Bucks Rule

The door bell's ring surprised me. I don't get many drop-ins, but my garage door's up position indicated my presence. One of my neighbors suggested I have a flag I fly, much like the Queen who notes her "in residence" status by unfurling the banner.
The neighbor who stood in my door was new to me. He simply said, "I took a picture of four bucks standing in your yard....would you like me to email it to you?
You KNOW how big a fan I am of the overgrown rabbits who rule my home, don't you? "Sure, I would LOVE to have it."
So, here are three of the four....I cropped the original to give you a closer view of these maurauding masculine menaces. Sorry, if I am a bit testy, but they have managed to eat over $3000 of flora.

What is the spiritual principle? Where do I see God in this picture and in this situation? After all, that is the purpose of this blog ---- to chronicle God sightings and my puny understandings of His activity.

The easy one is recognition that they are His creatures. They deserve respect because they are a product of His creative Hand. Okay, I will go with that one.

Harder is His sovereignty who allows these beautiful, but scavenging men to eat up everything I have planted. A good friend has told me to ask "what is bringing honor to God in your struggles," not "why am I going through this?" So, I will acknowledge God knows best----God is teaching me----I am a slow learner-----and my plans are not always His plans. And thankfully, my thoughts are not His thoughts.

On Tuesday I am teaching a Bible Study on reconciliation. Do you think this is an object lesson?

Of course, it should be flattering to have men gather at the bottom of my stairs.....

Rare Blessing

"Jill, I brought my camera and could I please have a picture with you?" Even though she was tired from travel, and weary after a long day, she graciously agreed.

This meant the world to me! Jill Briscoe is one of my heroes. Here she was at the CASA Leadership Conference ---- and there I was on the front row with notepaper in hand and a happy heart.
I actually met her for the first time in 1971. She and her husband were speaking in Kentucky. During the intervening years, my Dad and my brother have served with her on Christianity Today's board. Even though my contact has been marginal, her impact on me has been great.

Friends of mine seek autographs of sports legends, movie stars, and well-known politicians. I am thrilled to have a remembrance of a woman whose life reflects joyful discipline. As I said after the meeting, "She's who I want to be when I grow up."
Admiration doesn't slide into adoration ---- that place is held only for the God Jill loves so deeply. She reminds me what a loving heart looks like when it has flesh on. She makes me want to know God....a pretty good goal.

Preach The Word

The Billy Graham Center Museum stands at the back of the Wheaton College campus, nestled up to the train track. An earlier visit in the mid-90s convinced me a return would be worthwhile. So, I left early for my dinner with friends and made a stop.

The Museum was essentially empty except for the warm, welcoming hostess. She graciously told me of the special exhibits and eagerly answered my questions.

The room that drew me back is the rotunda with giant, elegantly embroidered banners hanging ceiling to floor. On each one is a statement of faith from men (and a woman) upon whose lives our traditions are built. I stood quietly before each one thinking about their lives, their words, and their legacy. How thankful I am for their commitment to the Lord Jesus.

The majority of the Museum is dedicated to the history of the evangelical movement in America and the work of Billy Graham. It is impossible to move through without stopping for quiet moments of reflection.

By faith ---- by faith----by faith. This was a living Hebrews "Hall of Faith" experience.

At the end, a stone wall stood in a darkened space. Upon it are carved the powerful words of John 3:16. I paused to consider the words and the magnificent presentation. God became flesh and dwelt among us.....Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to provide a way of reconciliation with God the Father for us.

The trip to dinner at the lovely home of Harold and Jeanette was peaceful and pondering.

What a blessing to honor Billy Graham, but much more bring glory to God the Father.

Table for 3

Nothing spectacular about this building, and especially not about this picture. But, then again, the memories it evokes are indescribable.

In 1994 I moved to Des Moines, Iowa, from Dallas, Texas, leaving my family and friends as I "ran away from home" to take a corporate promotion.,

By early 1995, my sister and Mom decided to fly to Kansas City, rent a car, count cows from KC to DSM, and visit me.

One of our great adventures was traveling to the Amana Colonies in Eastern Iowa. What fun we had that day! The three of us laughed, ate, shopped, laughed some more, and then headed back to the Hotel Fort Des Moines.

As I traveled from Des Moines to Chicago on my recent trip, I journeyed the 15 miles off the highway to once again enter the world of the Amanas. No, it isn't one large refrigerator manufacturing plant --- it is the center of an early pioneer settlement which still exists as a peek into early midwest history. It was a community of towns known as the Amana Colonies. They worked, lived, ate communally. They had eating houses located in each of the 7 little towns. Each one was a one day horse buggy ride from the other.

There are vestiges of the smaller ones, but the largest one thrives by welcoming tourists.

The eating house serves delectable food which way more than satisfied my driving hungries. As I slowly savored each bite, I thought about the time with Mary Helen and Mom.

I ambled down the thoroughfare walking in and out of small stores, appreciating the workmanship of potters, painters, and weavers. I made my way to the Bakery. Suddenly, the picture of Mom, Mary Helen and me popped into my wandering mind.

I pictured us sitting at that same little table 14 years ago, munching on German pastries, and thoroughly thankful for each other.

Memory is quite remarkable, isn't it? The strangest, smallest things trigger extravagant, elegant remembrances.

Mom is in heaven, Mary Helen is completing her dream house in Plano, Texas, and I am on the road with the Cruiser ----- there's still much for which to be thankful.

Memories

For five winters, room 1103 of the Hotel Fort Des Moines was my home.
As a child I LOVED the story of Eloise at the Plaza. I dreamed of living a glamorous life in the heart of the city and ordering room service.
Many years later, a modified version of my dream came true. I lived in a downtown hotel, not in New York, but in Des Moines, and I never once ordered room service.
Some of our life's chapters have an indescribable cache.....Des Moines is that for me. Who could imagine spending 5 winters (that is how I count my time in Iowa) as a resident of this old hotel in the heart of the midwest?
As I drove by the hotel on my cruise through DSM the other day, I just had to park and capture a long ago moment. Sometime I will share the luscious stories of hotel living, including the short time Tiny Tim and I both occupied the hotel, or knowing "Gopher" from the loveboat stayed in my room while he was running for Congress from Iowa, or sitting in a chair during an Iowa caucus and seeing national candidates huddled in conference surrounded by network news people........fun stuff.
Too often our memories pain us. Too often we look back and suffer. I certainly have my share of those experiences, but the Hotel Fort Des Moines always makes me smile. It was a grand gift from God and one I will always treasure.

It's the Horch family!

My Mom and I lived in the same town off and on for many years. Yet, each time she saw me, her face lit up like it was the first time in ages.
On Monday, September 14th, my road trip schedule was the drive from Des Moines to Chicago.
Jeff, Anne, and Jack's schedule put them at the Des Moines airport on the way to Nashville.
A wonderfully happy crossing of the paths!
So, of course, I made my way out Fleur Drive to the airport and waited to see this happy threesome.
Honestly, I knew how Mom felt! There they were - within 10 feet of me---and my heart was happy.
A quick visit allowed me to hold my newest grandson, hug my big kids, and get back on the road.
Scripture tells us God sings over us. Isn't that an amazing thought? We are told His banner over us is love. How marvelous.
Knowing how much I love my children and my grandchildren gives me just the slightest hint of the Father's love for me.
The Westminster Confession says "the chief end of man( and woman) is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." I am glad He enjoys us, as well.

Julia and Sarah

"Guess what we are having for dinner? Julia's Boeuf Bourguignon!" I barely stepped into Sarah's beautiful house when we exploded with excitement.

"And, I have invited two friends --- one is a chef."

The drive from Liberty to Des Moines was joyful as I drank in the lush greens, yellows, and blues of the Iowa landscape. The rolling hills made my heart happy.

I laughed out loud as I passed a farmhouse with a long line of air-drying clothes. Where is Norman Rockwell when you really need his paint brush?

"You are kidding ---- a Julia dinner? I can't think of anything better."

We enjoyed great food, funny story after funny story, and then retired to the "music room" for singing, playing, and listening. Great joy!

Sarah turned a Beaverdale bungalow into a welcoming, colorful, textureful (not sure that is a word) center for entertaining. The constant flow of neighbors and friends fills her house with blessing.

The fact it took Sarah all day long to prepare Julia's delight was no deterrent. Even as we oohed, ahhed, and "YUM!"ed, Sarah talked of the next thing and how much easier it would be. That is a true lover of hospitality.

Her spectacular bathroom is a huge surprise as you climb the narrow steps to the second floor. Much fun! The Diet Coke is hers --- a fitting accessory.

Time with Sarah --- and her time with Julia----made the overnight in Des Moines deliciously delightful,.

Where Did The Choir Go?

Childhood habits don't easily die.... like going to church on vacation. As a member of Fort Thomas Baptist Church, one of our traveling duties was to faithfully worship with the community of faith. In order to encourage us, our Sunday School superintendent expected bulletins from far-flung Baptist churches marking the dates of attendance corresponding to our absences from the home church.

Even before eating my "hot breakfast" at the Fairfield Inn in Liberty, MO, I scanned the yellow pages.

"Second Baptist Church?" The breakfast room attendant smiled and grimaced simultaneously. "That one is kinda for old people. My church is just wonderful and you would love it. It is Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Just follow the road in front and you will get there. The pastor is really cool. He never wears a tie."

What in that sentence should have left me running for Second Baptist? Not sure, but I made my way to her church's enormous campus, visible for miles.

I chose the 11:00 service ----- old time thinking. Why hadn't I shifted my paradigm knowing my own church in Dallas moved the old people to the early slot (older people don't sleep as late) and saved the prime times for drums and clapping.

I opened the handout. It couldn't be a bulletin for nothing mentioned the morning service except the little box reading: Saturday - Band-led; Sunday 9:15 - Choir and orchestra-led:11:00 Guitar-driven; cutting edge.

Notice anything? The first two are "led." The one I chose is "driven."

I actually enjoyed sharing time with this arm of the Body of Christ

One great advantage: I prayed for my family out loud and no one heard ---- they just saw me fervently engaged in praise.:)

Oh, yes, in my Bible is the date stamp in case someone questions my whereabouts while out and about.

Angels on the Route

Remember Baxter Springs two years ago? My friend, Linda, has a house smack dab on Route 66. My 2009 Fall Ramble wove its way through that familiar and friendly territory. It was fun to catch up with her and her animal menagerie (cats now number 7).

This time something is new ---- and old! Sue Gast, Sue Ramage, and Kathie Larson bought a 19th century building and completely redid it to house their restaurant: Angels on the Route. If you just happen to wander through someday ---- STOP! And stop hungry. They advertise their specialties as coffee, soups, sandwiches, candy, and frozen custard.

Not being a coffee connoisseur, I skipped that one, going straight to the soup (potato chowder) and sandwich (reuben on marbled rye). Thankfully, I didn't leave without the frozen custard...just heavenly.

These newcomers to Route 66 have made their mark.

I longed for a Corvette, but just being in this town, and enjoying the afternoon conversation break before heading on to Liberty, MO, was delightful.

Life's sweet surprises are so tasty. If you don't get in a hurry on the way from A to B, some wonderful experiences await. The Cruiser and I know "no hurry" is the best way for us.

And, a rousing few verses of "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!" sung loudly as we traveled through Oklahoma weren't bad, either. The Cruiser is most patient and seems to actually enjoy my screeching.

Road Trip? YAY!

"I am leaving at 6:00AM on September 12th." Of course, that meant sleep would evade me on the 11th. Isn't that always the way?
My goal- Liberty, MO......
My fun stop- Baxter Springs, KS

Read about that next.....just know the Cruiser and I are rolling and happy together.

And Let There Be Trees

Who could tell this house started as a slab just a few months ago? And now there are trees, shrubs, and miscellaneous plantings. When Mary Helen gets her hands in the dirt, there will be color galore.

In about three weeks, she and Smith will pack up their temporary residence and settle into the new house. Step by step this process has taught us all what building a dream entails.

Years ago my across the street neighbors planted a stick in their front yard. While we were busy with life, that tree grew and grew into something magnificent. Mary Helen's trees will bring shade, softness, and texture to their front yard.....and they will grow and grow.

We are to be like trees ----planted by streams of water. Not a bad assignment!

Secret Place

"Come see the secret place ---- it's my clubhouse!" Bree Anna excitedly welcomed her friends to the house, rushing them under the stairs and into her private world.

As I walked by, I could see rays of light from three flashlights peeking out of the darkened sanctuary. She decorated it with her drawings and furnished it with two large lounging pillows ---- a perfect hideaway from big brother.

All my life I wanted a secret room. Undoubtedly, I am way too big for Bree Anna's place under the stairway. But, I still dream of turning a bookcase and discovering a tucked away room known only to me.

For a year or so this one will intrigue her as she creates a world of her own, but soon she will outgrow the space and have to duck to enter. Yet, for right now --- it is a magical place where little girls can giggle, tell scary stories, and pretend to be all by themselves in the house.

Last week the verses about "you are my hiding place" came to mind as I thought about some difficult situations. He shelters us, protects us, wraps His arms around us much like Bree Anna's little room does for her. She feels safe in there; I feel safe in Jesus.

I love her happiness as she explores the possibilities of her room. Next time I am sure we will eliminate even more of the clutter to enlarge her domain. After all, this is no longer a storage closet--- it is the private world of Bree Anna Richardson. And how thankful I am for her and her room.

As she grows up, I want her to know she will always have a special place in the arms of Jesus. He will always be her hiding place.