"Supermoon"

Last Friday and Saturday, March 18-19, there was a “Supermoon” over Houston.  Because of the oval shape of its orbit, the moon was closer to earth than it has been in 18 years.  The news reporters said that the moon would appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than normal and that it would be another 19 years before the Supermoon occurs again.  We definitely wanted to make plans to see that.

When we went outside Friday night, we were not disappointed.  The sky was clear and the moon was truly amazing to see.  We could see more than the usual outlines of land features and spots.  What a great way to celebrate God’s creation.    

Saturday night was said to be the closest proximity of the moon and earth.  After Friday’s viewing, I could hardly wait to see if it was bigger and better.  Due to the cloud coverage, when we first looked, you couldn’t even see the moon!  We had to patiently wait for breaks in the coverage to see it at all.  Since the clouds were moving at a fast pace, sometimes we only had quick glimpses of the Supermoon.  We had to stay focused to make sure we didn’t miss the chance to see it again.

How much like our spiritual lives.  Sometimes it seems so clear and easy to see and focus on what God wants us to do and be.  Other times, “the clouds” or distractions seem to hide or get in the way of what God is revealing at the moment.  It’s times like that, especially, where I need to keep focused and listen and look with my eyes, ears, and heart to make sure I see clearly, even when it’s little glimpses at a time.  I don't want to miss out on that sighting.

Jeremiah 29:13

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

What are you wearing?

Health Update:  I’m attempting to add a third workout each week.  I am rejoicing this week remembering that it has now been months since my foot and ankle have been swollen.

Spring cleaning and organizing are continuing. It’s now time to move the winter clothes to the back of the closet and the spring clothes forward.  Progress is being made.

Speaking of clothes, this week, in my Read the Bible Plan, I again read a scripture that always amazes me.  Moses is giving his final farewell address to the Israelites, before they enter into the Promised Land, and he is reminding the people of God’s words, expectations, and provision.

Deuteronomy 29:5-6

⁵ During the forty years that I led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. ⁶ … I did this so that you might know that I am the LORD your God.

Paul has a word about proper attire in the New Testament.

Colossians 3:12-14

 ¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

That's clothing worth wearing, no matter what the season or year.

New Beginnings

I like the excitement, challenge, and encouragement of new beginnings.  It was always exciting to begin a new school year with a new notebook, new crayons and map pencils that had sharp tips, fresh and unwrinkled notebook paper, a new lunch bag, and new clothes that Mom had sewn to prepare for the next school year.

The beginning of summer always brought about the thrill of reading, swimming, relaxing, dreaming, and doing the extras that the school year did not always make available time wise.  Amazingly, the same excitement came as much as an adult teaching school as when I was a student in school.

New Year’s Day brings reflection and the anticipation of a new beginning for a new year.  Since my birthday is in March, it seems like a second chance at a new year, as well.

In the next week or two, my nephew Adam and his wife Jordan will be welcoming a new life, their son Eli, into their family.  What an incredible blessing to anticipate and rejoice in their soon to be “Family of three”. 

Paul reminded us of the ultimate new beginning in

2 Corinthians 5:17.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

And I’m grateful for the promise in Lamentations 3:22-23.

“ Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.”

Watching out for Bumps

When using the walker, I am learning the importance of watching out for bumps.  Even though there is a basket underneath the seat, I usually have items on top of the seat of the walker to take to different places in the house.  For some reason, I like the challenge of taking things to their location without them rolling off or sliding to the floor.  It gets a little tricky whenever the floor elevation changes…going from carpet to wood or wood to carpet, but as long as I am paying attention and being careful it’s usually a successful trip.  I’ve also learned to navigate around obstacles.

Stepping down from a curb or shorter step usually involves extra strategies and maybe a helping hand.  I’ve noticed that I am automatically cautious when the elevation difference is the greatest.  Sometimes I can tend to go too fast or I am not quite as careful when the difference is less.

That is so much like life.  With the major decisions and events (big steps and bumps) I tend to pray, think through the process, and give it my full attention.  But it is the little bumps in the road that can sometimes distract and throw me off track if I am not focused and giving the proper concentration.

Here’s hoping for a great week…with the walker and with life, watching out for the bumps and obstacles along the way.