Asking and sharing-if we are honest more asking than sharing-our daily needs and actions. But one aspect of prayer time that we often forget is “Be still.” God tells us to listen for his answers and when we do both, share and listen, we have truly connected.
· Bible reading is the way we listen some times. And it is also the way we learn. God has connected with us through his son Jesus, and has given us His Word that we might know His will for us. He tells us he has a plan for us, “ A plan to prosper us, not to harm us.” (Jeremiah 29:11) God’s Word has the answers for living in today’s society, but until we read the text, we don’t get the message.
· His church is His people and connecting with God’s people is so important to our link with God. We all have needs that only other people can meet, and connecting with the Church that Christ established fulfills those human needs.

Connection devices such as cell phones and computers give us a feeling of safety and security when we are walking, or home alone, but they can lose power and fail us. A connection with God never fails us. His power is eternal. I am thankful that I have this assurance as I walk through life.
Encouraging you to keep walking and stay connected.
Clella

TAKE TIME

2011-08-20T22:44:00.000-05:00

I wasn’t sure I had time to walk this morning, but didn’t want to get out of the habit so I started out. As I walked closer to Allenwood Drive, I decided to cut my walk short and just go straight on down Wood and home. I really didn’t have time to do the full circle.

I pushed up the road and across the Crestwood schoolyard arriving home rather breathless and somewhat upset with myself.

I had felt a bit rushed all morning even though nothing I had planned was of major importance, except it was Monday morning and the start of a new week. That old saying “so little time and so much to do” seemed appropriate for my attitude. And then, as I plopped down on the bench in the garage to remove my wet tennis shoes, I thought of the closing hymn after yesterday’s worship service.

It had seemed a rather strange choice for the closing hymn.

“Take time to be holy.” Time is such an issue in our daily life. We are so busy with things of life and holiness is not our goal.

“Speak oft with the Lord, Abide in Him always and feed on His word.” Prayer at mealtime and bedtime seems sufficient.

“Make friends with God’s children.” We really don’t have time to get too close to people, and besides we can’t get too involved in other people’s lives in today’s society.

“Help those who are weak.” We certainly give to all the right organizations, but helping on a one to one basis takes so much time and effort.

“Forgetting in nothing His presence to seek.” God surely doesn’t want us to concern Him with the minor decisions. He has told us to pray without ceasing.

I sang the words again and realized they certainly were meant for the week ahead. I reminded myself that I did have time if only I would stop long enough to listen. I encourage you to take a moment and walk a bit with the Lord today.

Just TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY.

Words by William D. Longstaff 1882

Music by George C. Stebbins 1890

Keep Walking
Clella

A SERVANT RESPONSE

2011-08-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

This devotion is one I had written previously and decided to share with readers of this blog. I pray it will bless you. Clella

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus said “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:12-13 NIV)

“We will need to repeat the surgery.” The doctor’s words staggered me. Screws in last year’s hip replacement were not holding. I knew this would bring another time of dependency on others. Until the past year, I had always been the servant, not the receiver.

Humbling ourselves so that others might serve us is often more difficult than serving. Our “stiff necks” of pride may keep us from giving and receiving an offer of love. Much like Peter we find ourselves rejecting those who wish to serve us. Peter’s response exemplifies pride, but Christ depicts a servant’s heart.

To everything there is a season; sometimes we are called to be servants, but there are times we need to let others serve us.

Humbly accepting another servant’s love allows both to experience a blessing-the servant and the recipient. Help us to have the wisdom to know when and where we should be serving, and when we should be the one being served.

Humble yourself and let God give you the proper Servant response today.

AN APPOINTED TIME

2011-08-08T19:45:00.000-05:00

AN APPOINTED TIME

“There is an appointed time for everything. and there is a time for every event under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

As I wander the country road the dusty harvest air smells reminiscent of childhood and home. Ageless and constant, harvest season is always at the appointed time. So is the time for planting and the time for rest.Those who live in farming country understand what the writer of Ecclesiastes meant when he wrote, “There is an appointed time for everything.”(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

And in these stressful seasons in our country perhaps we need to go again to God’s Word to remind ourselves that some things do remain steadfast and sure in this ever-changing world. God’s Word and His promises are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Our concern with every day life is certainly important and needs our attention; however, as we pray we might remember the age-old prayer of serenity. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr

The geese will fly, the planting will happen, the harvest will occur, the sun will come up and God will be in control.

TRUST GOD AND THINK ON THOSE THINGS THAT ARE GOOD AND CERTAIN.

FOUNDATION REMAINS

2011-08-04T09:11:00.001-05:00

“The Christian church burned down last night.” The words flashed from the Facebook page. I scrolled frantically down the screen only to discover graphic pictures of orange flames against the night sky. I sat in sick horror as I clicked from one post to the next. My home church was gone.

My stomach knotted and my eyes blurred as I read the Facebook account. “A charred scrap of sheet music in a neighbor’s yard is all that remains of the contents. As townspeople watched in the 3 a.m. darkness, the roaring orange flames melted the lead and the colored glass of the irreplaceable windows crashed into the burning basement. Three memorable works of art gone in minutes. Only the memories remain.”

A hundred years of memories. No one remembers the landscape of the town without the brick structure of the Kansas Christian Church. But this morning in the local coffee shop, the bank, the elevator, the library, the lumberyard or any place where two or three gather together memories are shared with a lump in the throat and a tear in the eye. And Facebook becomes the place for all who have moved away to remember and find comfort.

A former preacher’s daughter who now serves at a mission in Montana wrote, “I used it as my playground - climbed all over the outside and pretended I was a rock star on the inside.”

Another wrote, “my wedding in the beautiful building and a gorgeous sunny afternoon. Standing at the threshold with my Dad while waiting to walk down the aisle and seeing the sun stream through the wonderful stained glass!!!!

A young man posted this memory, “when times were tough and money was tight the community let my family clean that building and just something about doing the work together just makes me smile.”

Many wrote of singing loud in Jr. church, of youth groups and Muppets in the services. Several spoke of “ choir specials; the wall chimes playing at the end of each Sunday morning service; Christmas tradition: KCC's 100th Anniversary celebration.” One young man reminded his friends of walking on the ledge around the outside of the building.

So many lives touched; so many memories shared. And my memories are rampant as I walk this morning. I remember the cold night of my baptism as a young teenager, and the summer I taught my first class there, and the early morning wedding ceremony fifty-six years ago to my young soldier boyfriend.

It was in this building with our family as witnesses that his friend Dean Speece immersed my 62-year-old father in baptism. I

remember thinking then what a brave thing to do at that age and now it doesn’t seem nearly so old. And in that same building several years later our family sang that old hymn How Great Thou Art at my Dad’s funeral.

After his death, my mother with community help donated to build a handicap ramp for the building in honor of my father. Yesterday, when I saw the burned building with only a few walls standing that ramp was still there. For me it was symbolic of the heritage of this building. The Kansas Christian church building is no longer, but just like the ramp, the Kansas Christian Church is still there.

We sing “The Church’s One Foundation is Jesus Christ the Lord” and when circumstances destroy a building, we are reminded that our faith is not based in stained glass windows and brick walls. Fires will not destroy the Church. The Church Jesus established remains in Kansas, Illinois and any place where people confess Jesus as the Son of God.

IT'S COUNTY FAIR TIME

2011-07-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

It’s fair time! As I walked along Wood Street two vehicles pulling livestock trailers passed me, and I thought about the upcoming fair week. The excitement and fun of the fair began a couple of weeks ago when we attended the box seat auction. It was then I began to reminisce and anticipate the celebration of the 150^th year of the Edgar County Fair.

Anticipation of the Fair was a part of my growing up years. Some of my favorite summer memories are my participation in the Edgar County Fair.

As a small child, I would stand in front of the smeared glass pane of the cotton candy stand and gaze as the lady magically spun the beautiful pink sugar onto the paper cone. ( Now it comes in plastic bags and where is the magic in that?)

And then, the merry-go-round music would start, and I clutched my mother’s hand waiting for my turn to mount the beautiful black pony. Does anyone else remember watching the little ducks float by and grabbing the one you knew had the winning number for the teddy bear? (I never picked that number, but I always tried.)

In my young teenage years, (before a drivers’ license) the 4-H fair was the highlight of the summer. Not just the culmination of my cooking and sewing projects or the excitement of showing my Herford calf, but walking the carnival with my friends. How many trips did we make up and down the carnival route? The giggling girls in one group and the loud, obnoxious boys following. I’m not sure that has changed.

As a young bride in the summer of 1955, I attended the horse races with my in-laws. My father-in-law, Frank Camp, loved the county fairs-Marshall, Martinsville, Greenup and certainly Paris. My soldier husband was not around that summer, and I learned about harness racing from Dad Camp at the Edgar County Fair.

And in a few years, our children began the fair anticipation/participation cycle. History repeating itself as we did the dog obedience class at the 4-H fair, and I know our teenage children walked the carnival.

Soon, (and it seemed very soon) our grandchildren were toddlers. The Edgar County Fair was the place for their first Carousel ride, their first Ferris Wheel ride holding hands to keep Grandma from being scared. and the journey down the big slide in Dad’s lap. Those toddlers slid right into teenagers walking the carnival as I had fifty years before.

And as Edgar County celebrates its 150^th year, I am anticipating participating with our great-granddaughter as I watch her ride the merry-Go Round, or eat a pronto pup or wipe some cotton candy off her sticky face.

The joy is in the anticipation and then the participation. I have been thinking about how that is also true of our Christian faith. When we participate in the fellowship, in the work, in the meeting together we then begin to experience the joy and excitement of being a part of the family of God. And as we participate in the things of God, we anticipate not only our time together here on earth, but perhaps also we can anticipate eternity.

We don’t anticipate if we don’t participate whether it’s the celebration of the 150^th Edgar County Fair or the celebration of our Christian faith.

Anticipating seeing you at the Fair and in eternity.

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Coming Soon...DILL

2011-07-08T09:41:00.000-05:00

I am learning about Dill. Hope to write the post some time on Friday. Life is happening and so good that I don't want to miss anything. :-) DILL IS INTERESTING!

STANDING GUARD

2011-07-02T20:29:00.002-05:00

"I urge.then. first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior."1 Timothy 2:2-6

This is an old post, but one I have reworked and want to share with readers again. My feelings have not changed.

   A wooden Uncle Sam waves an American flag as he guards the corner of my neighbor’s lawn. Along my walking route, small symbols of America, flags, bunting and windsocks, flutter in the subtle breeze.

   The clang of a barbeque grill in a local back yard puts the feeding squirrel up the nearest tree. Music floats from the sound system of the teenager’s vehicle as it stops at the four-way intersection. Childish laughter from the children down the street echoes above the edges of their newly installed pool and hovers on the surface of the neighborhood. Serene, soothing sounds of Midwest America as it prepares for the summer celebration.

   July 4th is fast approaching and here in this Edgar County Illinois town (population 10,000) tradition is strong. Food, flags, fun and fireworks are the order of the day. First the parade, and then we flock with family and friends to the local parks for fellowship with young and old. A great-grandmother rocks the newest baby in her arms as she applauds her grandson’s solo in the city band concert. Horseshoes clang against the iron stake. Mothers scold and fathers chat. Children chase in among the adults begging for one more cotton candy, one more goofy golf game, one more ride in the paddle boats.

   The day builds as the darkness approaches. Blankets and lawn chairs start spotting the grass like beacons for the children in the early twilight. A low murmur of expectation, crying babies, and muttering parents mingles with the high pitched whine of tired children. Red stars burst on the night sky and the fireworks begin. Moans of appreciation explode from the crowd, and another 4th of July is celebrated in Edgar County Illinois.

   Edgar County is a small spot in the American countryside, but we understand the price for freedom. Beneath the surface of every Fourth of July celebration is our first hand knowledge of the sacrifice and sadness that has made it possible. We see the veteran’s memorial on our town square; we are aware of those who have given. The sacrifice of life of our young National Guard soldiers in Iraq gives a bittersweet gratefulness to our heritage And no matter our faith we surely must be thankful for that heritage we really don’t deserve.

   Join me in prayer for those families who have given so much, and for those who are still giving so that we can walk and pray and worship with our family. Thank them, their families and God that we can be a part of America. With all its faults people are still struggling and giving their lives that we can maintain this freedom and I am personally thankful for that effort. May God truly bless us all.

2011-05-18T22:05:00.002-05:00

HOME AGAIN We arrived in Edgar County from our winter in Florida just a few weeks ago and I am reminded again that this is my home. I have written each year about the feeling of returning home to familiar faces and places. A certain satisfaction and a feeling of contentment becomes a part of each day.

It always takes me a few weeks to make the transition in living environments. Not necessarily the weather, but also the home...what I think I have, I don't have and what I think I don't have, I do have. Nothing seems to be in the right place and I hunt for the sugar and find the salt. I meet people I have known for several years and can't remember their name-of course they call me by name and inquire about my health. I fake it until I can make an association with the face and the name. Total confusion for a few days, but I am beginning to adjust. It happens each year and will be the same when we return to Florida. I am blessed to live in two places, but find myself being slower to adjust each year.

 When I walk in the mornings the people greet me with "Welcome Home,” So good to see you" "How have you been?" I anticipate this each morning for the first few days, as it is always a good feeling to know that people are genuinely glad to see you. As I walked this morning, I got to thinking about heaven. Of course, as I get older I find myself thinking more about heaven and family and friends I plan to see there. Perhaps my thoughts of heaven occur because of the recent change in my environment or maybe because of the death of a good friend who isn’t here to visit with me this year. Whatever the reason, I have had heaven on my mind. (Isn't that the name of a song? If it isn't, it should be.)

  And this morning I realized that this is what will happen when I get inside heaven's gates. I will walk in the light of the Son and people I haven't seen for so many years will be glad to see me. They will call out to me as I enter "Glad to see you"! And as I walk, I will see Jesus and he will smile and be glad to see me. I want to hear him say "Well done good servant." And all the people there will call me by name, and I will know them and there will be no aching bodies, no dimming eyesight, no tears, no worries about the economy, no concerns about our children or our grandchildren, no heartache- just peace. Enjoy your walk. Clella

News Note

2011-05-09T10:36:00.001-05:00

We are now back in Illinois so I am walking my old route. Perhaps this year I will try some new paths. I love home!

CONTINUOUS PRAYER

2011-05-09T10:05:00.013-05:00

Browsing through some articles I have written and found this from June 1, 2006. Isn't it interesting that the preacher's statement in Ecclesiastes "there is nothing new under the sun" is so true? I am still writing about prayer. I have been writing recently about the comment "I never say amen." Isn't this the same thought with different words? I have deleted some of the post and changed my age reference from 69 to 74. (Smile) Just felt this is worth sharing again.

The longer I live the more I pray. It would seem you would get better at it as time goes on,but in my case I just realize each day how much I need God's help for anything I do. The "pray without ceasing" admonition has become my motto.

God is so good to me that I must spend so much time just thanking Him for the blessings of the day. Then someone gets sick, and I must go to Him for peace and healing. Before I realize it, someone in the church is in trouble spiritually or physically or mentally, and I need to talk to God about them because who else can we turn to.

So on and on it goes and the day is over and it is time for rest and he gives it to me every night.There is a saying someplace about "giving your cares to God before you sleep because He is going to be up anyway" :-) And I do try to do that. Once I go to bed I usually have very little trouble sleeping.

I do try to keep my lines to God open by continuous prayer...I can see His hand in all my life from the smallest of details in the day to the overall of the 74 years I have lived.I would encourage you to go to His Word and then to prayer

My prayer for today is that you who read this might be uplifted and encouraged to talk to God and never say amen. Clella

2011-04-22T21:00:00.001-05:00

MAY YOU KNOW THE JOY OF THE RISEN SAVIOR.

NEVER SAY AMEN

2011-04-19T21:12:00.010-05:00

This morning is a bit muggy. Such a great word muggy. Humid, clammy, oppressive, and sultry are all listed as synonyms but muggy is the word for the day. As I walk, the Florida sun comes through the fuzzy, gray clouds, and I know the weatherman is saying “hot and humid” for another day. I love it of course. I thank God for this day and this place, and as I walk by my friend’s mobile, I thank Him for good friends who care about my husband and me.

Walking time is prayer time for me. Sometimes I pray through the family (my children and their children) and other times I pray specifically for a felt personal need. I always seem to have more prayers than walking time. I think about our Sunday School class conversation a few weeks ago. A lady said, " I never say amen.”

I thought about her comment again this morning. What a wonderful way to live. It’s constant contact with God. The thought of “never say amen” means we can be in the presence of God all the time. And didn’t He tell us that? Lo, I am with always, even unto the ends of the earth.” Matthew 25:

But sometimes we forget He is still there. We say Amen and go on with our life. We keep our prayer life and our Bible Study life in these separate little times and places. I think this week I will never say amen, but keep the line open for constant communication with God. I may be in for a surprise. (It just occurred to me-God may be surprised too.)

I walk on in the morning sun, and little breeze hits my face and ruffles my hair. Thank you again God for this beautiful day, but I’m not done yet. No amen this week.

Clella

GOD'S PLAN AND MY PLAN

2011-04-03T21:13:00.004-05:00

I know God chuckles at our feeble efforts to make plans. We are so intent on what we feel is best that we forget to wait on the Lord. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31 God tells us He knows the plans He has for us-“plans to prosper us, not to harm us.” We know these things; we quote these verses. And yet we often make our decisions without waiting for God. And then something happens or several somethings, and we realize that God is God and we are not.

In the past few months, I had decided that perhaps writing was not really the way God wanted to use me. I no longer felt He had something to say through me. I really had quit trying to do much with the written word beyond the blog entry for my Kindred Heart writing group and once in a six-week period I had written a short devotion for the group. My Clella’s Corner blog was almost obsolete and no submissions have found their way to editors’ desk. No new pages were produced for my now old idea about spices.

Excuse after excuse flowed. I had decided I was done writing. After all, I am getting older (notice I did not say old, just older.) I was not too sad with this idea. Writing takes time and is hard work. I was enjoying my days of leisure.

But this tiny guilt feeling kept nudging when I walked, when I wasn’t playing, when I read my devotions. So I prayed “God what do you want me to do now? I am ready to do something else for you.” Notice I am telling God I want to do something besides write. In fact, I have a few ideas, and I shared them with Him.

As I walked this morning, I said, “Good morning.” to the lady walking toward me.She responded, “Oh I’m so glad I met you. I’m reading your book and I just love it.”

“Oh?” The surprise must have been evident.

“My friend loaned it to me and now my husband and I are both reading it. Can I buy two? I want one for myself and one as a gift for a friend.” She came by my home later and purchased the books.

While she was there, another friend asked to buy a book for her friend. It has been quite awhile since I have personally sold any books, and now I have sold three within an hour.Later in the same day, my phone rang. A friend I had not heard from since Christmas calling to visit, to check on us and to ask why I wasn’t posting on my blog. I really had no answer.“Well, I’ll pray about it.” she commented as we said our good-byes.

All in one day God seems to be telling me “He knows the plans He has…” for me. His plan is the same as it has always been. He wants me to write. And so I will wait upon the Lord and I will write and my strength will be renewed and I will walk and not grow faint. Please join me.

Still writing and walking

Clella

APOLOGY AND EXPLANATION

2011-02-15T20:43:00.004-06:00

Obviously, I have not been posting on this blog. I have been in limbo about continuing this particular blog as I wanted to dwell on my new book proposal. Since it is based on a totally different concept I felt the need to just take a break from the walking blog. This does not mean I have taken a break from walking. I am still walking and I do have another walking book in proposal form and with my agent. It is my hope that he will be to find a publisher for JUST AROUND THE CORNER (my new walking book.) I am in the first draft form of a new book called SPICE UP YOUR LIFE(devotional/cookbook).It is my plan to develop a blog incorporating some of the information and devotions from SPICE UP YOUR LIFE. I will be contacting each of my readers when this blog is up and going. thank you for your continued interest in JUST WALKING. Please pray for this new endeavor. Clella

SLOW DOWN

2010-10-07T21:01:00.010-05:00

On around the circle, I notice that the neighbor on the corner has planted several mums-the full-blown bushes are swathed in blooms glowing in the light of the afternoon sun. I vaguely remember he planted them several weeks ago, but I became fully aware of them today.

I return to our house and notice how my pots of mums are beginning to fade into rusty brown blossoms. It is time to remove them from the pots and plant them for next season. I pull up the lawn chair to rest after my journey around the neighborhood. Sitting with the sun soaking my shoulders, I begin to reflect on the spiritual side of our life. Maybe we need to sometimes just slow down there also. Sometimes we get so busy with our church work that we don’t stop to notice the little things around us.

Sunday morning our auditorium was beautifully decorated, but I didn’t take time to find out who had done it. I was too busy making plans for lunch after church, and discussing a meeting that I wanted to go to on Wednesday night. Someone would surely have appreciated recognition for their efforts, but I needed to hurry on for lunch.

We go to a committee meeting and make big decisions, but fail to take note of an absent member. No one bothers to find out why they aren’t in attendance. We are just are in a hurry to get this over with and get on to our next meeting. Someone may have needed us.

I intended to increase my Bible Study time this past month. I did my regular reading and then hurried on to something else. Just not enough time for everything I thought. Maybe this winter I will have more time. I know in my heart I need God’s word.

Perhaps we need to stop being so religiously busy and just slow down for more prayer time during the day, be more aware of the people who are missing at our gatherings, and study the Word more diligently rather than a cursory reading to fill the allotted time we give to reading the Bible. Somewhat like the little creatures storing their nuts, the brown leaves on my plants and the geese that will soon be gone, we may be missing a spiritual blessing and unless we slow down we may never realize what we have missed.

Lord, slow me down as I walk with you through this life. Help me to realize I need to take time to notice the small things you have prepared for me to do and not become so involved in “ busyness” that I neglect the little things of life that are so important. Enjoy your walk.

BE STILL

2010-09-24T21:44:00.003-05:00

A quiet walk this morning is exactly what I need. I love people, but sometimes a person needs to be alone. Maybe it is just in my life, but I don’t think so. Quiet time seems to be something we all search for. I watch young mothers as they hurry from boss to baby sitters, from baby sitters to ball practice, from ball games to bedtime and wonder how they find time for the every day tasks that must be accomplished.

And for the working grandmother it has become non-stop. Grandmothers, attempting to be all things to all people, flit from one grandchild to the next, go from one committee meeting, church meeting, lunch meeting or business meeting because Society has told us that “good” grandmothers can do it all. Grandmothers who don’t have outside jobs frequently become the baby sitter, and the merry-go round begins for them also.

Hovering like a dark cloud over all this to and fro is the latest DJ on the rock radio, the talk show on the television, the cell phone ringing in her purse, the television news caster with the latest from Wall Street and the Schwann© man ringing the doorbell.

It isn’t always the noise of the world that keeps us from God, sometimes it is the noise within us. We don’t stop long enough to let God speak to us. Rather we hurry from one thought to another, from one idea to another, from one comment to another without giving God any part of our mind. We seem to feel that we need to be always thinking, always planning, always doing something. God says, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10). We can hear God in many ways if we take the time.

Reading His Word and then thinking about what we have read is a good way to start. Praying and then waiting for a response is also useful in hearing God. It is the waiting that is hard for me. I want Him to talk to me right now and I want an answer, preferably my answer. I feel many are like me in that way.

And I can hear Him as I am walking this morning if only I pay attention. The geese are flying south; the leaves are turning from green to yellow; the harvest is happening; the air is getting cooler. All of this only demonstrates how consistent and faithful God is. The people and structures of our society may be changing and noisy, but if I slow down and listen I can recognize that God is still in charge of my life and is softly whispering “Be Still and Know that I AM.

We have allowed the world to take over our time. Perhaps we need to heed the words of the old hymn we sing in worship.

Take time to be holy Speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, And feed on His Word.

Make friends of God's children;

Help those who are weak;

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, The world rushes on;

Much time spend in secret With Jesus alone...;

” William D. Longstaff, 1822 -1894 lyric

CHANGES

2010-09-11T20:21:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, even one day can make a difference. I noticed the change in the air when I started out. Even though it is still rather warm, the cooler breeze has a smell of fall and a certain sharpness is in the air. Corn stalks rustle and geese honk as the shadow of their flight reflects on the water of the lake. Obviously the season is changing. Even though I enjoy the changing of the seasons, I find that change is rather difficult at times. Perhaps it has something to do with age. I’m smiling as I write this because I know it has much to do with age.

My mother lived for 92 years, and we often discussed the changes she had experienced in her life. And as I walk this morning, many of the changes I have experienced in my lifetime come to mind.

I once read my favorite book, Little Women , by kerosene lamp; after electricity came into our home, I listened to The Lone Ranger on our very modern radio; I was in the third grade before our family had a bathroom and running water; our ring on the party line telephone was two shorts and one long ring; and the changes went on.

Our son and his wife became grandparents last year. What a change this has brought into our family. Our great-granddaughter’s birthday was this week. She changes so quickly. What will she know in her lifetime? What changes will she experience as she moves into the future?

I can make no promises to her about her future. Changes will be many, but one promise I can make. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” If her faith is in Him, she can face any and all changes that come into her world. And as this thought came to mind, I walk on praying that she and all young children facing our changing world will realize this truth.

JUST KEEP WALKING WITH HIM.

THE SECOND MILE

2010-08-19T07:17:00.004-05:00

I began making excuses even before I reached the corner where I normally turn. My major excuse was the heat. My shirt was already damp and beads of perspiration glowed on my arms. I have been increasing my distance recently so I felt I could skip the second mile. No one but me needs to know I didn’t turn the corner. One day doesn’t really matter. So, I didn’t walk the second mile. I didn’t even look that way when I arrived at Allenwood Street sign.. I went on my way toward home and really didn’t think about it any more.

Until this morning when I began to walk and realized how easy it was to walk by the corner where I turn for the second mile. It is still hot and all the excuses I gave myself the last time are still valid so again I skipped the second mile. It’s much the same way in life isn’t it? We go the first mile with our friend in need-give them an encouraging word, a pat on the back, a minute or two of our time. But if they need more, we can’t seem to go around that corner. It’s too hot to mow the elderly neighbor’s yard; you don’t have time to visit the shut-in down the street; you helped the young mother yesterday so surely she doesn’t expect your help again this week.

Soon, all the reasons we give ourselves for not going that extra mile for those around us become a part of our daily thinking. What bothered us for a day or two is no longer a problem.

I realized after a few days that my physical walking needed not only the extra mile but even more if I was going to sustain my physical stamina. Help us to realize that the same is true in our relationships with the people around us. In Matthew 5, Jesus told his listeners “if someone asked us to go a mile, we are to go two.” It is only when we go the extra mile that we become spiritually stronger and able to serve our family, our community and our Lord.

KEEP WALKING

WHAT'S FOR SALE?

2010-08-02T12:32:00.002-05:00

WHAT’S FOR SALE?

As I finished my walk, I found myself thinking about the estate sale of two sisters that we had attended recently. I knew nothing about their lives, but as the auctioneer’s sales’ patter rang through the loud speaker, a shudder of melancholy had passed though me. Two lives displayed on long tables under striped tents, lining the perimeter of a half-acre field. And all I knew about them displayed on these tables and around this tent.

I stopped at a yard sale this morning and sifted through some items in a large box, slid the hangers back and forth on the metal clothes rack and flipped through several old books. Nothing there that really appealed to me, but I enjoyed digging though someone else’s stuff.

Thinking about all of these different sales and the lives reflected, I considered how often we judge someone’s life by the material possessions left behind.

And frequently we place such value on our earthly possessions-our home, our business, our diamond rings-that we lose sight of the truly valuable possessions of life. Many work diligently to leave their children a profitable business, but leave no memories of spoken love and spiritual caring. Others scrimp for the education of their children and grandchildren, but neglect teaching them about God and his love for them.

Even if our material possessions are displayed for sale as a way to divide our estate this is not really significant. It is important that our heirs will have memories of our displays of love and a knowledge and desire for the word of God as a part of their inheritance. Let us work toward that inheritance for our family.

OUTNUMBERED MOM

2010-07-24T11:27:00.006-05:00

My friend Laura just received her first shipment of her first book! It isn't quite the same as the birth of a child, but comparable. I rejoice with her!!! Buy one. I know you will enjoy it.

GARBAGE

2010-07-14T21:25:00.008-05:00

I hear the noise from the shifting truck gears and the grinding compactor as I step outside. It is Wednesday-garbage pickup day. All around my walking route I notice my neighbors have already put out their trash. Some homes have two or three large cans overflowing with the refuse of their week. Others have only a little tied-up Walmart sack. The garbage men and I seem to be following the same route. I turn the corner; they turn the corner. I wave-they wave. This is not the first morning this has happened.

But this morning, it occurs to me what a good deal it is to have someone come by and take away our refuse and rubbish each week. If only we could do the same thing with the garbage that shows up in our minds. I definitely would like to dispose of the trash that piles up in my thoughts each day.

My past week has been cluttered with vacation plans, family accidents and daily issues. And packed in around this are the leftovers of the television shows, the books and the music that flood my world. Much of what fills my mind is trash. My worries about our vacation travels are certainly out of proportion and each day’s worries are enough for the day. (A brief Clella paraphrase of Luke 12:34). Our son-in-law is healing from his accident, and my worry will not speed his recovery. But so often we carry this garbage from day to day until it piles up and interferes with our daily life.

I often forget that I do have a way to rid my mind of all these worldly troubles. Jesus said “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” And in Galatians 6:2 we are told to “Carry each others burdens” and 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

So I walk into a new week with a clean mind and pray that this week I will remember to put my trash where it belongs-in Jesus’ hands.

FAITH FOR THE FOURTH

2010-07-01T10:22:00.000-05:00

In 2006 I posted this article and today as I walked I saw the same figure in the yard I walk by and I thought of this post. As I read it over, I decided it was still my feeling about this country we live in and I decided to post it a second time. I pray you too will remember the good in our country on this day when we celebrate our freedom and praise our Lord. Blessings Clella

"I urge.then. first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior."1 Timothy 2:2-6

A wooden Uncle Sam waves an American flag as he guards the corner of my neighbor’s lawn. Along my walking route, small symbols of America, flags, bunting and windsocks, flutter in the subtle breeze. The clang of a barbeque grill in a local back yard puts the feeding squirrel up the nearest tree. Music floats from the sound system of the teenager’s vehicle as it stops at the four-way intersection. Childish laughter from the children down the street echoes above the edges of their newly installed pool and hovers on the surface of the neighborhood. Serene, soothing sounds of Midwest America as it prepare for the summer celebration.

July 4th is fast approaching. Here in this Edgar County Illinois town (population 10,000) tradition is strong. Food, flags, fun and fireworks are the order of the day. First the parade, and then we flock with family and friends to the local parks for fellowship with young and old. A great-grandmother rocks the newest baby in her arms as she applauds her grandson’s solo in the city band concert. Horseshoes clang against the iron stake. Mothers scold and fathers chat. Children chase in among the adults begging for one more cotton candy, one more goofy golf game, one more ride in the paddle boats.

The day builds as the darkness approaches. Blankets and lawn chairs start spotting the grass like beacons for the children in the early twilight. A low murmur of expectation, crying babies, and muttering parents mingles with the high pitched whine of tired children. Red stars burst on the night sky and the fireworks begin. Moans of appreciation explode from the crowd, and another 4th of July is celebrated in Edgar County Illinois.

Edgar County is a small spot in the American countryside, but we understand the price for freedom. Beneath the surface of every Fourth of July celebration is our first hand knowledge of the sacrifice and sadness that has made it possible. We see the veteran’s memorial on our town square; we are aware of those who have given. Recent deaths of our young National Guard soldiers in Iraq gives a bittersweet gratefulness to our heritage And no matter our faith we surely must be thankful for that heritage we really don’t deserve.

Join me in prayer for those families who have given so much, and for those who are still giving so that we can walk and pray and worship with our family. Thank them and God that we can be a part of America. With all its faults people are still struggling and giving their lives that we can maintain this freedom and I am personally thankful for that effort. May God truly bless us all.

STORM WATCH

2010-06-17T06:23:00.008-05:00

When I started my walk, the sky was an early morning blue and the sun in the east was beginning to turn orange. Everything around was still a bit hazy, but the birds were singing, and I could hear the traffic on Rout 150 as the world woke up to another work day. I had decided to walk up to Schwartz Park again this morning so I started through the school yard and over to the black top road behind the school. A few geese had already found the early morning worms or whatever they pick at in the dirt in the area around the track. They hardly noticed me. Some city workers were checking the new water facility as they do every morning.

At this point in my walking I usually wait for the school buses to leave, but summer break has started so the long row of buses sat unusually quiet waiting for repairs and maintenance to begin. As I turned at the corner onto Wood Street, I rejoiced in the sun and the beautiful day that stretched ahead.

But suddenly, a distant rumble, a dark cloud and a breath of heavy wind warned me of the approaching storm. I quickly turned for home as I knew our area was going to get another squall. They come up so quickly that we hardly have time to find shelter, shut the windows, or take the wash from the line. I had shut the windows on the van and put my sheets in the washer before I started walking so I hurried home to safety.

Yesterday afternoon when I went into the Walmart, the sun was shining brightly, and when I started to leave sheets of rain were blowing across the parking lot and water was running in the streets. These storms have been coming so suddenly that we have little time to prepare for them. My umbrella was in my van, of course.

It occurs to me that the storms of life are much the same. Our lives are full of happiness, job is good, kids are healthy, and all is well with our world. Then, without warning the storm hits. Our breadwinner gets laid off without notice; a loved one receives a serious diagnosis; the bills begin to stack up. And sometimes we have prepared, but sometimes we find that “we have left the umbrella in the van.” We are not prepared for the downpour of trouble we are facing. And it's then I turn to God and yell "help!" And as I have walked through the storms of life, I have found praying and reading His Word has not only been an "umbrella", but has also prepared me a bit more for the next time.(and there is always a next time)

Join me in preparing for walking in stormy weather as well as in the sunshine. May you know only sunshine today. Clella

BE CONTENT

2010-06-02T10:40:00.010-05:00

As I walk this morning, the fog is light, but the air is heavy. I decide to walk up the highway (on the side facing traffic) and then continue on the sidewalk for a few blocks. Everything seems a bit draggy. The car on the street is creeping, the sound of the construction across from the hospital is muffled, the bird’s songs are muted and my tennis shoes just drag on the concrete. I can feel a slight breeze, but even the air is sluggish.

As I walk toward High street, the shrubbery has grown until the sidewalk is rather narrow and my arm rubs the dew from the leaves. A bit disgruntled by this slow, damp morning, I start north up High Street.

As I often do, I begin to think of a Bible verse to fit the situation. I have been thinking on this particular verse now for several weeks and have found it applicable for soggy or sunny days. Now it comes to mind again. ... “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11) Paul wrote this to the church at Philippi while he was in jail. What a way to learn!

Perhaps, like Paul, we need to “learn” to be content. Even though the fog is still there, the humidity is high and the shrubs are wet, I can be content in the things around me at the moment.

Come walk with me and together we will learn to be content as Paul wrote "in any circumstance."

Contented Clella

MOONSHINE

2010-05-29T22:08:00.011-05:00

I walked a little late this morning. It is a holiday weekend (Memorial Day) and I just didn't get started when I wanted to. Not that a holiday means much to those of us who are retired, but this day I thought about the past as I walked. We had visited cemeteries yesterday and always a person has memories after they leave. When I returned home, my husband asked if I wanted to ride to MOONSHINE for lunch and of course, I agreed. It was a beautiful day for a motorcycle ride. So Come Ride with Us. I wish I could describe Moon shine Illinois to you. We rode south on country roads for almost an hour-not true country because all of them were black top roads--true country roads around here are gravel and dirt and we still have some, but they are not meant for motorcycles. We rode about 45 mph because my husband is a retired farmer and it is an absolute that he must check each field as we progress toward our destination. MoonShine ( and I don't know if it is two words or one) is located on the corner intersection of two country black top roads and there is absolutely nothing there, but a grove of trees and an old run down country store building. As we entered the intersection we could see cars parked on both sides of the east/west road and in the field on the south corner were approximately 80 motorcycles, two buses for transporting older people, and one small tour bus. The line for food was out the door and spilled down into the yard. Perhaps ten wooden picnic tables were already filled with people and others had spread their food on picnic style blankets under the trees at the back of the yard. We got in line and as the line moved slowly toward the door, we began to smell the hamburgers, cheeseburgers and chips. Honestly, this is all they serve! Huge handmade hamburger patties fried on the grill with cheese and bacon extra. Cold drinks are swimming in the ice in the galvanized horse tank next to the cashier who is seated under a huge oak tree by the road. Here is the procedure. Stand in line, when you reach the meat counter at the far end of the country store, you place your order, leave your name and stand back in the crowded corner of the store or find a seat on one of the pew-like wooden benches placed along each side in front of the old glass roll top display counters. After approximately fifteen to twenty minutes your name is called and you push your way through the sweaty, murmuring crowd to pick up your paper plate filled with two huge cheeseburgers. (I had bacon on mine) Now you make your way slowly back to the door, pick up a bag of chips, shove your way to the line for the cashier at the table outside. Pay your $14.80 for two sandwiches, two large diet cokes and on bag of cheesies, find a seat for two at one of the numerous picnic tables. If you are lucky you can sometimes find friends or a casual acquaintance who will share their spot with you. Today we were fortunate that way. Sit and just enjoy the greasy, wonderful bacon cheeseburger. We have never been able to understand why this is such a novelty for people, but there are people here from all over the country and tour buses often stop here for lunch. No souvenirs except a shirt or a hat that says MOONSHINE. As I understand the record for one day's crowd is over 1400 people. They open at 11:00 a.m. and shut down the grill at 12:30 p.m. sharp on normal days. I do think holidays may be different, but I have known people to go there about 12:45 and not receive service(even if the proprietor is there.) So I HAVE BEEN TO MOONSHINE AGAIN. We love it and it is such a fun place for a short motorcycle trip. Now you know. Hope you can see it and smell the hamburge..never been frozen,never been made into a patty with filler-just good ground beef. My point in all of this? Isn't it interesting how we flock to times past for our entertainment. How this little old country store could attract such a gathering for lunch is always amazing to me, and yet, we keep going. Nostalgia and a time of contentment never goes away. Hope you enoyed your ride with us. Clella

BREAK TIME IS OVER

2010-05-29T21:01:00.006-05:00

CATCH-UP TIME

At Christmas time I decided I would take a break from my walking blog for awhile. We were home in Illinois at Christmas and enjoyed our time with our family. Having a little one and a 13 year old makes Christmas a bit more exciting.Jr.also celebrated his 75th birthday with a party for family and friends so our time was a busy one.Six months is long enough so I have decided to continue with this blog, but I may go in a different direction than in the past. We'll see what happens.

I am walking again at least two miles each day except Sunday. And I am without pain for the first time in the past four years. I praise God every day for that and for the healing I have experienced. Just a brief catch-up since my last post. As usual we spent our winter in Florida until May 1. It was colder than normal, but we enjoy our friends and our life there. in February, I was hurrying from one spot to another, fell and broke my elbow. Wasn't sure it was broken, but when I couldn't get my hand to my mouth, I decided perhaps I should have a doctor check it out. As a result I wore a cast for about three weeks. It has healed and my last tests show that my bone density is fine-I think the density is in the head-my mind goes faster than my old body will go. We arrived home in Illinois the last week in April and as always I was glad to be home, but perhaps this year was even better as our great-granddaughter Pailynne greeted us with big smiles. No doubt you will be hearing about her if you continue to read this blog. :-) May 11-18 we spent in Montana at Pine Haven and while we were there it was Round-Up Day. We always enjoy our time with our "kids" and it is good to see the work that is being done at Pine Haven. What a blessing for these children who need God's love and God's people.

So that is an update: I am working on two books. One is similar to JUST WALKING and is titled JUST AROUND THE CORNER. The other is something a bit different entitled SPICE UP YOUR LIFE and is a book about including on each page a definition. a devotion, a Scripture and a recipe. A proposal for one is with an agent and the proposal for the Spice book is with a publisher. Neither has been accepted for publication yet. I am working on another blog following this idea and will be posting when it is ready for viewing.

AND NOW THAT WE ARE CAUGHT UP, I will try to stay current with posts and will attempt to post at least once a week hopefully on Tuesdays. I will remind you and will be happy to hear your comments and remarks.

Walking Again

Clella

GO AHEAD AND TRY IT

2009-09-21T21:50:00.006-05:00

If you have read my Alaskan Tour journal this will seem a familiar description. I just kept thinking about this analogy and finally wrote a short article for my devotion for the column I write for the local paper. If you remember this, that's good I guess :-) if you don't that's good too. The spiritual comparison is what I truly wanted my readers to think about. Comments are always welcome. Blessings Clella

We pushed off, floated quite peacefully for a bit and just as I began to relax I saw it-white swirling waves jumping high over rocks. We hit them (the waves not the rocks). And the 32 degree water hit me full in the face.

During our train trip to Denali we had been given information about optional excursions which would be available once we reached the McKinley village. An 11 mile canyon white water excursion was one of the choices, and at my dear husband’s suggestion I agreed to sign up for this trip although we did not make the reservations before our arrival. (I thought perhaps he would change his mind, or it would be too late, or God would send a snow storm. It was getting colder all the time.)

After our arrival at the Lodge, it was time to buythe tickets for the white-water rafting. Of course they were still available (why would I have doubted). My stomach had this familiar knot that I get each time I attempt something I have never done before, but the bus arrived at the river’s edge and we joined about thirty other people, removed our shoes and donned wet suits.(or dry suits ). Now, a sight to behold is me in a suit of rubber that fits skin tight, a stocking cap that keeps falling in my eyes and an orange life jacket strapped around my middle section. We had no room for cameras for which I will be eternally grateful. After a very serious lecture about what to do if we fell out of the raft, how to stay afloat and how they would attempt to get a person back into the raft, I knew I had made a terrible decision. Too late. We were ready to board.

Another couple joined us at the front of the rubber boat. Four in front (us) and four in back- with a young man (very young I thought) who supposedly was capable of getting this group through the rapids of the river. He talked constantly to the women in the back, and I was sure he wasn’t paying a bit of attention to what was happening. And then the water hit us.

I loved it! After the first cold shock, I loved every minute of the three hour trip down through the canyon. Many people in our group went to a local dinner theater. Think what they missed.

I have thought since then, how comparable to our spiritual journey. Some of us stay on the bank and wish we had the courage to go out into rough water. What may appear as spiritual white water rapids to one person may be calm water to another. Some find it difficult to face a crowd and others view personal one-on-one witnessing with absolute terror. (Rather like me when I got into the rubber raft). So often we stand on the banks of life afraid to step out of our safety zone. As we attempt to live more like Christ, we realize many opportunities for service and spiritual growth surround us, but they appear quite frightening.

Daily Bible study is hard and to share our knowledge with others is even more difficult. For a long time I just did the Bible study and stood on the bank afraid to share. What a wonderful trip I had when I finally decided to go into the rougher waters of leading a Bible study group. I have talked with people who dreaded visiting the nursing home and yet once they did found great rewards from the visit. Time and again the things we thought we could not do become a source of pride and joy once we attempt them. My challenge as you walk this week is to step off the bank. Try one exciting, fearful small deed. You may enjoy it once you start. Go ahead-Try it.

LAST WEEK OF TOUR

2009-09-10T09:46:00.016-05:00

SUNDAY: August 23,2009: Disembarkation is nothing but boring! I had forgotten how long it takes to get a group of people off a cruise ship. Makes me wonder what would happen if one really needed to get the people off in a hurry. Of course everyone goes down one gang plank and they are taken off in the order needed to meet planes, trains etc. We were required to be out of our room by 9:30 in order for the crew to clean for the return trip. I had talked to people earlier who were traveling both ways on the ship. To me that would be a little much, but then I truly am not a cruise person. I do enjoy it for a while, but would not want another week going back the way we came. Of course, if a person played Bridge or something that might be fun. So we sat around the lounging places, walked around the ship a bit, then we went back to eat lunch on the Lido deck. Buffet is always available on this deck. We were scheduled for 1:30 departure so didn’t have to wait too long after lunch. At that point we boarded the bus (I should say coach for it was quite a few steps above most buses) for Anchorage. Three hours later we arrived in the beautiful capital city of Alaska. Flowers here are every place and very beautiful. Hanging baskets along the streets and planned flower beds on many corners. Our accommodations at the Westmark were lovely. A balcony overlooking the city was fun. Rather cool to sit out, but I did go out and take a few deep breaths. Good feeling after cruise ship and bus…I am somewhat claustrophobic at times. We walked for awhile and then ate at Humphy’s which had been recommended by the the Holland American rep in the hotel. She had indicated that many of the locals enjoyed Humphy’s so we wanted to catch the local flavor. Humphy’s(so named for the humpback whales I presume) is a local sports bar. We sat on high stools among groups of very loud and very young people who were enjoying each other and the TV. Not to say that there were not others there, but the place was packed and booths were at a high premium. We chose to sit amongst the younger crowd for our hamburger and fries. Salmon of course is on every menu, but we were ready for real food. (a tongue in cheek remark if ever there was one ) We walked a bit longer, returned to the hotel and then called it a day as we were to go out early on Monday. MONDAY: August 24, 2009 We had been directed to pack an overnight bag for Denali and were assured that our larger luggage would meet us in Fairbanks on Tuesday’s arrival. Needless to say, I was somewhat apprehensive about this after the experience with Holland’s handling of our luggage in Vancouver. Buses were to leave for the train depot by 7:00 a.m. and the departure was scheduled for 8:15 a.m. I can’t say enough about the train trip. I enjoyed every minute and highly recommend it. We ate breakfast and lunch on the train and though it was quite expensive, the food and service were excellent and I felt very “pampered” as I enjoyed my French toast while the scenery of Alaska flowed by my window-figuratively and literally. Much of our route followed a river as we climbed to the Denali forest lodge. Most of our train ride was spent on the glass-domed second level of the train. On the entire trip, a personable young tour guide narrated as we passed by small stations, waterfalls, mountains and valleys. During the trip we were given information about optional excursions which would be available once we reached the McKinley village. An 11 mile canyon white water excursion was one of the choices, and at Jr.’s suggestion I agreed to sign up for this trip although we did not make the reservations before our arrival. (I thought perhaps he would change his mind, or it would be too late, or God would send a snow storm. It was getting colder all the time.) Eight hours of pure luxury travel (in my opinion) ended as we arrived at the Denali depot about 4: 30 p.m. Again we boarded our coach to the McKinley Village. Our tour was 11B and Holland America makes everything so simple that never once during our entire trip did I feel lost or not advised about our next move; however, when we arrived at the Lodge someone? had messed up and our greeting packets were not available, but our rooms had been assigned in a rustic, but modern lodge overlooking the Nenana river. It was now that the tickets for the white-water rafting excursion needed to be purchased. Of course they were still available (why would I have doubted) and we purchased two tickets. We would board the bus, go to the point of departure and float? on the Nenana river for approximately three hours. My stomach had this familiar knot that I get each time I attempt something I have never done before, but we arrived at the river’s edge, joined about thirty other people, removed our shoes and donned wet suits.(or dry suits ) Now, a sight to behold is me in a suit of rubber that fits skin tight, a stocking cap that keeps falling in my eyes and an orange life jacket strapped around my middle section. We had no room for cameras for which I will be eternally grateful. After a very serious lecture about what to do if we fell out of the raft, how to stay afloat and how they would attempt to get a person back into the raft, I knew I had made a terrible decision. Too late. We were ready to board. Another couple (younger but not too young) from Indiana(I found out later) joined us at the front of the rubber boat. Four in front (us) and four in back- with a young man who supposedly was capable of getting this group through the rapids of the river. He talked constantly to the women in the back and I was sure he wasn’t paying a bit of attention to what was happening. We pushed off, floated quite peacefully for a bit and just as I began to relax I saw it-white swirling waves jumping high over rocks. And we hit them (the waves not the rocks). And the 32 degree water hit me full in the face. I loved it! I loved every minute of the three hour trip down through the canyon. I did not get very cold at all, but Jr.’s glove did not fit and after the first water hit us his hand got very cold. Other than that, it was so exciting. We both agreed that 85 degree weather in shorts and t-shirt might make for even a better trip, but I am so glad I agreed to this excursion. Many people went to a local dinner theater. I have some thoughts about this for a future devotion. Some people stay where it is safe and some go where they have never gone before. We arrived safely back at the Lodge about 9:30 p.m. (still not dark) and only the restaurant was open. Ate a welcome bowl of steamy hot soup and sandwich and off to bed as we were to go out early next morning for a four hour tour of Denali. What a great day! I am so blessed. TUESDAY:August 25, 2009 No breakfast as our journey was to start very early. 6:00a.m.! Jr. brought me a muffin and off we went again, to board the coach for the beauty that is Alaska. Our tour was labeled National History Tour. Binoculars were definitely a plus on this ride. We climbed into the mountains, past the lower valley and into the area that they refer to as perma-frost. In these areas the ground does not thaw but a few inches and the result is short trees with no root system. Very interesting. We stopped and walked a bit two different times during the four hour trip. Once to view historic Savage Cabin for a pioneer interpretation and then on to listen to a lecture from an Indian of the area whose family live what is referred to today as a subsistence lifestyle. These people live only from the game and fish and the vegetation of the land. His people are given subsistence license to hunt and fish all year. He was quite entertaining as well as informative. A section of this trip was to have been a “view” of Mt. McKinley, (weather permitting). Weather did not cooperate. Rainy and foggy. We wore our plastic ponchos when we were out of the bus and I was colder on the hill than I had been any time of our rafting experience. On our return McKinley village we grabbed a quick bite to eat and traveled to the train depot to board the train again for Fairbanks. The scenery and the food were even better than the journey on Monday. We had a delicious Prime Rib dinner on board and arrived in Fairbanks about 8:00 p.m. where we were again met and transferred to the Regency Fairbanks Hotel. Again the flowers are so beautiful. Our room was the best we have had with kitchen facilities, whirl-pool tub and large living space. I did not try the tub, but Jr. felt it was very difficult to operate. At one time he had water all over the floor in the bathroom. Don’t ask, I don’t know! Again an early bed time as we were to have a busy day on Wednesday. WEDNESDAY: August 26,2009 We boarded one more coach for a trip to view the Alaskan pipe line and the Eldorado gold mine. Jr. was quite interested in the pipe line as he worked on a pipe line for awhile after he graduated from high school. To me it was long pieces of pipe, but we took several pictures and read all the signs. Our next stop was the gold mine. We did the usual trip through the tunnel to the mine and heard an explanation and demonstration of gold mining. The Eldorado is still a working mine, but I think the “gold mine” is in the tourist shop at the end of the visit. We panned for gold and Jr. got $37.00 in gold flakes which is really quite a bit as some around us found none. We purchases a necklace for me with the flakes in a clear medallion and had enough left to buy Anneke a small necklace also. The necklace is around my neck. The piece I am holding was priced at $40,000 that day. Moved on to the Dredging area where we ate a great stew and biscuits. After lunch we arrived at the river boat dock and began our river trip. An excellent adventure. Along the way we stopped at Susan Butcher’s kennels which are located right at the river’s edge and her husband came down and spoke to the group about the dogs and about how they are trained. Again we saw a demonstration of the powerful sled dogs. I found Susan’s story about Granite(her lead dog)really touching. Susan won three Iditarod races with Granite. When we went into the village on down the river, her husband was there signing a children’s book that he and Susan had written before her death in 2006(leukemia). I purchased a signed copy and will give it to Pailynne Jo when she gets older. (Palynne Jo is my great granddaughter who is yet to be born).

Salmon was for sale on the boat and they served a salmon dip with crackers to everyone. I just can’t like it very well. Another good tour. Holland does a good job with the tours and I have been more than satisfied with everything. Arriving bank in Fairbanks we began to look at our tickets and realized we were not flying out at 1:00 a.m. on Thursday the 27 but on 1:00 a.m. on Friday the 28 of August. This meant we had another day in Fairbanks. So on Thursday morning we checked out of our room, stored our luggage in the hotel and went out for a day of sightseeing. Hired a shuttle to the University of Alaska and visited the Museum of the North. a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QCY_w-cyVFE/Sqqy14EzMKI/AAAAAAAAFnM/T-SIC8cH0cg/s1600-h/P1000539.JPG"> An excellent display of the history of Alaska. We spent two or three hours there and then walked about a mile down hill to the Botanical gardens where we wandered through the floral and vegetable gardens of quite awhile.

Called the shuttle about five and returned to hotel. Walked several blocks(a long way) to up town Fairbanks and ate at Soapy’s. A neat Alaskan décor with an extra-friendly waiter, but all in all a good place to eat. After we got back to hotel, Jr. slept on couch and I visited for a long time with the Holland America representative. A really neat lady from the lower 48 (as they refer to the rest of the states) who was there helping her son who had been injured in Iraq. I intend to keep in touch with her. She has written a children’s book about Abraham Lincoln and I hope to encourage her more to have it published. About 11:00 p.m. the bus for airport showed up and we were on our way. We spent time at the airport and at 12:20 a.m. on the 28th of August began our flight back. From Fairbanks to Seattle, Seattle to Minneapolis, Minneapolis to Indianapolis at approximately 3:00 p.m. E.D.T. Rainy and cloudy when we landed. Stopped in Plainfield at Steak and Shake for a hamburger and chocolate milk shake.(why break tradition? we always stop at Steak and Shake in Plainfield on the way home from the airport.) Arrived home in Paris about 6:30 p.m. Turned back the bed, donned my gown and went off to sleep. A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE AND I THANK GOD WE WERE ABLE TO DO THIS TOGETHER.

WALK WITH ME ON ALASKA TOUR

2009-08-23T20:46:00.007-05:00

It is SUNDAY and I am posting from the 14th floor of the Westmark Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. We are now into the land part of our tour. All is going well. I will pick up Sat. and Sunday later tonight. JUST USING INTERNET WHEN I HAVE THE CHANCE

TUESDAY AFTERNOON A great day! The luggage arrived in Ketchican and so did we. Docked before daylight and we went out to walk the streets about 9:00a.m. Steward assured us our luggage would be in our room when we returned. as with all docks where cruise ships land, the dock at Ketchican was filled with “shops”. Too many diamond and jewelery shops, many Alaskan mementoes. I purchased a cap. We walked along the pier, took a few pictures and then returned to ship. Hung up our clothes! Yeah! and then went for lunch on the Lido deck. I ate some stir fry cashew chicken, wonderful brown bread, a part of a vegetable panini sandwich(did not care for this) some bread pudding with a wonderful vanilla sauce and raisins. We walked the promenade deck around the ship to “walk off our lunch and then back to cabin for nap. Sun is shining a bit although it is overcast and the gray clouds cling to the tops of the tree-covered mountains along the shore and the shops and cottages of the town. Ketchican is labeled as the salmon capital of the world.? Beautiful area, but much too dreary for me.

Wonderful dinner: New York Strip, (excellent) Jr. had short ribs that he thought were very good. Also seafood chowder in a bread bowl, Caesar salad, and for dessert a Denali Fudge Brownie with ice cream.(double dark chocolate and nuts) Dinner partners were interesting. One couple from Australia( a definite Crocodile Dundee accent) Nice people who agreed with my viewpoints about society and the home and “politics” )so that made them nice) and then a creative(I use the term rather loosely) graphics designer and his wife (a former elementary teacher) Did not agree with the man about anything and he was quite vocal about our economy and our insurance plans and our health plans etc. etc. We have chosen open seating for our dining this cruise and so our dinner partners change each evening. Advantage is meeting new people all the time-disadvantage is not always having the same waiter and sometimes seated with people we have nothing in common with, but open seating allows you to go to dinner any time between 5:30 and 9:00 which is a definite advantage. Show in the evening was ventriloquist comedian. Very funny. We did stop as we walked through the casino on our way back to our room. They have penny slot machines. A penny slot machine will take $5.00 very quickly for your education and information. I received no return on my $5.00. May try again though. Do you think I am a true gambler?

WEDNESDAY : Juneau,Alaska Perhaps I haven’t mentioned that Jr. still gets up at usual early morning time. Goes out, walks the decks, greets the people and drinks his coffee. I meet about 8:00 a.m. for breakfast on the Lido deck. The Lido deck is supreme breakfast buffet. I have had eggs Benedict two days in a row now. (I love the white sauce they make with a touch of mustard I think) a chocolate chip croissant has also become a breakfast favorite. After breakfast we visited the streets of Juneau. Shops again of course. Bought a pair of lovely square,tiered, copper earrings in an artists’ gallery. Some beautiful things on display by Alaskan artists. I really enjoy the true artists’ shops, but the tourist’s trinkets become quite boring to me even though I am a shopper!!

And perhaps the best day of the trip so far! We had booked an expedition entitled “The Best of Juneau”. Left the dock by bus and traveled out of city, stopped for our first picture shot of the Mendenhall Glacier. (an amazing sight as I was not prepared for the glowing blue color of much of the layers of ice.) It was here our bus malfunctioned; however, we soon loaded another bus (it was full so must have been 50 people.) An expensive tour so we think these people have a good thing going.:-) We traveled next to the docks and boarded a catamaran for a small privately owned island where we were served grilled salmon, cole slaw, sweet corn, and wonderful carrot cake. Neither of us is very fond of salmon, but we found this very tasty. Quite firm and well cooked. After the lodge, we went whale spotting….and the fun began. Enthusiastic, young woman for naturalist guide and narrator. After perhaps 30 minutes, the boat slowed, made a u-turn and someone on the top deck shouted “Behind us.” A pod (this is not a term I was familiar with previous to this trip) of orcas were swimming and surfacing just off the left(starboard?) side of the boat. The guide indicated that it was very unusual to see the Orcas…the entire crew was quite excited. The Orcas are the killer whales with the white markings on their side. Beautiful in the natural environment. We remained in the area for some time watching these creatures of the sea and then moved on across the water to search for hump back whales. Again we were fortunate to come upon a group of them feeding off shore. Our young guide told us that she had not seen this many together for some time. We could see them spouting from quite a distance and then the huge tails would hit the water. All of this was very exciting as we floated on this body of water surrounded by the snow covered mountain peaks, and rocky, pine tree shores. One of the women in the group and I discussed how easy to believe in a Creator in this setting.

Arriving back at the dock, I felt we had been blessed by a wonderful tour, but my first glimpse of the glacier only added to my wonder of God’s creativity. A beautiful ancient layer of blue ice stretches across the expanse between two mountain peaks to greet our eyes as we climb the hill to the Mendenhall Glacier. Another awesome sight and only reinforces my belief in a God who creates the minute and the monstrous in the same place. Jr. took a couple of really nice pictures here. And then we were back at the MS. STATENDAM, ate a quick supper on the Lido deck and fell exhausted into bed at 9:30 p.m. ANOTHER FUN DAY.

THURSDAY:Today we docked at Skagway.(Now isn’t that a beautiful name?) Skagway has the look of an old western town even yet today) We did walk the streets as before and stopped at the Red Dog Saloon to enjoy a coke and the atmosphere of the gold miners. Skagway was the starting point for many of the miners going into the gold fields. The museum and the railway station were both interesting. Jr. thinks this was the train station that he left from on his way to Anchorage in 1956. In the afternoon, we rested awhile and I played a game of Bingo for a cruise for two to the Caribbean. I will not be taking that cruise, but I did put down a $20.00 deposit That evening I ate a good New York Strip steak and had cheesecake(with some fancy name) I love cheese cake no matter what they call it. A young ventriloquist, comedian was the show for the evening and he was excellent. I love ventriloquist when they are good. We sat in piano bar for awhile with a couple from Minnesota,. The young woman playing the piano also played the flute, two different types of saxophones and an oboe. I bought one of her CD’s to play when I’m driving. Piano music is my favorite and these are Oscar winning songs.and by 10:00 p.m. were headed to our cabin. Skagway is the last top until we reach Seward. On Friday we will cruise in Glacier Bay and on Saturday we will cruise College Fjord. I am looking forward to seeing the glaciers up close.

FRIDAY: We will not be getting off the ship for the next two days. I do not mind this, but I think Jr. is ready for land. We went to a meeting this morning about our land tour and found the movie theater. Isn’t it interesting that we can be on the ship from Sunday until Friday and just now find the theater. Many turns and side “roads” on the Statendam. Beautiful pink, maroon and gold line much of the hallways, but it is difficult at time to find a way to the next attraction. Cruis ships are so beautifully designed. A passenger sees none of the “working parts’ such as cleaning closets, kitchens areas or laundry rooms, but they must be huge. All we see is the beauty of the shiny brass, the just swept carpets and the clear glass dividers in the Atrium. Young men and women (possibly of Filipino background) constantly shine and scrub, but one hardly notices them. We did go to hot tub and pool area this afternoon. Nice area and of course they have a taco bar, nachos and cheese and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs available for anyone who might possibly be hungry.

WALK WITH ME ON ALASKA TOUR

2009-08-17T16:07:00.001-05:00

SUNDAY-August 16…FIRST DAY . Spent the night at the Comfort Inn in Indianapolis. Mitch and Kaatje came over with us. Their flight does not leave until 11:30 so they got to sleep in. I was glad for them. We got up early about 5:45 and left the motel to arrive at airport much too early! Now we are waiting. We are seated by the “MOVING WALKWAY” and the monotone of “Please, watch your step” will no doubt remain in our sub conscious for the rest of the day. If you have not heard this lovely tone, it is a caution for those riding the rubber belt to the next destination; however, many people cannot just ride, they must walk so they are doing double time. Says something about the people of our society today. We are in such a hurry. Much the same thing as walking up an escalator!. The sun was a bright orange ball over Indy as we drove to the airport. A beautiful morning to start our trip. We will fly to Minneapolis and then to Vancouver. 12 people sitting around me at this point. Two talking on cell phones, three on computers, 2 reading, 1 sleeping and almost all of them are drinking a Starbucks which is just across the way. I have tried to pray a bit and remember that it is the LORD’S day but it is difficult in the airport setting. Perhaps later today I will be able to do that. 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning now. When we arrived in airport at Vancouver we waited at luggage carousel for a long period of time and no luggage. We greeted the Holland America lady and she assured us that they (the cruiseline) had picked up our luggage. We climbed aboard the bus for the dock, had a nice ride through the streets of Vancouver. Lovely, but I think might be an expensive city to live in if the bus drive is to be believed. After going through the showing passport, getting signed on to ship etc. we found our stateroom. Now get this…our number is 666. I am not a superstitious woman, but I wasn’t highly impressed with number. Our room is one of the nicest we have had on a cruise-we have a nice large couch and an extra chair so we could have guests (if we knew anyone). Now comes the fun part-we ate our first bit of soup and salad just to tide us over until going to the main dining room. At this point the announcement for the life boat check came through loud and clear. Such a fun drill, but we always meet nice people and think they would be fun in lifeboat. You can see who needs help with jacket.

When we came back to the room for a brief rest(by now I am beginning to wear down physically) we had no luggage. It seemed that everyone else had their luggage as no luggage was blocking any of the doorways.(this is usually the case on first evening of cruise.) I began to be concerned-checked with steward, checked with front office,-no luggage. At this point, I have filed a claim for lost luggage-who knows where. We do have insurance and they have assured me that clean underwear and formal attire for tomorrow evening will be provided if our luggage is not found on the ship. So the important things are covered. If it is an airline problem, the luggage might meet us in Ketchikan on Tuesday. Notice I use the term “MIGHT”. I refuse to let this spoil my evening. Going to apply fresh make-up (which I have) take a Bufferin (which I also have) and go to the main dining room for what I know will be a lovely meal. We have set sail and are now moving slowly out of the Vancouver harbor. Early Monday morning. Luggage DID NOT show up. Ship office gave us shirts and disposable underwear and free formal wear. Anxious to see what that is.:-) today is on board ship. Had a great omelet on the Lido deck. Out to discover how to get around on the ship. Monday afternoon: The evening wear is definitely NOT us, but will suffice. Jr. will be in full tux and I will wear long black velvet skirt and rather glitzy black top with cowl neckline.l (I did not spell it cow, but I feel a bit like that.) Nevertheless we will have formal wear! As we were napping after lunch the front office did call to say they had found our luggage in Vancouver! Perhaps we will be able to get it after we dock in Ketchican tomorrow. We have not planned an excursion for tomorrow but may do an underwater “experience” with a couple we have met up with from Minnesota. On Wednesday we will reach Juneau and there we have signed up to go to Whale watching and then to glacier walk and on to salmon bake. Sounds fun doesn’t it? I hope to post some pictures tomorrow or the enxt day. Today we have on-line service for ½ price after 2:00 P.M. It costs .75 a minute…yes a minute. So you know I won’t be on long. Weather is partly sunny, the ship is beautiful and Holland staff is exceptionally nice.

ALASKA HERE WE COME

2009-08-16T07:08:00.004-05:00

Walk with me on our trip to Alaska. Will try to keep a brief daily post of what is happening. As I write, I am listening to the monotone of the moving walkway repeating "Please watch your step". We got to airport early (of course) and now we are waiting, and waiting. Airport is a fun place to watch people. No one dresses up to fly now. Families of three and four children, grandmas and grandpas, two older women who told me they were taking their mother to Vegas. Of course she is almost blind, but she goes every year. They rode with us on the transport to the airport. We left our van at the Park and Fly. Sun is a big red ball (ratherlike the big exercise ball I bought last year). Looks to be a beautiful day to fly. Elderly lady beside me is talking to her suitcase. It has fallen over twice, but I think she has it now. She has positioned it between her legs. A funny sight. Ok enough for now . More after we arrive in Vancouver and board the ship. It is Sunday and I find I miss worship, but I am so thankful to God for the way He blesses our family. Just must mention that Paige (our grandson's wife0 is due to have baby girl (Probably while we are gone :-) Come walk with me as we cruise and tour. Will try to keep you posted and send a few pictures.

THY WILL BE DONE?

2009-07-30T22:14:00.006-05:00

The little girl planted her feet. Mother wanted her in the cart, but she wanted to walk.As I walked this morning, I thought of this scene I had witnessed yesterday. For a minute the mother insisted, and then shrugged as if to say, “Ok, have it your way.” A few minutes later I noticed the child whining and wanting to ride. Mother smiled, reached down, hugged her and placed her in the cart ─ a typical parent/child scene that is re-enacted daily.

In his book The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis writes, “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those, to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.” How many times has God considered it necessary to say to us “All right, then, have it your way?” And we go our own way, doing our thing, only to come running back much like a crying child with a skinned knee or mashed finger. And just like a sobbing child, we promise “I won’t do it again.” But just like a child, we do.

His will is “not to gossip”, but today I heard a story that I just knew I needed to tell a friend, and I did. God said “all right, then, have it your way.” As soon as the words exploded from my mouth, the damage was done. My argument with myself about “it was not really gossip” was so wasted. Now this evening I regret I repeated that story. I run to God with my cry of sorrow and repentance.

His will is “love your neighbor” but I don’t feel like loving my neighbor. It’s hot, I’m tired and there will surely be another day to visit. Besides, I’m just so busy…golf this morning, lunch at noon and then a trip to the grocery store and my time is gone. Even though my neighbor is shut in most of the time, surely she understands that I’m busy. God says, “All right, then, have it your way.” For some reason, I just don’t feel too good about the day’s activities even though I shot a good round of golf and lunch was extra-special. I rush to God with a promise to do better tomorrow.

His will is “build up and encourage one another.” It is so easy to criticize those who are in charge of the organization, the town, the government, the church. And because it is easy I often take that way and God says “All right, then, have it your way.” So I speak discouraging words to the women in the organization; I “bad mouth” our government leaders; I enlighten our church leaders with the age-old comment─ “we don’t do it the way we used to.” I stop, hear my comments and then cry out to God for pardon. Yet again, I realize I have done it my way and my way just doesn’t work.

And as parents forgive their earthly children with hugs and assurances of love, so God reaches down and enfolds us in his loving arms. Because of His grace and mercy and the death of His Son on the cross, we can be forgiven for the many times we have done it our way first. If only we as individuals, and our world as a whole, could realize that whether it is for the individual or for the marriage or for the government, God’s way works. When we sincerely pray “Thy will be done”, it is then God smiles down upon us as His children and surrounds us with His love. Keep on Walking in His Will

Clella

CHANGE YOUR PATH

2009-07-18T08:35:00.010-05:00

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.: Jeremiah 6:16

And the next day it rained! Our part of the country has certainly had its share of rain. Green is the prevalent color of the landscape and colorful flowers are in abundance, but many of our farmers’ crops are not what they should be in mid July. In times like this it is easy to become discouraged. We can get bogged down in our day to day living, particularly when each day is a rainy one. I am one of those people who functions much better in sunshine.

The rainy weather has become an excuse for not walking very far or very often this spring. My walking route and my distance seem quite satisfactory. I walk the same streets, go the same direction and see the same scenery. Not that Briar Hill Road is bad scenery; just that it can become tedious after several days. So, this past week or two when I get a chance to walk, I am pushing myself a bit-going farther and walking different routes each day. As a result, I experience different scenery, enjoy life more and increase my physical strength.

In some ways, we can do this same thing with our spiritual walking. We can have all manner of excuses for not walking spiritually─ rainy days, poor crops, bad health. Just making a few changes can bring us more joy and often more spiritual strength.

Bible reading is one area where I have attempted to change my scenery and increase my distance. I read in the New Testament most of the time, and I particularly like the book of James. He speaks to me personally and I am quite comfortable reading his letter and do it often. I don’t particularly like to read in the Old Testament but am aware that much can be gained from reading the heroes of the Jewish Law. Recently, I have been reading and studying from some of the prophets, particularly Jeremiah, and if I stay with it I will certainly become stronger and more knowledgeable. A bit of extra time and some unfamiliar scriptures can put new life into your Bible reading.

Prayer time can become rather humdrum also. We pray the same prayer, for the same people, in the same words at the same time. And even though God hears our prayers, they can become hollow to us. Our prayers can become rote recitation. Some people write their prayers. I have never done this, but I think it would certainly add meaning to our prayer time and is something I am planning to try. Also, I have been reading about “praying scripture.” I have been studying this method and would challenge you to expand your prayer life in this way. Choose a section of scripture and insert your name or someone else’s name where appropriate. Doing this can put new meaning into our prayer life.

Rather than use these rainy days as an excuse for dreary and hum-drum days, perhaps we can go a bit farther and change our scenery both in our physical and our spiritual walking.

Just Stay on the RIGHT Path,

Clella

GOD BLESS AMERICA

2009-07-01T08:22:00.042-05:00

MY HOME SWEET HOME FROM THE MOUNTAINS

TO THE OCEANS

scenery pictures by Mitch Camp (of course)

A wooden Uncle Sam waving an American flag stands at full attention as he guards the corner of my neighbor’s lawn. Along my walking route, small symbols of America, flags, bunting and windsocks, flutter in the subtle breeze. The clang of a barbeque grill in a local back yard puts the little squirrel up the nearest tree. Music floats from the sound system of the teenager’s vehicle as it stops beside me at the four way intersection. Childish laughter from the children down the street echoes above the edges of their newly installed pool and hovers on the surface of the neighborhood. Serene, soothing sounds of Midwest America as it prepares for its summer celebration. July 4th is fast approaching.

Edgar County is just one small spot in the American countryside, but we know the price for all this. Always beneath the surface of this celebration is our first hand knowledge of the sacrifice and sadness that has made it possible. To most of us at some time during this season of freedom we remember the recent deaths in Iraq of our young National Guard soldiers; we see the veteran’s memorial on our town square; we are aware of those who have given in the not as recent past. And no matter our faith we surely must be thankful for the heritage we really don’t deserve.

Complaints and criticisms about our government (both local and national) are rampant in many coffee shops and local gatherings. And many may be well-deserved, but in Philippians 2:4 Paul writes “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” And when Paul is writing to young Timothy he tells him in 1Timothy 2:1,”…I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”

As citizens, we take the privilege to complain for granted. And it soon can become a habit. As I walk this morning, my thoughts are on all of the privileges I have as an American citizen. At the top of my list is my right to worship and pray as I choose. I meet weekly for Bible Study in a private home without any fear of reprisal. We become so complacent about our day to day freedoms. I can travel from Illinois to Indiana to shop wherever I choose without any border patrol or government check. I freely “spout off” any time I choose about the blunders of the government and don’t worry that someone will turn me in for speaking against the authorities. I go each Sunday to the church of my choice without dread of any kind. I walk the streets of my home town without fear of apprehension by government officials. The list goes on. Electricity, water, food – all in abundance. So much more than I really need. Our abundance even in the poorest sections of our country amazes most of the world’s population. With its faults and its problems America is my home country, and I would not choose to live any other place.

As I finish my list and my walk, I remember the familiar verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” It is an old and well used verse, but still applies to our country today. Praying for those in authority is not necessarily agreeing with their policies, but it is asking God to bless them and their decisions. He expects this much of us.

And as I start around the Crestwood school track to finish my walk today, I pray also for those families who have given so much, and for those who are still giving so that I can walk and pray and worship and enjoy this day with my family. I thank them and God that I can be a part of America. With all its faults people are still struggling and giving their lives that we can maintain this freedom, and I am thankful for that effort. May God truly bless America. PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN CLELLA

CHANGES COME

2009-06-18T16:48:00.005-05:00

Perhaps it is the spring rains, but as I walk this morning bright green seems to surround me. Crossing the edge of the schoolyard, I notice large patches of bright yellow dandelions spread out in the green grass. I step closer and glimpse little purple violets hidden in the patches of yellow. My steps leave indented footprints in the soft earth and the clouds overhead predict more rain. It seems that it has rained almost every day since we arrived home. But it is spring in Illinois and I am home. And for that I am always thankful. I appreciate Florida in the winter, but Edgar County will always be home.

Change has welcomed us back. Wal-Mart’s aisles are in different order; the big water tank behind our house seems almost finished; the gas tanks at Ray’s station are vanishing; some buildings are gone. But, as always, the biggest change is the loss of familiar faces no longer here to greet us. Sickness and accidents have taken the life of friends and family. We contend with this each year. And yet the babies have grown and new ones are expected. And the normal changes of life continue.

No matter how things change, they somehow stay the same. VBS time is here again at Bell Ridge. (our local congregation) More than seventy children fill the building with songs of joy, cheers of encouragement, and cries of recognition as they greet teachers and friends. Bible School too has changed. It is in the morning this year. All of the songs and announcements are in the computer and are shown as a video on the big screen. A clever young teenager leads the singing. Young teenagers are everywhere as helpers. No longer are home-made cookies and Kool-Aid the refreshments. Now healthy foods which relate to the lesson are the fare of the day. Men portraying Bible characters, acting in the skits, and directing the play time is certainly different than the all-women staff we once had. Some of these changes I like and some I’m not sure about, but then I have walked through many years of Bible School.

John F. Kennedy once said, “The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable.” And in the earthly realm I would need to agree that nothing is certain; however, the one certainty in life that keeps all of life’s changes minor is the Word of God. God’s promises in His Word never change.

In Malachi 3:6 (the last book of the Old Testament) Malachi writes, “For I the Lord do not change…” Paul wrote to the Romans Christians that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) and the promise I lean upon is Jesus' promise right before he ascended to be with His father, “I will be with you always even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20) Always and unchanging are common thoughts in God’s Word. Even when some changes are difficult, I can accept, appreciate and live with them in this secular environment because I have the promise of an ageless, unchanging, beautiful life in heaven.

Looking Forward to Change, Keep Walking

Clella

OUT OF BALANCE

2009-06-07T22:00:00.008-05:00

I am off balance. Walking a straight line today would be difficult if not impossible. And if I lie down or stand up too fast the room moves and instant nausea momentarily overwhelms me.

We have been visiting our son in Montana. Either the altitude change between the mountains and the prairie or the take-offs and landings of the airplane is probably the cause of my physical condition. In the past when I have experienced this condition, medications, slow movement and rest have always been the remedy. So I am hoping this off-balance situation will soon be over. One does not function effectively when the world is tilted and the body is queasy.

The ups and downs of life can affect our spiritual life much like the change of air pressure during flight affects my equilibrium. Life’s traumatic events can cause our world to tilt and our spiritual life to become unsettled. We are still upright and walking but our decisions and our reactions are not our normal Christian response to daily situations. We become spiritually dizzy.

We are frequently put off balance by the major happenings of life ─ death, illness, accidents, job loss, economy. We become nauseous with worry and experience doubt and misgiving about God’s care. Instead of restoring our balance by resting in God’s promises we turn our back and stumble away thinking to heal ourselves as best we can.

Even something as simple as not reading our Bible for a few days can throw us out of kilter. Our response to the people around us is out of balance. Anger quickly becomes a part of our day. Cross words, hateful remarks and sullen attitudes control our state of mind. I have found myself asking, “Now why did I say that?” I really didn’t mean to act that way. I wish I could get out of this mood. A bit of rest and some time in God’s Word often heal my mood and brings stability back into my world.

Separating ourselves from our friends and the people who love us can also cause us to become unbalanced spiritually. God tells us that as Christians we need to be with one another. When we neglect the “gathering of ourselves together,” (Hebrews 10:25) we begin to think of ourselves, our needs, our wants and our world. We lose interest in neighbors and community. God created us to be a community of believers, and we walk best when we walk with others of like faith. We encourage one another. And in this encouragement we are able to find healthy spiritual balance.

Balance can be found in prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.“ The longer I live the more I pray. It would seem you would get better at it as time goes on, but in my case I just realize each day how much I need God's help for anything I do. Days without talking with God are certainly unusual for me, but it does happen, and when it does I find my walk is difficult and the path of life is full of bumps and curves. Many of the curves are those I have created in my off-balanced, lack of prayer walking. Letting God heal my daily situations and depending on Him to guide me keeps my way much straighter.

I am convinced that this uneasy physical condition will pass if I maintain this regime of meclizine, slow motion and rest.Our spiritual unbalance may also pass if we read God’s Word, spend time with the community of believers and pray. Resting in God’s promises is a sure cure for our spiritual imbalance.

P.S. I am now walking upright and in a straight line. I was able to walk a mile yesterday so I feel I have recovered.

May you all walk upright with the Lord.

Blessings Clella

EARLY MORNING THOUGHTS

2009-06-04T09:03:00.003-05:00

Scrolling through my "thoughts" folder this morning and I found this. I may have used it before on the blog, but if so I can't find it and it seems worth repeating. I feel this way so often and pray each day that I can be a witness for Christ. We have had RAIN in Illinois and this morning's bright sky is such a blessing. May each of you stop for just a minute and think how God has blessed you. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME LORD. Amen

I put sheets in the washer before my walk this morning, and as I reach for the clothespins to hang them on the line I glance up at the early morning sky. Little white puffy cotton clouds float easily and white ribbon jet streams make curly bows in the clear blue of the sky.

Before my walk this morning, the sky was a dull pewter gray, but as I walked it began to clear, and now the day has come forth in all its glory. Another of God’s gifts to His creation. For a moment here by the clothes line I stand and reflect on how good God is to me. And my question as always is “Why me, Lord?” Why should I be so blessed?

I praise you for all my blessings...specifically for a husband who loves and understands me (most of the time), for the ability to walk without pain, for children and grandchildren who call us often, for friends who are healing from sickness, for this country where we can worship you openly, for the freedom to choose our leaders (even though I don’t always agree with any of them), and always for the gift of your Son for my salvation. I pray I can be worthy today of his sacrifice.

ARMED FORCES DAY

2009-05-15T20:04:00.005-05:00

HAPPY ARMED

FORCES DAY

THANK YOU FOR SERVING!

A big thank you to all who serve our country in the military. My prayers are with you wherever you are.

May God bless you

May He continue to bless our country.

Blessings Clella

BEAUTIFUL WEEDS

2009-05-13T22:11:00.016-05:00

We rode the motorcycle to Moonshine last Tuesday. (Readers new to this area of Midwest will have to ask about Moonshine. Ask any local or Google Moonshine, IL.)

Rainy, spring weather has caused much concern for the farmer, but the area roadsides and homesteads between Paris and south of Martinsville reflect myriad colors of green and yellow.And it is the yellow I find so interesting Acre after acre covered with the golden yellow “flower.” In some places, as much as an 80 acre field covered with the sunshine yellow plant. My husband tells me they are weeds, a mustard plant, rocket weed or parsnips. I can hardly believe that something so beautiful could be a weed.

I had commented previously about the beauty in the fields and it was then that he indicated in his farmer voice that the “beautiful flower” was nothing but a weed. Apparently prior preparation of the ground or applying a spray in the fall can deter growth of the flowers I find so beautiful. Beautiful, but a weed. Rather interesting isn’t it?

I thought about that as I walked this morning when I noticed a few stems in one of the empty fields along Wood street. Rather like sin isn’t it? Sin often looks so beautiful. How could there be harm in something that is so much fun? How could God not want us to feel good about ourselves all the time? Surely God does not mean this lovely way of living is sinful? And perhaps it isn’t, many beautiful things of the life are God-given and blessed, but like the beauty of the yellow field, some things in life when you look at them closely are weeds.

Somewhat like the mustard weed, no matter what we call it, a weed is a weed and sin is sin.

Just as spraying and working the ground before spring blooming can put off the growth of the yellow weed, so preparation before we are tempted to sin can also keep us from surrendering to our sinful desires.

Knowing verses that answer our specific temptations is good early preparation. I like pretty clothes-nothing sinful about that unless it becomes all important in my life. God’s Word tells me in Matthew that I need not worry about what I am going to wear. God will take care of it. I have this verse memorized.

Many people let the acquisition of material possession become the guiding factor in life. God’s Word does not indicate that we are not to have material possession. But if the acquisition of “things” has become our goal then we need to remember God’s admonition. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Prayer is also good preparation against the lovely weed of sin. A solid prayer life is necessary if we are to continue to live in a way that is pleasing to God. He tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 If we have prepared our lives by praying and asking for strength, we find ourselves much better prepared for the struggles that face us each day.

Will we sin? Of course, but just as recognizing that the beautiful yellow weed is a weed, we too need to recognize sin even when it is so appealing. Recognition and preparation will not totally destroy the growth of a few yellow weeds and neither will they totally wipe sin from our life, but they are a process of prevention. Watching out for Weeds as I Walk Clella

GRANDMA BETTY

2009-05-07T09:28:00.010-05:00

Christmas 2007

A couple of years ago some magazine had a contest to write about my mother-my hero. I submitted this article. It was not chosen as a published article,but it seemed fitting to use as a Mother's Day Tribute. My mother died December 28,2008 and at this point my grief is still too new to write anything new although there are pages that could be written and some day I may be able to do that, but not yet. She was a follower of Jesus and her life showed that. I found this in her Bible and thought it is worth sharing.

MYSELF

I have to live with myself and so

I don't want to stand with the setting sun

And hate myself for the things I've done

I want to go with my head erect.

I want to deserve all men's respect;

For here in the struggle for fame and self

I want to be able to like myself.

I don't want to look at myself and know

That I'm bluster and bluff and empty show:

I never can hide myself from me

I see what others may never see:

I know what others may never know.

I never can fool myself and so,

Whatever happens I want to be

Self-respecting and Conscience free.

Author unknown

MY MOTHER-MY HERO I open the door of her Florida mobile home, and she calls out, “I’m in here.” “Here” is the computer chair in her living room where I often find her when I stop to visit. This morning my ninety year old mother is on Instant Message with her grandson (my son) in Montana . As I stand waiting, he sends a message. “Show Grandma where to get pictures. I want her to see my hunting trip and my sunrise picture.” He never once doubts that she will be able to save them. He sends them, but she really doesn’t need me. She has already figured it out.

It is this attitude that makes her a hero to all her family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. New things are exciting to her. Her positive attitude throughout her life has been an example to all those who know her.

As a child, I remember our home was always full of my father’s brothers and sisters and even their children. Sometimes all of eight of them; sometimes just one or two at a time. I can never remember living in a home without several extra people that my mother was “mothering.” Some stayed for a week; some for a month; some until they graduated from school or married. As long as they needed her, they were made welcome. And never did I hear her complain about extra laundry, extra meals, or extra people.

When my son was young, she was his favorite fishing partner. Once, the two of them traipsed off to a local fishing tournament and returned home with a simple plastic trophy. In my mother’s eyes, it was an Olympic Gold Medal, and Mitch felt as important as any super athlete. And at fifty, he still wants to share his triumphs and “trophies” with her. Grandma Betty still makes him feel like a star.

She found strength to attend basketball games for a great-grandson even when she physically needed help to sit on the bleachers, but it is important that she support her family. Besides she loves the game of basketball. Really her favorite sport is baseball and the Chicago Cubs rate high on her list of television viewing; however, if Tiger is on she switches channels.

When my young daughter needed a new dress, a dance costume or a cheerleading skirt, my mother was the seamstress. “Grandma Betty will do it” became a standard phrase in our family. And when wedding time arrived for each of these grandchildren, Grandma Betty sewed bridesmaids’ dresses and made the flower arrangements. After my children married, their spouses quickly realized that “Grandma Betty” is special. Neither of our in-law children had grandmothers when they married into our family, so she is Grandma to both of them.

Recently she flew alone from Florida to Illinois to attend her great-grandson’s wedding. “I have never seen such a wedding; I’m so glad I came.” Not one word of complaint, only joyful and positive comments as she watched the bride and groom ride from the church on four-wheelers and dance these “new-fangled” dances at the reception.

She always shares her talents. Numerous young women learned to sew while she was the leader of their 4-H club. Many children in her rural neighborhood though now adults still refer to “Grandma Betty” in a very personal way. And still, at the age of ninety, she teaches an oil painting class to her peers, takes china painting lessons, is treasurer of her computer club and manages to be active in the organizations in her retirement park. Each Christmas her grandchildren and great-grandchildren receive hand-painted china ornaments from Grandma Betty. The wedding couple received a personalized hand-painted china plate for a wedding present signed in gold-“Grandma Betty.”

Her artistic talent is well-known, but she is better known for her positive attitude and her strong will to do what is right. I often tell her she is “no fun at all to gossip with.” She refuses to listen to anything unkind about anyone. Her words are the old adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” “But mother,” I will say, “this is the truth.” No matter. She shrugs her shoulders (which is her signal that the conversation is over.) “If it isn’t nice we don’t need to talk about it.” That ends the conversation. I have not known her to waver from this position in all my seventy years as her daughter.

Anyone who has lived ninety years has known sadness, and mother is no exception. Sickness and the death of her spouse, her son, a sister-in-law she had raised from her teen years, friends and siblings remain as poignant memories. Throughout these times her example is to do what needs to be done with quiet patience, courage and a strong faith in God. Grief is a private part of life and seldom does she succumb to “feeling sorry” for herself.

Each day she has Bible study, writes her diary entry, plans her breakfast and then she intends to have something to do each day. Staying busy, learning new things, keeping up with sports teams and local news, encouraging her family via the internet and her new cell phone and remembering the birthdays and anniversaries with cards she creates on her computer fill her days. I write with tongue-in-cheek that she does manage to find time for Bingo games with friends in her Florida environment.

Although I am a published author and have written many praises about many people, I still have not found the words to describe this strong, Christian woman who is such an example of the Proverbs 31 woman... my friend, my mother, my Hero.

AND THEN CAME THE MORNING

2009-04-07T19:52:00.006-05:00

For all my friends: I have been trying to go over in my mind how the followers of Jesus might have felt on that Saturday after the cross. They have no hope. No joy. No future. Nothing to encourage them. Just a day without Jesus.

AND THEN CAME THE MORNING.

I'm not sure that today we can fully comprehend the joy they must have known. Even in our darkest hour we have Jesus. And as we celebrate that morning I pray that you may know the joy of Jesus and his promise.

"Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning" Psalms 30:5

Each time I see the morning light on the horizon and the promise of a new day, I feel just a drop of the joy that the people must have felt when the morning came and the darkness of death was gone and the tomb was empty forever. JOY COMES IN THE MORNING FOR ALL OF US!

MAY YOU KNOW THE JOY OF EASTER THIS SPRING AND ALWAYS!

CELEBRATING THE MORNING

Clella

Pictures by Mitch Camp

WALKING WITH CHURCH FAMILY

2009-03-12T20:35:00.013-05:00

MY FAMILY WHO ARE ALL A PART OF GOD'S FAMILY

I almost feel as though this is a new beginning. It has been some time since I have posted and longer still since I have been able to write about my personal walking with any regularity. Perhaps a bit of explanation about the physical is necessary. I am certainly still able to walk a mile or so a day, but do not do it as consistently as I once did. I do try to protect the hip as it has not been a year since it dislocated and I feel it may not be totally healed. I will return to surgeon in May when we go back to Illinois.However, I am still walking spiritually and it is this walk I intend to write about in this blog.

One of the areas of spiritual growth that has been on my mind recently is the area of relationships with other people-our spouse, our family, our church family and our extended family. Several years ago I wrote a series of lessons for the Altamont Christian Church to use as a study guide with my book JUST WALKING. The workbook was never published and I had almost forgotten about it. However, many of the points that we covered in that study have been on my heart and it is those things that I will be writing about in the next few weeks.

WALKING WITH YOUR CHURCH FAMILY

"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:11

If we are to grow spiritually, we must love one another. We need to remember that we are a family. My own family is filled with adopted children. I have a niece, a nephew and two grandchildren who are a part of our immediate family. They are our children and are treated no differently than birth children. We love each child in our family differently, but we love them all the same. To God, we are just like that. We are his adopted children and we belong to the same family. Think about your church family. I encourage you to list at least five people who you feel truly are your brothers and sisters. Thank God for them and pray for them as you do your physical family.

So often in our church family as in our physical family people are hurt by careless or thoughtless actions and words. If we are to grow spiritually we need to be careful with our words and actions toward our church family. This week I encourage you to list three things you can do personally to keep members of your church family from being hurt either physically or spiritually.

Have you hurt someone in your church family unintentionally? Today is the day for forgiveness. Ask for forgiveness from the person and from God. Pray for the person. And then leave it there at the foot of the cross. Burdens are not meant to be carried forever. Grudges, hurt feelings and unforgiving attitudes are not meant to be a part of the family of God. When our relationship with God's children increases and becomes more loving so then does our love for God.

Pray that God will present you with the opportunity to encourage someone this week. Pray for your church family that you might walk with them on the road to spiritual growth that the world may see Christ and the you may walk in the abundant life Christ wants you to have.

Praying and making my lists too.

WALKING WITH HIM Clella

WHAT'S AGE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

2009-03-10T12:30:00.002-05:00

I had received this book before Christmas and was supposed to review it. Thomas Nelson offers this program of free books to those who will read and review them. Of course it is to be done rather soon after the book is released. Because of so many life "things" I am only now fulfilling that obligation, but it is a worthwhile and fun book and I do want to recommend it. I will be posting again next week. Thank you to all my readers who have been praying for me. I have felt your love. Clella Age Doesn't Matter, March 10, 2009 By Clella Camp "Clella" - See all my reviews "Gran, this is a good book. You will like it." from my 22 year old granddaughter who had picked Robin's book from my stack. And I did. Sections that truly spoke to me as an "older" woman were her comments and suggestions about skin care. Her little personal prescriptions entitled "Robins' RX" are fun and some actually work as she says they might. Robin writes, "I had to accept the fact that my body is going to continue to age every day of my life-and it's going to happen whether I like it or not (and whether I wear shorts or not), so there's no reason to let it control me." This was her concept throughout each separate chapter. What she is saying to her reader is Take care of yourself and be the best that you can be. She does it in such an entertaining but informative manner that even we who are in our 70's begin to ask her question..."What does age have to do with it?" Good answers are found in Robin's book.

GRIEF

2009-01-26T22:05:00.002-06:00

Using the modern method again to report the family news. My mother, Betty Martin, went home to be with our Lord on December 28, 2008. She had not been sick before that Saturday and we felt she had developed congestion from a cold. I will write to share with my readers before too long. Right now I am working through the legal and mental processes of losing a parent. Very few people are blessed to have their mother with them for so long. She was a true Christian lady and a blessing to all who knew here. My family and I appreciate your prayers. Praising God for His blessings during this time.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-09T11:39:00.004-06:00

Using this modern method to wish all of my friends and family a blessed holiday. May you feel the spirit of Christ in all your celebrations and may His love and peace be a part of all your life in 2009. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE BLESSED MY LIFE IN SO MANY WAYS THIS YEAR . GOD HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO ME, AND I GIVE HIM ALL THE PRAISE AND GLORY. I THANK HIM DAILY FOR THE GIFT OF HIS SON JESUS AND KNOW MY LIFE WOULD BE NOTHING WITHOUT THIS GIFT OF LOVE. BLESSINGS AND LOVE TO ALL CLELLA

BOOK REVIEW

2008-12-04T14:34:00.005-06:00

Reflections of God’s Holy Land (A personal journey through Israel) is exactly what the title describes-a personal reflection. Eva Marie Everson, a Christian, and Miriam Vamosh, a Jew, combine their personal knowledge and emotions to produce a personal experience for their reader. As one opens the cover, the photography leaps from the page to engulf the reader in the time and place of each Biblical location. Beautiful colored photographs draw one to the printed pages of both authors. Vamosh, with her, Jewish heritage and her experience as a tour guide for Christian pilgrimages educates the reader in the Did You Know? section, and Eva Marie lets us fall with her into the emotional journey of visiting the Holy Land. Scripture references for each site visited give added knowledge and realism to the journey through Israel. These verses gave the added personal touch for my journey with Everson and Vamosh. My knowledge of Old Testament history is somewhat limited, and the clear, concise vignettes provided by Miriam are explicit. Her description of the Elah Valley and the history which is hidden in this valley gave me new insight about this area. “Elah was literally the ‘wild west’ and saw more drama than any Hollywood western could ever dream of.” And then she portrays the dramatic stories of Joshua, the Jewish exile, and of course the well-known battle of David and the Philistine giant. Again and again I am aware of the Israel of the Bible, and as I continued reading I was filled with anticipation and excitement about my personal journey through these pages. Though I was appreciative of the knowledge and insight provided by Vamosh, it is Eva Marie’s emotional response kept me focused. After skimming the book when it first arrived, I decided to use it as a personal daily devotion. This method provided me both knowledge and spiritual uplifting for each day. Many memories remain with me, but one I recall is Eva’s response to her visit to the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes. She admits to hunger as the morning meal is long behind her. She describes the chapel with “flourish of symbols” “holy water”, “flickering novena”, mosaic of a bread-filled basket rising between two fishes” and her mind takes her to “We only have five loaves,…We only have two fish.” But is this response that stays with me. Eva writes,” Isn’t this the way of it? We think of what we ‘only have’ rather than what it might become in Jesus’ hands. Not enough, we think, and so we hold back.” And as Eva responds throughout the journey she says,” I am guilty, I realize of holding on to what I have. Not trusting my Lord with what I’ve got. I stretch my hand toward the lump of rugged stone beneath the altar. If only I could place what little I have to offer upon it, Jesus would feed others. Jesus would feed me.” Personal, emotional response at each historical visit creates within the reader a sense of “having been there too.” Everson’s and Vamosh’s Reflections of God’s Holy Land is a personal journey that I encourage for any reader interested in increasing both mentally and spiritually the knowledge of God’s holy land.

NEW CLOTHES

2008-11-25T06:32:00.005-06:00

I walked last evening and then again this morning, and each time I kept thinking about the words of the sermon I had heard on Sunday. Actually, I thought that the message would fade in the Monday morning light as sermons so often do. But here I am today still hearing the minister’s statement, "If you are called by My Name then look like one of My Kids."The minister used Colossians 3:9-17 for the morning reading, and he paraphrased "Therefore , as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with ..."

Clothe is the word that caught me. The Message version is even more fascinating to me. “…dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you.” I must confess that clothes have always been important to me. I like pretty things more than I should and often spend too much time and money worrying about my clothes and what I am going to wear. But God’s message fell on my heart yesterday as I read the apparel list that God has picked out for me in Colossians.

Compassion: a deep felt emotion to see that a person’s need is met

Kindness: taking our sincere, good intentions and making them happen

Humility: does not draw attention to self

Gentleness: responding to people in a calm and respectful manner

Patience:to be inconvenienced for a long period of time without complaining

Forbearance: Putting up with and accepting those things which rub us the wrong way about another- acceptance of the hurt

I asked myself as I walked “how many times have you heard this?” Why now does it make such an impact? Sometimes we don’t understand God’s timing. Perhaps he knows I need to dress my spirit more in his fashion. Perhaps because he knows me so well, he took this time and this messenger to remind me that my outward appearance only reflects my glory, but my spiritual clothing reflects his glory. I do want to be fashionable in God’s attire and shine with his beauty.

I walk on in my sweatshirt and sweat pants and recognize that God wants me to look my physical best, but more than that he wants me to clothe myself with his righteousness

PRAYER: Just help me Lord to remember the apparel and the accessories for my spiritual life even as I am planning my physical wardrobe. Give me the wisdom to use both my physical and spiritual wardrobe for your glory. In Jesus’ name…Amen

APOLOGY

2008-11-18T20:18:00.003-06:00

Just received an Instant Message from daughter-in-law Kaatje..."BY THE WAY I TOOK THAT PICTURE" I should have checked first with them. Kaatje is a wonderful daughter-in-law, a super mom, a gifted teacher, a good friend and obviously she is also good with the camera as you can see from this picture. Sorry Kaatje. I love the picture and the person who took it.

A NEW ENVIRONMENT

2008-11-17T15:33:00.022-06:00

Pictures from Montana (of course) Unless you are a new reader you know our son,Mitch, is a photographer and when I saw these pictures I thought of the sun always shining behind the clouds and that someday we will always walk in sunshine. Enjoy.

Haven't posted for some time as we have made our annual move to Florida. Will be here now until May 1, and it always takes me a few weeks to make the transition in living environments. Not necessarily the weather, but also the home...what I think I have, I don't have and what I think I don't have, I do have. Nothing seems to be in the right place and I hunt for the sugar and find the salt. I meet people I have known for several years and can't remember their name-of course they call me by name and inquire about my health. I fake it until I can make an association with the face and the name.Total confusion for a few days, but I am beginning to adjust. It happens each year and will be the same when we return to Illinois. I am blessed to live in two places,but find myself being slower to adjust each year.

When I walk in the mornings the people greet me with "Welcome Home", So good to see you" "How have you been?" I anticipate this each morning for the first few days as it is always a good feeling to know that people are genuinely glad to see you. As I walked this morning, I got to thinking about heaven. Of course, as I get older I find myself thinking more about heaven and family and friends I plan to see there. Perhaps my thoughts of heaven occur because of the recent change in my environment or maybe it is because the holidays are approaching and this year we will not go back to Edgar County (which is always home). Perhaps because I have received word of the death of a good friend who won't be there when I go home.. Whatever the reason, I have had heaven on my mind. (Isn't that the name of a song? If it isn't, it should be.)

And this morning I realized that this is what will happen when I get inside heaven's gates. I will walk in the light of the Son and people I haven't seen for so many years will be so glad to see me.They will call out to me as I enter "Glad to see you"! And as I walk, I will see Jesus and he will smile and be glad to see me. I want to hear him say "Well done good servant." And all the people there will call me by name and I will know them and there will be no aching bodies, no dimming eyesight,no tears, no worries about the economy, no concerns about our children or our grandchildren, no heartache- just peace.

When I finished my walk this morning, I thanked God for his promise of a new life after this one. I love life here on earth, but I always know there is no comparison to what I will experience in heaven. My prayer for all who read this today is that you too have an assurance that some day we can greet each other in heaven.

WALKING IN STRANGE BUT BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENT Clella

Just a postscript to my post tonight. My kindred heart writers' group is working on a service project for the holidays. If you would like to help us go to http://www.kindredheartwriters.com/ to find out more. Just click on address. Thanks.

WHO IS IN CONTROL HERE?

2008-10-22T08:13:00.003-05:00

It’s that time again! I walked in the evening one day this week and the faint smell of burning leaves floated up from along the bank of the lake. A flock of honking geese rose up from the water and flew into the southern sky. As I started up Laurel Lane, the hazy dust of the harvest spread itself through the late afternoon air and one red tree stood etched against the sunset.

The dusty harvest air always smells reminiscent of home to me. Memories of other harvests drifted through my mind, and I reminded myself of the unchanging pattern of the harvest and the realization of the year’s work. Ageless and constant, harvest season is always there as is the time for planting, and the time for rest. We who live in this part of the world understand what the writer of Ecclesiastes meant when he wrote “There is an appointed time for everything.”(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

And in these stressful times, not only of the harvest season, but of the season in our country and in our economy perhaps we need to go again to God’s Word. We need to remind ourselves that some things do remain steadfast and sure in this ever-changing world. God’s Word and His promises are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

I walked on around my route in this mindset and continued to be aware of the unchanging force of God in the world around me. I walked by leaf covered yards filled with children’s playthings and thought of the birth of children and the death of loved ones and the change this brings to our lives. The toys belong to my great-nephews and I think of the generations before us and the promises of their generation. What will their world be?

But I am convinced that the geese will fly, the planting will happen, the harvest will occur, the sun will come up and God will be in control. “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-“(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Our stress and our concerns with the every day life are certainly important and need our attention; however, as I walk on towards home, I pray for wisdom and the age old prayer of serenity.” God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr

QUIET TIME

2008-10-07T09:38:00.017-05:00

Our son in Montana just returned from a back pack trip with the children at Pine Haven Christian Childrens Ranch. As you know these are troubled children and Pine Haven knows the importance of "quiet time" for these young people and for the staff also. Although this is not the environment I was walking in as I wrote this post, I think these pictures reflect my point that we can find God speaking to us if only we stop to appreciate His creation. Our son,Mitch, does this often and portrays this in the photographs he takes. I hope you enjoy them as we do. QUIET TIME MY WALK IN ILLINOIS

The quiet of the morning is exactly what I need today. I love people. I love to be with people. But sometimes a person needs to be alone. I read recently that we speak more than 160,000 words a day. And if you ask my friends some would say that I surely average more than that. As I googled the word quiet on the internet, I found a travel site that advertises quietest places to visit. It is an advertisement of course, but the slide show at this web site is beautiful and only emphasizes what I am feeling this morning. http://www.forbestraveler.com/best-lists/quietest-places-story.

In glancing through the articles and devotions I have written previously, I notice this is a topic I have written about often. Maybe it is just in my life, but I don’t think so. I watch young mothers as they hurry from boss to baby sitters, from baby sitters to ball practice, from ball games to bedtime and wonder how they find time for the every day tasks that must be accomplished.

And for the working grandmother it has become non-stop. Grandmothers flit from one grandchild to the next, one committee meeting, church meeting, lunch meeting or business meeting attempting to be all things to all people. Society has told us that “good” grandmothers can do it all. Grandmothers who don’t work frequently become the baby sitter, and the merry-go round begins for them also.

Hovering like a dark cloud over all this to and fro is the latest DJ on the rock radio, the talk show on the television, the cell phone ringing in her purse, the television news caster with the latest from Wall Street and the Schwann© man is ringing the doorbell.

It isn’t always the noise of the world that keeps us from God, but some times it is the noise within us. We don’t stop long enough to let God speak to us. Rather we hurry from one thought to another, from one idea to another, from one comment to another …without giving God any of our mind. We seem to feel that we need to be always thinking, always planning, always doing something. God says “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10)Maybe I just need to make time for “being still.” Perhaps one of my priorities needs to be a time of quiet each day-a special time when God can get through to me. We can hear God in many ways if we take the time.

Reading His Word and then thinking about what we have read is a good way to start. Some call this meditation. Whatever it is called, it becomes a time to hear God. Praying and then waiting for a response is also useful in hearing God. It is the waiting that is hard for me. I want Him to talk to me right now and I want an answer, preferably my answer. I feel many are like me in that way. Not too long ago, I prayed for one of my grandchildren. I finally recognized that God had answered my prayer just not in the way I thought it would happen. Time had passed and I had been busy. Sometimes our prayers are answered, but we are too busy “living life” to notice.

And I can hear Him as I am walking this morning if only I pay attention. The geese are flying south; the leaves are turning from green to yellow; the harvest is happening; the air is getting cooler. All of this only demonstrates how consistent and faithful God is. The people and structures of our society may be changing and noisy, but if I slow down and listen Ican recognize that God is still in charge of my life and is softly whispering “Be Still and Know that I AM.

We have allowed the world to take over our time. Perhaps we need to heed the words of the old hymn we sang on Sunday .

Take time to be holy Speak oft with thy Lord; Abide in Him always, And feed on His Word. Make friends of God's children; Help those who are weak; Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. Take time to be holy, The world rushes on; Much time spend in secret With Jesus alone...;” William D. Longstaff, 1822 -1894 lyric

HINT: If you double click on pictures they should come up larger on your screen.

ADD WEIGHT

2008-09-02T22:40:00.003-05:00

My doctor suggested weight. Not that I should gain it, but that I should purchase some ankle weights to use for exercise. His suggestion that I start with two pounds and increase until I could do seven pounds seemed simple enough. I observed the exercises he demonstrated for my hip, shrugged my shoulders at how easy they looked and agreed to perform them faithfully. Rushing to the Walmart, I trudged the sports section searching for ankle weights. Ankle weights are not in groceries, computer accessories or clothing so I am in a strange area. Everything but ankle weights or so it seems. Finally (as a last resort) I find a clerk and ask about the weights. Her response is pleasant, but she isn’t sure either. I can tell by the way she begins to wander the aisle; however, together we locate the little 4x5 box labeled ankle and wrist weights-3lbs. Oh well, what’s another pound and they are on sale. Originally 13.99 now $7.00 and the box contains two weights. Really I only need one, but I probably will lose one anyway so that is no problem.

This morning I took one from the box and finally (after wrapping it with the Velcro on the inside)got it wrapped around my ankle, securing it tightly with the Velcro tape. Well that was wrong-I had it too tight. After I managed to roll onto my side with the weight securely fastened, the exercises of swinging my leg up and down and to and fro went quite well the first two or three times. Then the weight became noticeable. All the more as I worked to reach ten each way- and I am supposed to repeat this three times? But this was the doctor’s orders, and I certainly want to strengthen these muscles so I will continue even though I don’t like it. Surely an easier way is out there, but he says no and my research say no so I must believe this will make me stronger.

Life is the same isn’t it? We get up each morning and strap on all of these burdens. Max Lucado (one of my favorite Christian writers) calls it baggage. Worry about our health, our job, our children, our aging parents, gas prices, grocery prices, yesterday’s comment by a friend-it just weighs us down. We strap on these burdens each morning much the same way I strap on the ankle weight this morning. We go through the day carrying all this extra weight instead of just giving it to God. As I am swinging my weighted leg to and fro I pray that I might give my extra weight of life to God. He is so prepared to carry it. He has also told us to “bear one another’s burdens.” But I don’t want to bother other people with all my little worries. It seems each of my friends have concerns enough. I wonder how much lighter all of our weight might be if we did share with one another. Sometimes just talking about it with someone can lighten the load.

And then the burdens that are a part of life for everyone. James says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Again the weight is there, but this is not something we have placed upon ourselves; it’s just life. And like the unwanted instructions from my doctor, James tells us it will help us grow stronger. We should find joy in these trials.

I do find some satisfaction each morning I do my exercises because I find myself growing stronger, and I also look back at the past months of handicap situations and realize that these burdens too have caused me to grow stronger in my walk with God. As you look at your life, discern which weights you are strapping on yourself and get rid of those. Perhaps just sharing them with someone else will make them lighter. And then recognize the trials of life that we need to take “joy” in because they are developing perseverance. Remember perseverance is necessary that we might become mature, not lacking in anything. Enjoy your walk.

JUST A BRIEF NOTE

2008-08-30T21:22:00.007-05:00

My good friend Karen Whiting has just sent me her book trailer about her book on the use of TIME. Take a look. Just click on the address under TIME BOOK TRAILER listed in MY FAVORITE PAGES. I think many of you might find this a valuable little book. I will be posting my next Walking blog on Tuesday,Sept. 2. Look for it. Blessings .... Keep Walking with Him. Clella

WALKING AGAIN !!

2008-08-08T09:09:00.010-05:00

For those who have checked into the blog and found nothing new, I apologize. Summer has been another few months of trying to walk again. Brief recap of last few months…Early in year I began to hurt again as I had before last year’s hip replacement. Doctor in Florida said x-ray showed no problem with hip. Continued in severe pain (pain pills became a part of the day). When we got home in May, x-ray here revealed that prosthesis had come loose from pelvis…revision (which is almost total hip replacement again) on May 20….seemed to be doing very well as I did last summer. June 20 started to get up from computer chair and the hip dislocated…(severe pain…right up there with childbirth).However, I am walking my old short route and feeling my “normal” self again. Whatever normal is for me.  I would say that right now this minute I feel better physically and mentally than I have for two years(except for the short period of time in July and August of last year before I broke my leg) Well now you are up to date on my physical journey. During this period I have not been very focused with writing. Seems as though I could not get my brain to work for any period of time and because I was fighting too many other issues my writing did suffer. I THINK I AM BACK. If you have come back to read and walk with me again, I thank you. Hope to be more disciplined in the future.

The first morning I went back to “walking,” I started around the schoolyard track behind our house and felt an intermittent little sting on the side of my heel. The early air was about 63°, the sun was bright, the clouds in the blue morning sky were white puff balls and really my world was good. I was on the move again. After about 40 steps and a short “thank you Lord”, I noticed the sting was beginning to be more persistent…but in my left shoe which is my “good” leg so I kept walking. No problem-just a little annoyance.

The longer I walked the more it bugged me, and I realized it was probably a little cinder from off the track. How it had found its way into my shoe was a puzzle, but I though it would work itself out soon. I made myself keep walking because to stop and take it out, I would need to find something to hang on to as my “bad” right leg would not support me as I removed my shoe. Well, I didn’t want to do that as it would be an interruption so I started the second round.

It kept rubbing and I kept walking, but by now I was noticing it every step, and my first walking morning was turning sour on me. Ok, so I finally gave in, stopped, and hobbled to the post along the edge of the ball diamond. (This quarter mile track circles the school’s ball diamond) I grabbed the post, reached for my shoe, pulled it off and dumped it. Nothing!!! I reached into the shoe, still on one leg and holding on, ran my hand along the lining and found a minute (tiny, tiny) particle of a cinder. Flipped it out, replaced shoe and went on my way. No more pain.

How could one minuscule particle cause such problems? If I had stopped at the first irritation, I wouldn’t have this little sore spot that is going to need some healing time, but I really didn’t want to bother and everything seemed so good. Sometimes issues between people are like this. Whether it be in a marriage, a family, a friendship, or a business relationship we often find the same thing happening.

Everything is good. Communication is going well and you are enjoying one another, but then you notice a quiet spot in the conversation, a shrug of the shoulders after a question, a longer period of no contact and it feels as though things just are not quite right. But it is just a feeling and you leave it alone. Things are good so it must just be your imagination and it will work itself out if there is a problem.

Days go by and it becomes obvious that something is wrong in this association, but you don’t want to stop right now and make it right. Life is busy and the days go by. But soon the small problem becomes a bigger problem, and one day you wake up to the fact that unless you do something the relationship is going to go beyond healing. The problem has escalated into a major issue and you must do something.

Now is when you stop and finally try to restore the friendship, repair the marriage, close the family split or repair the business relationship. Search for the annoyance, dump the cinder that has become a rock, bring it out in the open and get rid of it. The sooner we can do this the quicker our relationship can heal and we can walk on in life content that we have done our best to make the path smooth for those around us.

May your path be smooth and your cinders be few. Enjoy your walk.

Thankful to be walking

Clella

EXCITING NEWS

2008-04-03T18:32:00.002-05:00

I just received the picture of the cover of a new book which will be for sale on Amazon.com very soon. I will also be able to mail it to you. Just as I have indicated previously, Just Walking can be purchased from me also. Contact me at my e-mail address. In the new book my devotion is September 23 and my Wordchick friend, Julie Gillies also has a devotion included in this Daily Devotions for writers.

GOD'S PLEASURE OR MINE?

2008-03-29T21:46:00.007-05:00

I wonder if God enjoys my life as much as I do. Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life writes that our focus should not be “How much pleasure am I getting out of life?’ but rather, “How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?”

How much pleasure is God getting out of my life? I certainly get pleasure from my life. I live in America. My husband, my children and my grandchildren are healthy, both spiritually and physically. We go, we do, we enjoy so many things. But perhaps self-examination time is here. Is my life pleasurable to God? I ask myself what things pleasure me that our children do? The same things it seems would please God the Father.

I am pleased when our children obey. And now that they are older, I find great joy when they reflect the things we have taught them. It delights me when I witness our adult children teaching their children the things they have learned from us that the grandchildren might show maturity in their decisions.

God must also be pleased when I teach his children the truths I have learned from his Word that they too might mature as Christians. Peter tells us we should “grow up.” (1 Peter 2: 2) Hopefully God can measure some growth in my Christian life. I look back and ask myself how much change has there been in my Bible study, in my love for my neighbor, in prayer life, in my witness to those around me? Perhaps not as much as God might want, but just as I can see physical and spiritual maturity happen in our earthly children, he can see the minute details of growth in my life. I do hope he is satisfied.

I am pleased when our children have more than a “hello/goodbye” conversation with us. Our child’s problems and griefs are always important to us, but how gratifying it is when a child (particularly an adult child) shares a dream with us. My daily prayers to God are filled with problems and requests. God must be elated when I stop to share my dreams with him.

I am pleased when our children show love and loyalty to one another and to the rest of the family. Because I have been “adopted” into the family of God, I need to show my loyalty to that family. My fellow Christians are my brothers and sisters, and my tongue should only praise and encourage them. How quickly I sometimes find fault with a brother in Christ. I pray this might change so that God may find more pleasure in this aspect of my daily living.

I am pleased when our children show appreciation for what we have done for them; not because they have to, but because they are truly appreciative. I don’t say thank you often enough to my earthly parent or to my God.

All that I am and all that I have is from God. The song of the bird mingles with the song of my child. Thank you God. The blue of the sky reflects in the summer pool full of laughing children. Thank you God. The love of my husband exemplifies Christ’s love for me. Thank you God. My eternal thanks to you for the pleasure our children bring to my life. An infinite stream of my “thanks” should be flooding the ears of God. I pray that as God’s child I fill him with much pleasure also.

As I finish this self-examination, I remind myself again that our life here on earth is not really for our pleasure but for His.

WALK AT EVENING

2008-03-20T19:38:00.004-05:00

Obviously these pictures were not taken in Florida, but our son, Mitch, takes such beautiful scenery pictures that I just like to share them with my friends. These were taken on the bison range close to their home in St. Ignatius, Montana. I hope you enjoy them

It has certainly been awhile and much has happened since I last posted. I am again limping...this time with pinched nerves in the sciatic and sacroilliac nerves. Have not been walking only as necessary;however, today was a good day so decided to go for an evening walk around our neighborhood here in the mobile home park. This is the result of that walk.
I will certainly polish it and "tweak" it if I ever use it for anything except blogging, but felt it was time to keep in touch. I have decided that what I write on the blog does not have to be "perfect" but perhaps just a sharing of my thoughts and feelings. Will be a different approach, but I will see how it goes. My hope is that my writing will uplift you and encourage you to walk closer to our Lord even if sometimes you feel as though you are limping both physically and spiritually.

I am asking for prayer warriors as I start the process for a new book of devotions and some free lance writing. If you are interested in being a part of my prayer team, please e-mail me and I will share my needs with you Enjoy my walk this evening.

EVENING WALK

I watched the golden rays melt into yellow, fade blue, melt into pink and then bright orange as the sun slipped into the blue of the horizon. And it was gone-leaving only faded pink streaks dissolving into the silver gray of the Florida evening. As I walked slowly toward the fading glow, the warm breeze slacked off and stillness enveloped the evening. That time between sunset and dark called dusk surrounded my path, and I slowed my pace to enjoy the calm at the end of the day. So often I am too busy, too tired, or too lazy to find that quiet time just before the dark of night.

When I do find time for an evening walk, many of my neighbors greet me, and we discuss the events of the day and our personal blessings and concerns. Just this evening, I chatted with a friend about granddaughters (hers and mine) and the heartaches and disappointments they must face as they begin jobs and marriages and families. It is good to share these mutual concerns. Jesus told us to “share one another’s burdens” and Paul told us “to encourage one another”. My friend and I agreed that these issues were a part of maturing, and our granddaughter were both well able to handle their situations.

Reassured, I continued toward home. Darkness had fallen and the damp air of the evening felt refreshing after the heat of the day. Refreshed and ready for the night, I entered the kitchen, made a cup of tea and relaxed for the evening. My life gets so bogged down with the day to day living that a slow walk at sunset, a visit with a friend and time of reflection is as uplifting to my spirit as it is to my body.

Thank you God for this time at the end of the day to reflect on the things you have done for me. Thank you for friends who share and for the freedom I have to walk in your wonderful creation and experience the refreshment it brings to my body and spirit.

BE QUIET

2008-01-24T13:54:00.000-06:00

QUIET

Reflected in God's Creation

Mission Mountains>

photos by Mitch Camp

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him." Psalms 37:7

My third BE ATTITUDE is BE QUIET. What a noisy world we live in! At our homes,at our jobs, at our recreation, the noise goes on and on and on... Numerous studies have been recorded about the effect of the noise in our modern day lives. Results indicate that the noise level in our life has a detrimental effect on our physical health, our mental health and I believe, our spiritual health. Our society seems to need to be"plugged in" to every thing at one time - telephones on our ears,ipods in our hands, computers on the dashboard and DVD's on the headrests.

Psalms 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God." Our days often becomes so noisy that the concept of "hearing" God is lost in our noisy appointment-filled life. We are so busy going and going and keeping in touch with everything around us that we often drowned out the sound of God.

A quiet time is necessary for each of us. We need to be removed from the blare of traffic, the blast of television, the bellowing of people and even the sound of our own voice. Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:4 about “the unfailing beauty of a gentle quiet spirit which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Great worth in God’s sight is what Iam striving for, and an attitude of a gentle, quiet spirit is something I desire. Life is just too hectic.

Life becomes so “driven” we have no time for Bible study, prayer, or reflection on the things of God. Daily living quickly slides by with one day becoming the drudgery of the next and our life bogs down in the bustle and noise of living. God is there, of course, but we just can’t hear Him for the noise of everyday life. We need to make “quiet time for God” a #1 priority in our daily schedule.

It may be no more than a cup of tea and some old hymns on my Cd; a ten minute reading of my favorite psalm; a walk alone on a country road; a recliner break in my favorite chair with my eyes closed and my thoughts on my blessings; a stop for prayer rather than the hurried "help" I often throw out as I am on the way to "someplace; or the meditation on that day's Bible reading. Anything that causes us to "Be still" is what God expects of us. Times that lead to the "gentle, quiet spirit" that is of great worth to God need to be scheduled as a part of our day. It is in this way that we can develop the Be Quiet attitude we need in order to continue in the attitudes of patience and joy that I mentioned in the last two posts. By taking time to be quiet, to develop that spirit of quiet we then can be patient and joyful in our day to day living.

BE PATIENT

2008-01-11T15:37:00.000-06:00

This is a four generation picture taken at Christmas. The woman on the right is my 90 year old mother. A beautiful example of a woman of PATIENCE.

The Second BE Attitude I recommend is BE PATIENT.

"Lord, I'm praying for patience, and I want it now." I smile when some one makes that statement but still I am guilty of that very thing. The love chapter 1 Corinthians 13 tells us in verse 4 that "Love is patient." James tells his readers to "be patient,stand firm" (James5:8) We are such an instant society. So much of our day is involved with things that happen instantly and if they don't we become very stressed out. I once had dial-up internet and was so thrilled when I got it, but now I have DSL and it still isn't as fast as I would like.I want my messages now.

We are the same way about our church,our family, our job and our recreation. All things will happen in God's time, but we have our plans for right this minute.God tells us often to "wait upon the Lord." and the promise of "wings like eagles" Isiaah 40:13 is one of my favorite verses. But we want to "fly" this instant.

Our society insists our children grow up so quickly. We plan so many activities (even in the church) that our children have no time to play. We seem to push them to fly from the nest before they really have grown wings. One my favorite writings is Wet Oatmeal Kisses(credited often to Erma Bombeck) and I want to share it.

Wet Oatmeal Kisses "The baby is teething; the children are fighting. My husband just called- to eat dinner without him."

Okay, one of these days you'll shout! "Why don't you grow up and act your age!" And they will. Or: "You guys get outside and find yourselves something to do...and don't slam the door!" And they won't.

You'll straighten up their bedrooms neat and tidy...bedspreads tucked and smooth...toys displayed on the shelves. Hangers in the closet. Animals caged. And you'll say out loud: "Now I want it to stay this way." And it will.

You'll prepare a perfect dinner with a salad that hasn't been picked to death and a cake with no finger traces in the icing and you'll say: "Now there's a meal for company." But you'll eat it alone.

You'll say: "I want complete privacy on the phone. No dancing around. No demolition crews. Silence! Do you hear!" And you'll have it.

No more plastic tablecloths stained with spaghetti. No more anxious nights under a vaporizer tent. No more dandelion bouquets; or wet, knotted shoestrings; tight boots, or rubber bands for pony tails.

Imagine. A lipstick with a point. No baby-sitter for New Year's Eve.washing clothes only once a week. No PTA meetings. No car pools. No blaring radios. No more Christmas presents out of toothpicks and library paste. No more wet oatmeal kisses. No more tooth fairy. No giggles in the dark. No knees to heal.

Only a voice crying, "Why don't you grow up."

And the silence echoing, "I did."

So many times I have shared this with a young mother bemoaning her fate in life. All of us who have raised children know about patience or the lack thereof. If you have grandchildren, or perhaps those beautiful great-grandchildren share the message of patience. Be an encourager to the young parents around you. They need to know our experiences of the past. Share Isiaah 40:31 with them. "But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."

Isiaah's advice is not just for the young people of the world. In this past year of hip replacements and broken ankles I have often claimed his promise. I prayed for Patience for bones to heal and strength to return that I might walk and not grow faint. I dream of soaring on wings like eagles. Even though my bones will never let me run very fast my spirit can soar if only I will keep an attitude of patience.

Our God is a God of patience. I think daily what patience he must have as he forgives me day after day for the same foolish mistakes. And in our hurry-up society we quarrel and fuss and are so impatient about much that really isn't very important. Patience is a fruit of the spirit. Let me be reminded daily to "Wait upon the Lord." May you too wait as you walk with Him. Enjoy your Walk.

JUST A QUOTE

2008-01-03T19:37:00.000-06:00

"How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." - H.D. Thoreau

I am just posting this tonight and intend to give it much more thought. I have always appreciated Thoreau's writings, but this particular statement has not been one I have noticed before. I want to think about it before I begin my writing for 2008.I may be asking myself if I "have stood up to live". Rather an interesting idea isn't it?

May all of you enjoy blessings in 2008. Posting will begin soon.

BE ATTITUDES..Be Joyful

2007-12-13T17:31:00.000-06:00

Since this post is going to discuss joy I want to share these pictures with you. We attended our granddaughter's graduation from boot camp at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina during the Thanksgiving week and this is a picture of her joy at seeing her grandparents. Please pray for all our soldiers in foreign countries and away from their homes at this time of the year. Pray for their parents and their families that God would bless them all.

I removed my "lovely" walking boot on Friday. I jokingly have told people that boots are in style for the Fall season and I certainly always want to be "in" with my clothes. The best news is that on Monday I WALKED nine holes of golf.I know many of my readers would not find that very exciting, but it was thrilling for me, and even better I did not have any pain. It has been more than a year since I could say with all honesty that I didn't hurt. First, it was my back and a sciatic nerve-then it was my hip and the culminating hip replacement-then it was my broken ankle. All in all it has been some time since I have been the woman I want to be physically. I am praising God for His healing power. I realize that many people have constant pain, and that my aches and pains have been minor in comparison.I certainly have more compassion for those suffering individuals.

I prayed often in these past months that God would guide my attitude about my physical weaknesses. Paul writes to the Ephesians in the second chapter about how God has prepared us in advance for the special purposes He has created us to accomplish. Purpose is still a buzz word in Christianity and if we are pursuing His purpose for us what should our attitude be? Our attitude can change our life. I have heard my daughter more than once tell her young daughter that she "needs to change her attitude". Maybe God, my Father, is admonishing me to change my attitude.

A change of attitude can often make a big difference. So I want to share my own personal Be Attitude list.

BE JOYFUL

"Be joyful always." 1 Thessalonians 5:6 "Again I say rejoice. "Philippians 4:4

One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. So many women in today's society seem to be unhappy. And not just the women of the World. I personally am acquainted with Christian women who never seem to be happy. The mood of the home is usually the mood of the wife and mother. "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" is one of those funny but true statements. Our chidren and our husbands often reflect what is felt in the home. "A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day." Proverbs 27:15. Criticism and nagging can become a habit. We don't even realize we are doing it,and our family becomes hardened in their hearts to the drip, drip drip of little criticsms. We really only want them to be the best they can be,but each of us must be careful with our words. We often take the joy out of small pleasures for our children, our husbands and our friends.

We worry too much about outward appearances and what people may think. How often have you said to your husband or your teenager, "You surely aren't wearing that outfit are you?" And only after it is out of my mouth and I see the look on their face do I realize what I have done. I have humiliated and hurt the one I love and it really isn't an important issue at all. Teenagers and clothes are always a point of distress.Many times we are making it more important that it needs to be. A rule of thumb at our home "If it isn't illegal, immoral or indecent then we can talk about it." Everyone needs some form of self-expression. A cutting comment from Mom can steal the joy from the moment for your teenager.

And so what if my husband has worn that shirt to church for the past three Sundays. I am probably the only one who knows what shirt he wore last week anyway. Does it matter if there is paint on the pants he has on? He's just going to the store. Each little nagging comment takes a bit of joy from his life that moment.

I once watched a little boy playing in a glass of Kool-Aid with a spoon .Red Kool-Aid is such fun to stir and when it splashes it makes lovely puddles on the table. I saw his mother go to the faucet, get a glass of water and replace the Kool-Aid with the clean water. "Here now stir to your heart's delight" she smiled. What a lovely way to handle the situation. I am sure I would have grabbed the Kool-Aid glass, quarreled at the youngster for making a mess and sent him on his way. No joy in that scenario. We must learn to enjoy the moment.

Proverbs 17:7 reads "A cheerful heart is good medicine." Joy is catching. When we demonstrate the inner contentment and true joy that comes with Christ we are sharing the attitude of Joy. When we leave a group do the people feel lifted up? I want people to feel such joy when they are with me that their comment becomes,"whatever she has I want it." And then we can share Jesus.

My next post will be my second BE ATTITUDE I pray that you will share joy and that you will know joy in the days ahead. Just an added footnote: I plan to start my daily walking in the new year. I have no words to tell you how much I have missed my morning walks. My hip and leg both feel strong enough to do this now, but we are leaving for Illinois on 15th and will return to Florida on 30th. May all of you continue to walk with me as I walk both physically and spiritually. I pray my limping days are finished for awhile.

2007-11-04T13:32:00.001-06:00

Even though we left for Florida the last week in October, I thought my readers might still enjoy the thoughts I had during that time. I am still not walking for exercise and meditation because of the broken ankle. I hope to return to my regular walking schedule after Christmas. I have been so busy trying to refurbish our mobile that we purchased last spring that I haven't done much writing. I hope to be finished with all these "household" decisions soon so that I might enjoy our beautiful weather and do some writing. I plan to mail out brochures for speaking engagements soon. Anyone interested in "hearing" as well as reading about my daily walking? We'll let God take care of that. Philippians 4:19

GETTING READY

Angrily swishing his bushy tail, the little brown squirrel clings to the bottom branch and chatters nosily as I move the grill into the garage. The cardinal that I haven't seen for several days makes one last swoop at the fallen seed beneath the empty feeder. Acorns bounce across the patio as the wind whistles through the big oak tree in our back yard. Several little chipmunks peek out to see what is causing all the confusion. Everything seems to be getting ready for winter.

And we too are preparing for our winter journey to Florida. Yesterday we stopped the mail; today will be the last day for the evening paper. We have made a list of our business information for our family and have told them where all the keys are located. Tonight we will eat with our grandson and his wife, hug them one more time before we leave and shed that small tear that I have each time I leave a part of my family. Even though I want to go and look forward to my Florida home, that final hug always brings a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. These young people are so precious to us, but they have their lives and we have ours. And that is as God intends it should be. By late evening all is finished; the van is packed. Our preparation of the past few days is finished. We are ready to go to our “other home.”

It is much the same with our earthly life. As Christians, we have this earthly home. We enjoy it so much. Some of our family have already left, but many of them, especially the younger ones still surround us with their love. The church home we have been a part of for fifty years plus is familiar and we enjoy that feeling. But we are aware that we have another home, and as the winter of our life approaches, we begin to make specific preparations to go there. Anticipation fills our hearts, even though a small tear sometimes appears as we realize we will leave family behind. However, we have taught them what to do when we are not here for them. They have the direction of God’s Word, and we have told them where the keys are.

We started preparing to leave the day we were baptized. Each time we read our Bible, attended a worship service, helped a friend, taught Scripture to our children, praised our God and loved our neighbor we were preparing for our heavenly home. As we come closer to the time to go, we double check to make sure we have done all we should do. We don’t want to leave anything undone that might cause a problem for those who are left to watch over earthly things, but neither do we want to miss the journey. Getting ready to leave is the important part. Jesus said that he was going to prepare a place for us so we are assured that the home at the end of the journey is already waiting. We just need to make sure we have done everything we need to do before we leave.

PRAYER: God, please make us aware that each day we are preparing for the journey we will make at the end of this life. Give me the knowledge and the wisdom to make all the necessary preparations to live with you in eternity. In Jesus name Amen

SLOW US DOWN LORD

2007-10-08T22:47:00.001-05:00

I am learning patience and have found that I am not real good about depending on someone else so I am also learning humility. I don't do either well at this point(as I say "I am learning") The lovely black boot is still a part of wardrobe and I am still wearing it day and night. It is my hope to be able to remove it at night in a week or two. I have learned to be thankful for the mobility I have always had and have gained a further appreciation for those who are always encumbered when they walk. ENJOY YOUR WALK TODAY.

The musty smell of harvest dust filters into the breeze. Farming families eat in fields; wives and children become errand boys and hired hands. The grain market and the weather report develop into the major news. The geese fly south again. Leaves fade into brilliant reds and golds and the harvest moon rises in the October sky. Fall festivals are rampant, school is in full swing and the high school football season dwindles to one game and the play-offs. Autumn in the Midwest-if only our lives could slow down to appreciate it.

When we are forced by circumstances to slow down, we begin to notice the little things we have been missing in our frantic, too-much-to-do and not-enough-time life. Since my last post, I have given up the crutches, but still my walking is much slower this morning. In fact, I am not at a stand-still, but almost. I mosey. I looked it up and I think that is a good word for the way I am walking. Have you heard the expression, “Just moseying along?” As I “mosey” around the circle here in the sub-division, I am much more aware of what is happening around me.

Little chipmunks and bushy tailed squirrels invade my lawn. One little fellow struggles defiantly with the acorns falling among the leaves on our patio. As I step out quietly for my walk, I stop to watch his struggle. He finds them much more appealing than we do. Apparently these little creatures have been here all summer, but I have hardly noticed them until now.

On across the way, the geese are strutting around the edge of Eads Lake, staking their claim to our neighbors’ yards. Soon they will huddle, honk to one another and begin their journey across the sky. I pause to watch and listen as they rise into the blue October sky. Soon they will be gone.

On around the circle, I notice that the neighbor on the corner has planted several mums-the full-blown bushes are swathed in blooms glowing in the light of the afternoon sun. I vaguely remember he planted them several weeks ago, but I became fully aware of them today.

I return to our house and notice how my pots of mums are beginning to fade into rusty brown blossoms. It is time to remove them from the pots and plant them for next season. In other autumns, I have been too busy to even notice the dry foliage until the time had passed for replanting. I have time today. I pull up the lawn chair to rest after my journey around the neighborhood. Sitting with the sun soaking my shoulders, I begin to reflect on the spiritual side of our life. Maybe we need to sometimes just slow down there also. Sometimes we get so busy with our church work that we don’t stop to notice the little things around us.

Sunday morning our auditorium was beautifully decorated, but I didn’t take time to find out who had done it. I was too busy making plans for lunch after church, and discussing a meeting that I wanted to go to on Wednesday night. Someone would surely have appreciated recognition for their efforts, but I needed to hurry on for lunch.

We go to a committee meeting and make big decisions, but fail to take note of an absent member. No one bothers to find out why there aren’t in attendance. We are just are in a hurry to get this over with and get on to our next meeting. Someone may have needed us.

I intended to increase my Bible Study time this past month, but until my recent accident I really was too involved for more serious study. I did my regular reading and then hurried on to something else. Just not enough time for everything I thought. Perhaps this winter I will have more time. I know in my heart I need God’s word.

Perhaps we need to stop being so religiously busy and just slow down for more prayer time during the day, be more aware of the people who are missing at our gatherings, and study the Word more diligently rather than a cursory reading to fill the allotted time we give to reading the Bible. Somewhat like the little creatures storing their nuts, the brown leaves on my plants and the geese that will soon be gone, we may be missing a spiritual blessing and unless we slow down we may never realize what we have missed.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY: Lord, slow me down as I walk with you through this life. Help me to realize I need to take time to notice the small things you have prepared for me to do and not become so involved in “ busyness” that I neglect the little things of life that are so important. In Jesus’ name Amen

HELP! I'VE FALLEN

2007-09-24T22:36:00.001-05:00

I realize that my posting is sporadic recently; perhaps this will explain part of the situation. I will now have plenty of time to write. I couldn't resist sending the picture of the cast. For those of you who know me, it doesn't match a thing I have to wear. It would seem to me they would make these in colors and just a bit more decorative. You can't even sign your name on this. :-) Obviously the title of the book I am working on now is rather ironic STILL WALKING (But Sometimes I Limp). I just can't help but think that God is smiling...not that I believe He caused the fall...it was my own fault. Just stepped in a hole and turned my ankle. I always have walking experiences to write about it seems. I have no idea what 8-12 weeks of no driving will do for my life. May you enjoy your walking. HELP! I’VE FALLEN... A touch of cool almost-autumn breeze ruffled the trees at the golf course last Friday morning. The grass on #3 tee is fading into the dry straw texture of fall and we are getting more roll from the ball as it hits the fairway. I had just hit a rather decent drive (not excellent but better than my drive on #2). Four of us were playing the front nine, and then as usual planned to eat lunch at a local restaurant. Nothing new or unusual about the day. My life is quite predictable. Life was going well, and then I stumbled. Suddenly I landed on the ground and my predictable life changed. Just last week I wrote for this column that “everyone stumbles”. And that very day I did. My ankle is broken. My life is totally disrupted. I need to depend on my family and my friends. Because I am not allowed to drive I cannot even control my own coming and going. I must cancel plans. I sit here in my wheelchair with crutches by my side and ask myself how this could have happened. Everything seemed to be going so well for me. If I had moved more slowly or been more observant, I might have avoided this fall. My physical world turned around rather quickly. We are so sure everything is just fine and then we fall. Sometimes our spiritual life can be the same. Everything is good. Our prayer life seems strong. Our Bible study is regular (nothing extra but we are reading it). We attend church most Sundays, and sometimes we even stay for Sunday school class or go to an extra service during the week. Nothing new or challenging in our spiritual journey. Our Christian journey follows the same day-to-day path that we have always traveled. And then we stumble. Because we aren’t paying attention we become lazy and Sunday is a good day to rest or get caught up on the work we need to do at home. We start to fall into the patterns of the world around us. Throwing harsh words at a family member in a fit of anger or taking those left-over supplies on the job, or telling the lie that covers our mistake all seem so easy the first time they happen. But suddenly (like my fall) because of some sinful action that causes us pain or loss, we suddenly realize we have stumbled and fallen. Trouble enters our world and with it comes a need for spiritual help. When I fell, my friend did not push me back down, but immediately jumped to assist me. If we are the healthy one, we need to reach out to the fallen and help them up. Why don’t we to do that when we know someone has fallen spiritually? Just as my family and friends reach out to me in my physical need, Christians should be there for a fallen friend. A fallen or injured friend needs the crutch of God’s forgiveness and the support of His people. And as it will take time for my leg to heal, it takes time for spiritual ‘breaks” to heal. Christians all stumble and the crutch of God’s love and forgiveness is available to each of us if we will just lean on it. Sometimes prides keeps us from reaching out for this crutch. Paul wrote to the church at Rome that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Any one of us can fall at any time if we don’t stay alert to the world around us, and when we do we can accept that love and forgiveness are there for us to lean on. PRAYER: Help me be the one who reaches down to help someone up whether they have fallen physically or spiritually. Let me remember that it takes time to heal from a fall, and that people need my support and encouragement, but most of all they need my love. In Jesus name, Amen

HAND IN HAND

2007-09-04T21:59:00.000-05:00

Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand."~ Emily Kimbrough ~

I found the previous quote in my notes last week and have been keeping it on my desk for the perfect spot in my writing. It surfaced again when I came back from my walk this morning.

I cut across the school yard because it is a safe way for me to get home without walking the edge of the highway. As I walked through the grass, I watched the children jump from the bus and run toward the playground. Two little girls rushed hand in hand to the swings swaying in the morning breeze – a new year of school has begun and the future is out there someplace. They go hand in hand to what the new school year brings.

Scenes from past walking times flash in my mind as I watch the little girls hold hands crossing the playground.

Lovers walking on the Florida beach as the sun silhouettes them against the evening sky. Young lovers strolling hand in hand toward the parking lot after a day at the beach. They have no thought that they might stumble, but holding hands keeps them connected and the future is out there someplace, so they go hand in hand to what the night may bring.

Parents cautioning and children laughing as they push their way to the entrance of the Disney World©, mother, father, daughter, son hurrying toward a day of family fun. Holding hands so they won’t get separated. The future is out there someplace, but they go hand in hand to meet it unafraid of what years may bring.

White haired lady and upright man carrying his cane as they walk toward the door of the hospital-leaning one on the other as they have done for the past fifty years. They push open the door and the future is out there someplace, but they enter hand in hand for what the visit may bring.

What a comfort it is to go hand in hand with someone else through the experiences of life because we know we will stumble, and those of us who have a hand to hold realize what a security it is when we stumble. And we will stumble. Remember “every one of us stumbles” as we come from that past or go to that future. The only hand we really can truly trust is God’s hand. He never stumbles. He can always hold us up. Holding hands with Him will always keep us safe for what ever the future brings. And that knowledge is my comfort in life.

"Wherever you are spiritually whatever you have been through emotionally, you are already wrapped in the Lord's embrace. Held close by nail-scarred hands."~ Liz Curtis Higgs~

TAKING A SHORTCUT

2007-08-28T21:47:00.000-05:00

This week I am posting an old entry that I used more than a year ago while we were in Florida(thus the reference to the orange blossoms). I have a new post ready about Holding Hands, but I have some picture ideas that I want to put with it and Mitch is going to take those this week-end. I am waiting to put it all together as I think it will be so much more effective. For those of you who come weekly,I apologize if you have already seen this. Perhaps you can gain new insight by reading it again. I hope so. And for those readers who have not read this, Enjoy.

"I was so tempted to take a shortcut this morning. As I arrived at the corner, I realized if I turned left I could get home in a short time and my walk would be over. I really had not been "in the mood" for walking when I started and by now I was getting physically tired...not exhausted, just tired.

Part of the tiredness is my frame of mind. I am not sure if it is physical or mental, but my outlook on the world needs adjusting and usually a morning walk corrects the problem, but that isn't happening. A short cut seemed like a way out. Making myself go by the corner and on down my regular route was a struggle, but I won.

And as usual, I'm celebrating my victory. I smelled the orange blossoms just as I passed the corner, and then I noticed that the red rose bush in the neighbor's yard had bloomed overnight. Farther along I met the lady whose husband I had been praying for and she assured me he was "doing so well".Had I taken the shortcut I would have missed all of these blessings.

Isn't life just like that? When we take shortcuts in life, we miss the blessings God has prepared for us. I'm going to think about this today.

Maybe the reason for my "mood" is that I am taking too many shortcuts because I don't think I have time for the life God has prepared for me. Time is an enemy if we don't use it as God has intended.

JUST WALKING

2007-08-19T17:43:00.000-05:00

I am posting this on Sunday this week as I have finished the devotion and I have time! Sometimes on Tuesday, which is my Bible Study group, I forget until late in the evening that I have not posted my devotion. The pictures I am sharing were taken by Mitch Camp,my son who serves at Pine Haven Christian Children's Ranch near St. Ignatius, MT. The top is Montana in the morning (much like the view I write about) and this is the view they have from their front window. The other view was taken in Glacier National Park. If you enjoy these pictures, let me know. I will try to share pictures relevant to the devotion. Mitch and I are working on a book with this idea in mind. Let us know what you think. May you enjoy your walk this week. Clella

THE WALL

I hit the wall today. I have heard the term used many times when reading about marathon runners and always thought the expression was a phrase to describe the physical sensation of being unable to move ahead. Now I realize it is more than a physical sensation, it becomes an inability to think as well as move and getting through it seems an impossible task.

I felt I could not walk another step, but I did–and another, and another, one foot in front of the other until I seemed to go right through the wall. I discovered that once this has been accomplished exhilaration becomes the prevailing emotion. Perhaps I am exaggerating a bit to make a point, but I have been pushing myself each day to walk farther than the day before, and today I thought I had pushed too far.

I remember walking in the mountains of Montana early one morning and the same feeling came upon me. Walking on the mountain takes your breath away-figuratively and literally. The mountains were beautiful in the early morning. That morning I walked down the hill for quite awhile, not thinking that if I wanted to get home, it would be necessary to walk back up the hill.

Going uphill is difficult. In fact, so difficult that I quit at one point, and decided I would wait for someone to come along and pick me up. It was here that the imaginary wall showed up. I felt I must go on. Physically I was depleted, but I needed to walk on up to the top. I pushed through the wall. I rested often, but as I rested I still had this wonderful view of the Mission mountains and the valley below. Even in my resting time I was aware of God’s presence in those mountains.

What an analogy of the Christian walk. When a person first starts walking with Christ, the walk is not too difficult; we are on the top of the hill. We start down the hill just a step or two. We aren’t going far, but we want to test ourselves just a bit. How easy it is to wander on our way admiring the beauty surrounding us, oblivious to how far down the path we have traveled. We have gone too far away from Christ. We are walking an unknown path. Realization hits and we recognize that we need to get back to where we started.

We decide to start back. Traveling back isn't easy. We often need to take a breather. Prayer becomes necessary if we are to continue. Our time with God’s Word increases as we realize the need for spiritual food. Friendship and encouragement from our friends is the crutch we lean on. Just like the beauty of the mountains was still surrounding me so the spirit of Christ still is with us.

We recover our spiritual breath, take a new look at the situation and go on toward the top. We continue struggling with the determination to go back to where we began this downhill journey.

Physical walking and spiritual walking have so much in common. The Spirit keeps pushing us to walk a little farther, to become a little stronger in the knowledge of the Lord. We walk through that wall. Certainly it is a struggle. Sometimes the struggle is a daily thing; sometimes it goes on for years.

The top of the hill is worth it.

JUST WALKING

2007-08-14T22:36:00.000-05:00

In searching through my writings I discovered this and felt it might be worth sharing on my blog this week. My walking this week is somewhat curtailed. I have “overdone” my physical capabilities and find that my body is responding to my recent surgery. As usual I have pushed too hard too fast. I confess this is not an unusual action on my part. So instead of writing about walking I will just share some thoughts I have had. Do keep walking with our Lord...I am. AN INVISIBLE FLAVOR My husband always makes a survey of the dinner table before we bow for prayer. And I know what he is looking for...salt. If by some slip, I have forgotten to put it within his reach or even more unthinkable have not even put it on the table, he rises before we pray to retrieve the salt.(Please note that is a somewhat tongue in cheek statement, but also true.) It is that invisible flavor of life that so many of us crave and miss so much if it isn't there. Sometimes we don't even know what's missing, but the food just doesn't "taste right". We all know someone whose presence brings a glow to the environment...the club meeting goes better, the luncheon group is happier, the church board meeting is pleasant. That is the dissolved salt of Christ's love in the environment they live in. My prayer today is that Christ's love is made evident to others when they get a taste of my life.

JUST WALKING

2007-08-07T20:35:00.000-05:00

WALK (Even When You Don’t Want To) `I really didn’t even want to get up this morning. My body was achy...nothing major just “old-age” aches and pains that usually disappear once I am up and moving. But this morning seemed a good morning to turn on my other side, wrap my arms around my pillow, pull the sheet a little closer to my chin and just snuggle down for another few minutes. I knew if I did, my walk wouldn’t happen. I have promised myself I will walk each day this week, so I made myself get up, get dressed and start down the blacktop toward the highway. I would not describe my steps as lively or my face as joyful, but I am walking. I plod along my usual route, and just as I turn the corner to start the last lap of my journey there they are in front of me...right in the middle of the road. A doe and her little fawn are also taking their morning stroll. Batting their eyes and twitching their white tails, they stand ears-up alert, poised to run at the slightest indication of danger. Obviously not feeling I am too dangerous, the mother and baby wander slowly across the road, turn once to check me out and then bound into the corn field behind Crestwood School. And even though I know deer are rampant in this county, cause many automobile accidents and eat our crops, they are still a beautiful early morning surprise. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and God’s creation is all around me. Seeing the deer, I stop for a minute, enjoy my surroundings and thank God that I am physically able to walk as a part of His creation. I continue on towards home just thankful that even though I didn’t really want to walk, I had trudged the path and turned the corner and experienced the sudden beauty of the mother and her child of nature. Again God reminds me in His own way that “this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.” I wonder if this isn’t also true about our daily spiritual walk. Many times I start the day not really too anxious to do the God “things” I know I should do. Reading my Bible, praying, calling on the sick, sending the cards, talking to my neighbor about Jesus are not things I want to do. I would much rather pull the sheet of the world around me and go on with my life of pleasure. And yet when I take the time and make the effort, I find many lovely surprises just waiting for me as I turn the corner. I realize how God’s Word speaks to me so personally; how much I enjoyed visiting with the lady in the nursing home; how talking to my neighbor has brought me a new friend and most of all the joy I feel when the day is done. Again His Word comes “Ask where the good way is and walk in it and you will find rest for your soul.” And I have. Enjoy your walk.

MAKING JESUS ATTRACTIVE

2007-07-31T07:26:00.000-05:00

This is not a new article, but one I wrote some time ago; however, this week I have been reviewing some of my devotional writings. I am attempting to write new things and make revisions in those I have already written for the purpose of organizing another book. Please pray with me that this is in God's plan. Every place I turn this past week I have come upon the scripture in Jeremiah " For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." I remind myself that God is in control and I am not. All I need to do is make His son attractive to those I meet as I walk. MAKING JESUS ATTRACTIVE Today I started a study of Philippians with a group of women. Starting a new Bible study is rather like turning the corner when you are walking a familiar path. The path is the same one you have walked previously, but when you turn the corner you often see something you have missed before. One day I noticed a picnic table in the wooded area I walk by each day. Of course it has been there all the time because I walk the same route, but I just haven’t noticed it before. Well, that happened to me today in my Bible study. I turned the page this morning and found a truth-not a new truth-but new to me. We are reading Philippians 1:7-11. As I read this passage, it became clear to me that the real truth in today’s reading was the verse that reads “Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:10-11 The Message) And there is the thought for the day-“making Jesus Christ attractive to all” Isn’t that an exemplary thought? For several weeks now, I have been dwelling on this idea of how our everyday living attracts or repels the people we come in contact with. I think of the clerks in the store, the waitress in the restaurant, the lady who delivers my paper or the child who sees me at the Walmart. Do I reflect Christ to them? Do I make Jesus attractive? Do they think “whatever it is that woman has in her life, I want it. I want that kind of joy, that kind of peace, that kind of happiness in my life.” Shouldn’t it be our goal as we walk through this life to make Jesus attractive? This is not always easy in today’s society, but it is a goal that we need to move toward. Let those of us who are walking with the Son attempt to make Jesus attractive in the society we live in. ENJOY YOUR WALK.

2007-07-23T20:30:00.000-05:00

A PLANNED CELEBRATION Of course I danced at the wedding reception!!! Before my hip replacement on May 29,I had promised myself and my grandson that I would do that very thing. And because of many prayers and God’s physical healing I was there in my high-heeled dancing shoes for a dance with my grandson when the celebration music began to play. The weather was perfect for July, the church was overflowing and the ceremony performed by the groom’s uncle was a tribute to God and His love for these children. Vows were made and pledges for eternity were given. As I walk and think on the weekend’s festivities I pray that “what God has joined together let no man put asunder.” The ceremony and the reception reflected the planning that had been made for the six months prior to the event. During that time, the bride carried a notebook and made a list for each detail of the event. She studied magazines, talked to others and listened to experts so that when her wedding day arrived she would be guaranteed the celebration of her dreams. As the day grew closer, she was patient but insistent that all things would be as she intended. Her guidelines were clear. I am amazed at the exactness of her plans. Nothing had been left to chance. Nothing left to chance! Why wouldn’t we do the same with our plans for eternity? Why don’t we make sure of our future by studying, talking with others and listening to experts? God certainly has provided us the plans and the people to instruct us about the future. Not only has He given directives for the future but also instructions about how to prepare for it as we live our life here on earth. He too is patient but persistent that His plans are followed. Perhaps as Paige planned for a celebration that she so wanted to be “perfect”, we too should plan for that day when as a part of the bride of Christ we join the bridegroom for eternity. What a day that will be for those who have heard and accepted his invitation! May we all walk in such a way that we can dance at the "WEDDING". Enjoy your walk today.

COME TO THE WEDDING

2007-07-17T23:21:00.000-05:00

As I walk in the early morning air, I look forward to the week ahead. Our oldest grandson is getting married on Saturday, and all my children are coming home. My 90 year old mother is visiting and many relatives of both families will be traveling to celebrate with the young couple as they start a life together. I am so excited. The church building will be covered with candles and flowers. The invitations have been sent. The feast is being prepared for everyone receiving an invitation. The finest facilities are rented and the large candles, the rose bowls, the m&m candies and the chocolate fountain are just waiting for the big day. A beautiful multi-tiered bride’s cake elaborately decorated with pearls and ribbons will grace the refreshment table and on the adjoining table the groom’s cake all decked out in a camouflage icing to honor the deer hunting groom will be sliced to serve his friends. And the responses have been made. Many have indicated they will be part of our celebration. Some have not responded yet and it is getting rather close to the date of the wedding. We are uncertain about these people. Others have received their invitations but have declined. They don’t specify a reason, just “sorry we will not be attending”. And we regret they won’t be a part of our joy, but they were invited and have chosen to be absent from us. I’m sure they have what they feel are good reasons for declining our invitation. I anticipate visiting with the family I have not seen for awhile. Our daughter-in-law (the mother of the groom) will arrive tonight and then later in the week our son, our granddaughter and her friend will leave their jobs and join the family to prepare for the week-end. What joy to be together for such an occasion! God has also prepared such an occasion for His bride the church. He has made the plans; the decorations are finished and placed in readiness for the guests. Everyone has been invited to the wedding feast and yet many have not responded to the personal invitation even though the day is quickly approaching All who have already reserved a place at the celebration are anticipating the gathering. It will be a time for renewal of acquaintance, a time to share with relatives we haven’t seen for awhile, a time for joy as we assemble with so many familiar faces and surprised delight as we recognize an old friend that we didn’t expect to be there. God’s preparations are constant and unchanging and His invitation is always ready. I wonder why people refuse an invitation to celebrate God’s love for his bride throughout eternity. Much like those who sent refusals to the wedding we are planning, they are just too busy. For many, it isn’t that they haven’t been offered the invitation, just that they haven’t realized its importance. Life gets in the way of eternity. I pray today that someone will accept the invitation that God is offering to be a part of the eternal celebration when God welcomes His bride the church into eternity.

2007-07-10T08:08:00.000-05:00

These are some thoughts that I have been "tossing" around for quite awhile. I asked myself often if God is pleased with me. It is my way of self-examination I suppose. I know many times I realize that God would not be pleased with my actions and I ask that I might do better. Just as our children promise they "won't do it again" so I tell God I am going to do better. And sometimes I do...but sometimes I don't. Enjoy today's walk...perhaps you too will examine God's pleasures. God’s Pleasure or Mine? I wonder if God enjoys my life as much as I do. Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life writes that our focus should not be “How much pleasure am I getting out of life?’ but rather, “How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?” How much pleasure is God getting out of my life? I certainly get pleasure from my life. I live in America. My husband, my children and my grandchildren are healthy, both spiritually and physically. We go, we do, we enjoy so many things. But perhaps self-examination time is here. Is my life pleasurable to God? I ask myself what things pleasure me that our children do? The same things it seems would please God the Father. I am pleased when our children obey. And now that they are older, I find great joy when they reflect the things we have taught them. It delights me when I witness our adult children teaching their children the things they have learned from us that the grandchildren might show maturity in their decisions. God must also be pleased when I teach his children the truths I have learned from his word that they too might mature as Christians. Peter tells us we should “grow up.” (1 Peter 2: 2) Hopefully God can measure some growth in my Christian life. I look back and ask myself how much change has there been in my Bible study, in my love for my neighbor, in prayer life, in my witness to those around me? Perhaps not as much as God might want, but just as I can see physical and spiritual maturity happen in our earthly children, he can see the minute details of growth in my life. I do hope he is satisfied. I am pleased when our children have more than a “hello/goodbye” conversation with us. Our child’s problems and griefs are always important to us, but how gratifying it is when a child (particularly an adult child) shares a dream with us. My daily prayers to God are filled with problems and requests. God must be elated when I stop to share my dreams with him. I am pleased when our children show love and loyalty to one another and to the rest of the family. Because I have been “adopted” into the family of God, I need to show my loyalty to that family. My fellow Christians are my brothers and sisters, and my tongue should only praise and encourage them. How quickly I sometimes find fault with a brother in Christ. I pray this might change so that God may find more pleasure in this aspect of my daily living. I am pleased when our children show appreciation for what we have done for them; not because they have to, but because they are truly appreciative. I don’t say thank you often enough to my earthly parent or to my God. All that I am and all that I have is from God. The song of the bird mingles with the song of my child. Thank you God. The blue of the sky reflects in the summer pool full of laughing children. Thank you God. The love of my husband exemplifies Christ’s love for me. Thank you God. My eternal thanks to you for the pleasure our children bring to my life. An infinite stream of my “thanks” should be flooding the ears of God. I pray that as God’s child I fill him with much pleasure also. As I finish this self-examination, I remind myself again that our life here on earth is not really for our pleasure but for his.

HELLO AGAIN

2007-07-03T13:33:00.000-05:00

Just to catch up. For the past several (at least 6) months I have been "hurting"...physically, mentally and spiritually. TODAY I FEEL GREAT. I had a total hip-replacement on May 29 for those who don't know and it has made me a "new woman" well maybe not new but at least fixed! I have learned much from these past few months and will hope to share with you as I begin to blog again. Will try to make this a weekly habit and Tuesday will probably be the day for a new post. Thank you for joining me if you are new and thanks for coming back to check if you have been here before. TODAY I WALKED A MILE. For someone who hasn't been walking it is such a renewal of body and mind. Come walk with me again. My new book proposal is entitled STILL WALKING (But Sometimes I Limp) and it is the limping I will be writing about at times. We all limp spiritually and often need to be renewed. Prayer is first on my subject list CONSTANT PRAYER The longer I live the more I pray. It would seem you would get better at it as time goes on, but in my case I just realize each day how much I need God's help for anything I do. The "pray without ceasing" admonition has become my motto. God is so good to me that I must spend much time just thanking Him for the blessings of the day and then someone gets sick (yesterday it was my little granddaughter) and I must go to Him for peace and healing. Always someone in the church is in trouble spiritually or physically or mentally, and I need to talk to God about them because who else can we turn to. So on and on it goes and the day is over and it is time for rest and he gives it to me every night. There is a saying someplace about "giving your cares to God before you sleep because He is going to be up anyway" And I do try to do that. Once I go to bed I usually have very little trouble sleeping, but I do try to keep my lines to God open by continuous prayer. I can recognize His hand in all my life from the smallest of details in the day to the overall picture of the seventy years I have lived. I would encourage you to go to His Word and then to prayer

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

2006-12-22T08:29:00.000-06:00

May everyone know the joy of Home for the holiday...whether it be in your heart or in reality. We all have a spot within our soul that needs to be filled with Jesus and when that large hole is filled we have home in our hearts. I pray this space in your heart is full of the Savior and his love HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Home for the holidays-isn’t that a beautiful phrase? For some, home is the light display around the lake, the gold coin in the Salvation Army kettle and the Bell Ridge church children’s program. For others home is the carol floating from the church steeple, Santa’s house on the corner of the Courthouse lawn, and the smiling faces of people who nod in recognition at the Wal-Mart. For many it’s the lunch with friends, and best of all, the family gathering under the same roof to celebrate the birth of the Savior who means so much to all of us. Home has a different association to each of us, but for me it is all of these things and more. Home is Edgar County, Illinois. Here in Edgar County we can still enjoy the manger scene displayed in so many different ways. I enjoy the living nativity at the church drive-thru, but whether the nativity is cast in fancy marble or displayed as a small crèche on the coffee table, it is still a reminder of our Savior’s home when He came into this world. Not a palace, but a stable. Not a home of great renown and wealth, but the lowly dwelling of a teenager and a carpenter. Isn’t it amazing when you think about it? That God would expect a young teenage woman and her carpenter husband to raise the Savior of the world? And yet, it was in this home where Jesus “grew in wisdom and in stature” (Luke 2:52) and became all that He was meant to be. My childhood home and family memories flood my heart during this time of year. I realize how past experiences have shaped me into the woman I have become. I pray that those of us who are parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts remember that as Jesus grew and was influenced by these young parents in their home, so the children around us are influenced by what they are witnessing in us. All are touched by the world’s concept of Christmas. We can enjoy cooking, shopping, and the partying of the holidays. However, my wish for children is that their family memories be centered on the celebration of Jesus’ birth and the knowledge that He came to be the Savior. May your home and your family be a place of celebration and joy for the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May you enjoy your walk with Him in 2007. Enjoy your walk. Jeremiah 6:16

I CAN DO ALL THINGS

2006-12-10T18:05:00.000-06:00

Sorry I have not posted for some time. Sadness and loss has been on me in these past few weeks. My brother has been ill for some time and on December 5th at the age of 66 he died. I have experienced many emotions this past week as I have tried to help my mother and my family deal with this loss. Do pray for our family. I believe I am now ready to continue writing and would like to share the column that was in our local newspaper this week. I pray that it blesses you in some way. JUST WALKING “I Can Do it by Myself” It began as such a simple thing-probably a pulled muscle. I didn’t pay much attention to it at first – it was such a minor thing. Every one has a pain now and then. Each day I walked. A week or so later it became more concentrated, but not significantly, and I continued to walk even though I limped by the end of my walk. Still I ignored it. Then it began to interfere with my daily plans. At this point I began to wonder if perhaps I needed to check into it. But (of course) I didn’t. When I started to limp and had to entirely quit walking for exercise, I decided that maybe I ought to talk to someone about it. Not the doctor of course, only my friends. Everyone had a suggestion, and I followed several of them, but I still had the pain. I thought I could handle this with some time and a few pain pills. However, when I was no longer able to play golf or enjoy my morning walk, I decided to make a doctor’s appointment. By this time the situation had become more serious, and the doctor felt tests and a specialist would be necessary. I followed his instruction; however, if I had gone to the doctor earlier, the healing process could have begun much sooner. Three months later I am still not walking as I would like, but I am making progress. Aren’t we the same way about sin in our lives? It starts as such a small thing-a tiny streak of envy, a short minute of greed, one little lie, a moment of gossip. No need for us to give attention to such minor matters. Everyone has these moments now and then. And our Christian walk is still strong and steady. But that first envious moment becomes full-blown coveting, the moment of greed takes precedence in our business practices, the little white lie blossoms into numerous cover-ups for the first lie, and the tidbit of harmless gossip is now interfering with someone’s life. We start to limp in our Christian walk. Soon our friends are aware that something is wrong in our walk with the Lord. As I finally went to the doctor for my physical pain, we finally realize we need to go to the Lord for help. We confess our sin. We make time for Him. We begin to study His Word. We pray. We are on the right path again. We are healed. ENJOY YOUR WALK!

1000 GIFTS

2006-11-14T20:40:00.000-06:00

11/14/06 e-mails from friends, fresh baked apple pie,positive comments about blog entry, husband, internet pictures of ship that grandson-to-be (August 18) is on, gift of prayer,

LUCKY?

2006-11-12T18:56:00.000-06:00

No gift unrecognized as coming from God is at its own best... when in all gifts we find Him, then in Him we shall find all things."~ George MacDonald~ “Your family is just so lucky!” “You just seem to have all the luck.” “You don’t know about problems” Throughout my life my friends have made comments about “how lucky” I am. Usually I try to indicate that luck has had nothing to do with our life, and that God has had everything to do with it. Not that we haven’t struggled or known disappointment; of course we have. We all do. But, we have attempted to recognize that God is in control, and if we allow Him, He will take charge of all things. Putting Him first is not always easy, and we have not always been successful at this, but when we have done this, our days are easier and smoother. We have claimed his promise of “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.”(Romans 8:28) Fifty year of marriage, two children, two in-law children and four grandchildren are gifts that we recognize as coming from God, and because of this recognition we have found all things. A marriage without Christ as its center can be good but not great! Great marriage relationships grow when they are Christ centered. When both partners recognize that the love they share is based in their love for Christ, it is then they gain the gift of “all things.” The good and perfect gift of God’s love becomes a reality in the marriage. Children of a marriage are gifts from God, and when we acknowledge this and raise them as gifts fit to give back to Him, it is then we can truly know the pleasure of all things. As our children and grandchildren continue to grow and serve Him, they give us the gift of their love and His love, and it is then we begin to understand our purpose in life. Our purpose is to acknowledge to the world around us that our family is a gift from God. We must treasure that gift, thank Him for it, and use it in the way He planned.My prayer is that as we watch our grandchildren begin to marry and start families that they will recognize and acknowledge to the world around them that God is the center of their home. By doing this they too will be able to “find all things in Him.”

Thousand Gifts List

2006-11-08T12:07:00.000-06:00

Between now and Christmas I am joining with Christian Women OnLine to make random entries as they come to mind of the gifts God has blessed me with this holiday season. Starting today they will be found on this blog site. I hope you share with me in the wonderful blessings God has bestowed upon this child of His. 11/08/06...telephone conversations with my daughter...white clouds in the blue sky of Florida...friends calling my name...grandaughter -to- be sharing her bridesmaid's dress via e-mail...she included me...smell of spaghetti sauce simmering,e-mail and instant message to keep in touch with my daughter,11/11/06 friends to share music with, American Remembers music at Palladium, vehicles that let all six of us ride together,flexible fingers to play piano, ability to walk, the little green parakeets flying over golf course 11/12/06 flea markets, music in worship, new people in worship, warmth of sun on aching shoulders,

Walking Together

2006-10-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

"It doesn’t matter what is behind you as much as it matters who is beside you." ~ Ellen ~"Laced with Grace "

I have previously posted this on my blog, but when I read the quote for the week this seemed so appropriate for a response that I am posting it here. Enjoy your walk each day.

My husband is walking with me this morning. I enjoy having him walk with me, but before we reach the end of our driveway, he is three steps ahead of me. I am a slow starter especially in the morning. I hip, hop and hustle, managing to catch up just before we reach the Crestwood track. As we start around the track, we are walking stride for stride and side by side.

After the rains of last night (five inches in a short period of time) the warm morning sun beats down upon us, and we stroll along in companionable silence. We make the turn from the track on to the blacktop by the school, and it suddenly dawns on me that our walking side by side is no accident. He has gradually shortened his stride and slowed his step so that we can walk together. Nothing has been said between us; he has just adjusted to my pace. And there is the lesson of the day-marriage advice in a morning walk. How symbolic. It occurs to me that here is the reason for the success of our fifty years together.

Life’s day to day activities have often caused us to be out of step with one another. As a farmer, his busy time was harvest (fall) and planting (spring).As a teacher, my busy time was the beginning of school (fall) and school ending (spring). Obviously we often found our lives were not moving at the same pace. Sometimes he walked ahead, and I struggled to keep up. We weren’t always on the same path in our day to day lives, but we always made the effort to keep up with each other.

In other situations, I charged on ahead. When our children were in kindergarten and third grade, I decided to go to college for a teaching degree. We certainly were on different time schedules and life was quite hectic. However, during that entire four years, he not only kept up with me but supported me the entire route.

Through our fifty years of marriage we have not always been walking at the same pace, but when either of us became aware that we didn’t seem to be walking together, every effort was made to get back side by side. Sometimes we discussed it, but not always. Usually we just made the extra effort to adjust to one another’s pace in life at that particular time. It didn’t matter who did what, it just needed to be done. It’s the caring that we walk together that has made the difference.

Whether it is a marriage or a friendship with someone else, adjusting to the pace of the one you walk with is important. Walking with God is much the same. God tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Just slowing down and listening can make a difference. At times in our Christian walk, it is time to speed up and “do” the things He has planned for us to do. Keeping pace can make all the difference in our relationship with Him.

ENJOY YOUR WALK. IT’S MORE FUN WHEN YOU WALK TOGETHER!

Blooms of a New Generation

2006-10-10T08:16:00.001-05:00

"These children are the seeds my days plant, the blooms of the next generations." ~ Ann Voskamp ~ My husband picked up the ringing phone, and I heard him say “yes she is” and he called my name. As I said hello, the quivery voice responded. ”Hey Gran, this is a conference call.” We had never taken part in a conference call so we knew it was important. She was in Montana; he was in Virginia; we were in Illinois. “We have something to tell you.” They were engaged! Excitement filled the phone and “please be happy for us’ the unheard plea flowing from Virginia and Montana to our ears in Illinois. And happy we are. It is happening again. The first grandchild is beginning another family. Another generation-another bloom from the seeds we have planted. And this granddaughter is the result of many seed days. Seed days of fun, worry, faith, pride, sunshine and shadow are causing this to be another generation of blooms. As a grandparent, I pray that the prayers, the hopes, the dreams that have been planted with the seeds of this new generation will result in blooms of a family that continue to reflect the motto framed by the door of our home. “Choose you this day whom you will serve…as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15. And with much love and many prayers, we congratulate them, wish them well, hang up the phone and pray that this couple will be the prize bloom in our garden of seeds.

FLYING HIGH

2006-10-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lapse in posting. I have been experiencing back problems...have discover I have a bulging disk...now doesn't that sound exciting? I don't sit well, I don't walk well...as a matter of fact I don't do anything very well right now...Hope to get this corrected soon. The following is the post for my next column...will try to do more soon. Blessings to all. I heard them even before I stepped out the door. The honking sound grated on my hearing aids somewhat like chalk on a board. Shading my eyes toward the sunrise, I could see the black V formation gliding across the dawn of the October morning-geese flying south. During the summer, I often see them floating on Eads Lake or scrounging for breakfast in the Crestwood school yard. Listening to their honking and watching their progress across the sky, I think about this phenomenon of nature. How do they know that flying in a V formation takes them 70% further than flying alone?(I looked that up) Why would they fly far enough apart that they have the ability to watch each other and communicate about likely landing locations? And when the lead bird gets tired it moves to the back and a new bird moves up in the formation to be the leader. What makes them know to do that? Why are geese so loyal that they usually mate for life? A family group will stay together even within the flock, and if a flock member becomes injured or strays away a few of the family members will go down with the injured bird to keep it safe while it recuperates. My internet source indicated that only when the bird is ready to fly again (or dies) will they leave, looking for a new group to join up with. Isn’t that just too amazing? I continue to stand in awe of the Creation. God has a plan for all of His creatures. Our God is an awesome God. Lessons can be learned from the geese. Can’t we realize how much more a group can accomplish than flying alone? God established His church here on earth because He knew we would need each other. Working together as a group gives us purpose and a goal. God wants us to watch out for each other and communicate with each other about the dangers around us. Much like the geese we can point out the safe places in life. His Word repeatedly tells us to encourage one another. Paul tells us in Galatians 6:2 that we are to bear one another’s burdens. Maybe that is the same as moving to the front and allowing the tired bird to move to the back? God intended for us to be loyal to our mates, our family and to one another in His family the Church. Do we go down with one of our flock and stay by their side until they can fly again? We are so busy getting ahead that often they drop out of the flock and we don’t even realize they have fallen. Geese guide one another back into the formation and help them follow the leader. Do we do the same with our fellow Christians when they begin to stray? We need to guide them back to the center of God’s love. I walk along the edge of the water and watch these beautiful birds take flight into the southern sky. Nature repeats itself year after year. The unending cycle. And only His people can’t seem to learn the patterns He has set for us. The birds do quite well. I think and pray that I might learn from the geese as I turn towards home.

Turning The Corner

2006-09-13T09:49:00.000-05:00

This was previously printed in my newspaper column, but thought those of you who read my blog might enjoy it. I returned early from my walk today because it was our Bible Study day. Just recently a group of my friends started a new Bible study of Philippians. Starting a new Bible study is rather like turning the corner when you are walking a familiar path. The path is the same one you have walked previously, but when you turn the corner you often see something you have missed before. One day I noticed picnic table in the wooded area there behind Crestwood school. Of course it has been there all the time because I usually walk the same routes, but I just haven’t noticed it before. Well, that happened to me today in my Bible study. I turned the page this morning and found a truth-not a new truth-but new to me. We are reading Philippians 1:7-11. As I read this passage, it became clear to me that the real truth in today’s reading was the verse that reads “Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:10-11 The Message) And there is the thought for the day-“making Jesus Christ attractive to all” Isn’t that an exemplary thought? For several weeks now, I have been dwelling on this idea of how our everyday living attracts or repels the people we come in contact with. I think of the clerks in the store, the waitress in the restaurant, the lady who delivers my paper or the child who sees me at the Walmart. Do I reflect Christ to them? Do I make Jesus attractive? Do they think “whatever it is that woman has in her life, I want it. I want that kind of joy, that kind of peace, that kind of happiness in my life.” Shouldn’t it be our goal as we walk through this life to make Jesus attractive? This is not always easy in today’s society, but it is a goal that we need to move toward. Let those of us who are walking with the Son attempt to make Jesus attractive in the society we live in. ENJOY YOUR WALK.

REPLICATE OR DUPLICATE?

2006-08-28T16:54:00.000-05:00

"I thought about the whole notion of “reproduction”, and what it really means to replicate yourself. Is it merely about the passing on of eyes and chins and hair color? Or is it, rather, the replication of the heart? Do we leave a bigger mark by passing on our genes, or our thoughts?” Shannon Woodwar, author of Inconceivable:Finding Peace in the Midst of Infertility”

My grandson is so much like his mother. I see many of the characteristics of my daughter in my 9 year old granddaughter. My oldest granddaughter thinks like her father. My oldest grandson is a combination of both sides of the family (the best part). In different situations people have indicated that both of my granddaughters look like me or like each other. Is that true? Who can say? Much like beauty, it is often in “the eyes of the beholder” One grandchild probably thinks and reacts to things much like I do. I don’t always understand one grandson’s initial reaction, but his deep-down thoughts are good and reflect his parents’ beliefs.

I want to believe that each of these grandchildren will take my attitude towards life and my faith in God to become even stronger and better individuals because of what I have passed on to them. Physical characteristics have very little importance in the overall scheme of God’s plan. God’s gift to us is His Son and our gift to the world around us is to show that love and leave that mark. The mark we leave in this world (whether on our children or the children of the world) is important only if it is the mark of love and God’s Word in the heart of those we are allowed to influence. As a footnote to the opening thought: It might be interesting to note that two of those grandchildren are biological grandchildren and two of them are adopted grandchildren. And even those who know us can not always tell which child is the replication of my heart and which the replication of my physcial body. My desire is that "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy" in my heart it will be duplicated over and over in theirs. And if that happens then I have left the biggest mark I can leave on my children and my grandchildren whether they be biological or of the heart.

The Unseen Love

2006-08-20T17:56:00.000-05:00

Before I share this prompt, I want to express my gratitude for this avenue of expression. It has given me a way to practice meeting a deadline as well as a place to react and express my reaction to excellent quotes. But more than that, I have been blessed by reading the thoughts of some wonderful Christian women, and I encourage you to go to the websites of some of the women who are posting through IN OTHER WORDS

"Salt, when dissolved in water, may disappear, but it does not cease to exist.We can be sure of its presence by tasting the water.

Likewise, the indwelling Christ, though unseen, will be made evident to others from the love which He imparts to us."

Sadhu Sundar Sing

My husband always makes a survey of the dinner table before we bow for prayer. And I know what he is looking for...salt. If by some slip, I have forgotten to put it within his reach or even more unthinkable have not even put it on the table, he rises before we pray to retrieve the salt.(Please note that is a somewhat tongue in cheek statement, but also true.) It is that invisible flavor of life that so many of us crave and miss so much if it isn't there. Sometimes we don't even know what's missing, but the food just doesn't "taste right". We all know someone whose presence brings a glow to the environment...the club meeting goes better, the luncheon group is happier, the church board meeting is pleasant. That is the dissolved salt of Christ's love in the environment they live in. My prayer today is that Christ's love is made evident to others when they get a taste of my life.

2006-08-17T23:23:00.000-05:00

For those of you who read my blog at least weekly I apologize for the lapse in my writing. I promise to return in the next few days. No excuse except to say that LIFE has caught up with me these past few days. Our children (son, wife, daughter) who live and work at Pine Haven Childrens' Ranch in Montana have been visiting for a week and I just can't catch up...Not as young as I used to be. Ha Seriously I just have neglected my writing. Will catch up next week. Blessings to all of you ...Come walk with me again soon and keep walking with our Lord.