Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Respite Wednesday




Live Simply.
Love Generously.
Care Deeply.
Speak Kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

~~ Ronald Reagan ~~



The buzzards have gone. Fresh breezes sweep the gardens clean of the foul that once lingered. The birds and squirrels and butterflies have returned to play amongst us as we gambol through the cool days of Fall. Finally, Summer has packed away her 90-degree temps allowing us to play under Fall’s chilly cloud cover. And we do so with glee.

Gloria has plans to move to the regular ward today (farewell ICU), Gary’s back has relaxed and the pain subsided enough for him to return to working and all the rest. My “housewife hands” (all inflamed with a rash from too much soap-and-clean activity of late – my therapy) soothes under a natural salve, and my household sleeps late and peacefully after so many rollercoaster days.

We have handed it all over to God and He has replaced our worry with peace.

We are blessed.

Lydia, having turned 14 a week ago Monday, said:

"Being 14 is hard so far . . ."

Lydia with sock-doll gifts created by Rachel


Already, she shows wisdom and awareness of the adult world of cares; the remnants of childhood flutter in the winds of change.

BUT . . .
it is too early to be careworn -- too soon to say goodbye to carefree and childlike. So, we have set out to nurture the fading blossoms of youth in all our lives, ensuring a broadcast of sweet child-like seeds far and wide to fill all of our days with wonder and joy and blessings from our Father, as we remain His loving children each and every day.

For starters, we will experiment in the kitchen with a new recipe for banana-sourdough muffins and we will likely pair these goodies with a frothy mug of cocoa on this crisp Fall day. We will play in the gardens in the sun-warmed afternoon as we rake acorns by the bushel-ful and call it play rather than work.

With the stacking of wood and the raking of leaves and such it seems Summer has fled, but then I feast my eyes upon the roses all abloom and squeal with delight that so much color and fragrance and beauty burst forth despite my retreat into the world of adult worries and fears. Buds of sweet promise accompany each gorgeous bloom with a hopeful message for tomorrow.


Encouragement lies in every corner of this verdant life . . . I just hadn't stopped to see it amidst all the smoke of fear.


Today is RESPITE WEDNESDAY.

We are back at play here at Wisteria Cottage and it feels fantastic!


My new book Screen Doors and Sweet Tea arrived yesterday and I can’t wait to crack it open late this afternoon as I rest on the deck in a crackly wicker chair with a teacup at my side.



Truly this will be a fine Respite Wednesday . . .
because we have chosen to rest in Him.



Return unto thy rest, O my soul;
For the LORD
Hath dealt bountifully with thee.


Psalm 116:7








11 comments:

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

I am so thankful peace and calm has returned to Wisteria Cottage. You were so right when you called fear, smoke. It clouds our vision, and prevents us from keeping our eyes on God.

Enjoy your new book this afternoon. It looks wonderful.

Joyce said...

May you and your family be blessed, Debbie, as you rest in the Lord. He is truly the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

The sock doll brings back so many memories! My daughters used to enjoy making such dolls for one another "in the younger days". What they delight to do now is make drawings of one another, or photo collages, with funny and loving sentiments written all around the edges.

I'm looking forward to your thoughts on Screen Doors and Sweet Tea. I have a southern cookbook which I enjoyed reading: The Gift of Southern Cooking by Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock.

sukipoet said...

I am glad things are evening out for you all. Lydia, poor dear to have a joyous birthday in the midst of upset. May the days ahead be filled with hot cocoa and muffins. Yum.

Linda said...

Praise the Lord! I'm so glad you have had a respite.

farmlady said...

Let's hope the 100 plus days are gone for good now. I'm ready for wind, rain, baking muffins and having some hot tea on a cold afternoon.

Tricia said...

Glad to hear so much good news! Blessings!

Karen Deborah said...

That's what I'm talkin bout! Yeah buddy. You jes keep readin them Southern books and ye'll be here before you can bat an eyelash or two.

Sumthin bout as a man thinketh....or woman fer that matter.

Scrappy quilter said...

You write with such descriptive words. It does my heart good to visit your blog and read that things have turned around for you and for Gloria. PTL Enjoy your Autumn my friend.

Your daughter is such a pretty young lady. She reminds me of C. Hugs

Sharon Goemaere said...

Wonderfully written dear friend.I pray that things continue to be peaceful and calm at your place and that all of you will continue to rest in HIM.Blessings~Sharon

bindhiya said...

Dear Debbie,
I was been away for so long..
I believe God works in mysterious ways... every thing has a reason.
hope and pray that things continue to be peaceful with you and family.
Happy birthday to Lydia!
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Ruth MacC said...

Ah Debby, poor Lydia, it made me smile!!!

She is the walking image of you:0)

Sean is now 11 and all full of talk about hair on his chest(?!) and puberty and sweaty armpits and deoderant etc... It's just so funny!!!

So far I am loving all parts of his life and growth and thank God for him.

I am enjoying Autumn through your blog, thanks.