"I'd like you to join me on Wednesdays as together we examine ideas and concepts on how to truly Live Life and experience all this life has to offer. I believe that when we walk with God, He enables us to live beyond the limits we see ahead on our path, growing and stretching us to heights and lengths we never thought possible! Please come along and see what God has is store for us on this journey through life!"
Love, Linda

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

KEY #SB2: MY DADDY'S DAY

My daddy moved to Heaven eleven years ago on May 25, 2001.  I still miss him dearly and would give anything for one more of his strong and tender hugs.  The reason I am writing about him this week of our country's annual Memorial Day celebration is because for many years, I have associated that holiday with my father.  He was a godly man who lived the Christian life before me every day, modeling for me and helping me to understand the character and faithfulness of my heavenly Father.
Daddy had great difficulty hearing as he grew older and his church did not have good acoustics, so he couldn't hear the sermons very well.  But every Sunday in the summer, beginning Memorial Day weekend, his church would have a service at Sibley State Park, located west of New London, Minnesota.  In the close, open atmosphere, he was able to hear every word of the of the scripture message and the singing.
I had other memories of the park also.  As a child, I had camped there with my cousins and attended Bible camp on the shores of Lake Andrew (also my dad's name, by the way, though the lake was not named after him!)  In fact, our youngest son, J, was nearly born there!  (But that's another story.  :))
Buried somewhere in my house is a big dark blue book that contains some of the history of Sibley State Park.  Of course, I couldn't it find today, but I remember Daddy showing me a passage in the book that tells of the influence of his father, Ole, along with another resident known by my grandfather, who were instrumental in working to obtain permission from the state of Minnesota to purchase land for the park setting and to establish it in 1919.  So this preserve was meaningful to my father, personally.
Since I'm doing a series on Songs and Birds, I recall with fondness the opening song that was sung at every Sunday morning service at Sibley Park.  My family often stayed with my parents in their home on a nearby lake in the summers, and would attend the park service with them on Sundays.  The opening song was "This Is My Father's World."  It was written by a presbyterian minister, Maltbie D. Babcock, who was born in Syracuse, NY, in 1858.  When he would leave his home for a walk along the shores of Lake Ontario, Babcock would tell others, "I'm going out to see my Father's world."  Hence, the title for the poem he wrote that was published after his death in 1901, "Thoughts for Everyday Living."
His granddaughter, Mary Babcock Crawford, wrote the second stanza in 1972.
The beautiful park setting by the shores of Lake Andrew was a perfect environment for the words of this hymn and the accompaniment of the birds in the background added to the melodic delight. 
"This is my Father's world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world, 
He shines in all that's fair;
in rustling grass I hear Him pass.
He speaks to me everywhere. 
This is my Father's world;
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is Kind; let the heaven's ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad."
This special song expresses trust and faith in the Father's provision and the knowledge that all of creation is His own handiwork.  His kingly authority is over all!
Whenever I sing this song, it brings to mind caring and faithful memories of my heavenly Father . . . and also my earthly father.
Next week, we'll share lessons from the birds.


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

KEY #SB1: SONG BIRDS AND OUR GOOSE FAMILY

I love everything about spring, especially when new life pops up all around me and exploding colors dazzle my eyes:  blooming tulips and irises, bright green leaves, sparkling blue waters of the pond in our back yard and uniquely clothed birds of all kinds that frolic in our bird bath.  The scent of lilacs envelopes me with pure contentment when I sit on our deck and gaze out at our yard and pond.
I love going to sleep with the windows open to feel the rush of fresh breezes and hear God's orchestra serenade me to sleep and call me in the morning to the adventures of a brand new day.  An enormous chorus of frogs living in the ponds sings me to sleep, and the neighbor's roaster wakes me at daybreak.  I listen for a second or two to his arrogant call, then promptly ignore his brash command and go back to sleep.  When I re-awaken at a decent time, the birds have begun their thrilling melody which continues all day long.
Have you ever noticed the unique harmony of God's orchestra?  I remember when my son, K, played the violin in his school orchestra, we would always drop him off early and be treated (?) to the discordant noise of all the students practicing and tuning their individual instruments.  The awful sound made me seriously wonder if the concert would be worth our time.  But when the musicians paraded onto the stage and seated themselves in proper order, and the conductor raised his wand, a magic moment resulted.  Every piece fitted into its place in the whole composition and a beautiful entrancing melody arose from the earlier confusion.
Isn't it amazing how God conducts His orchestra?  I hear the sounds all day long from dozens of different birds, all singing their own particular tune and yet the resulting music never sounds discordant! Their combined melody is always perfectly pleasant and enchanting to my ears.  How does God do it?
I want to be a part of God's orchestra.  I want to "sing" my own particular tune that God put in my heart in a way that honors Him . . . to go through life day by day praising Him for His care and goodness.  Father, make my "life melody" a joy to Your ears and help me to be an encouragement   to others so they will only hear pleasant "music" from me, rather than discordant sounds.
Today, I will begin a summer series on Songbirds . . . or rather "Songs and Birds" and how God speaks to us through both.  
We have one goose family residing in our pond that we believe made their summer home with us last year, too.  My husband, Gary, is somewhat of an authority on nature, with birds a particular interest.  And, although he is getting more and more hard of hearing, his eyesight amazes me!  He calls me to look out at a bird hundreds of yards away.  I can barely make out that it is a bird, and yet he can tell me what specific bird it is, and all about its habits that he has meticulously observed.  I get running updates on our little goose family during the day. Did you know that geese mate for life?  One male and one female begins their "marriage" and stays together.  Mommy Goose (not Mother Goose) sat patiently on her nest for weeks.  Although Gary told me she had a daily habit of leaving her nest early in the morning (while I was still in bed) and take a dip in the pond, preen her feathers for a while (here he would give me a pointed look, knowing I could identify with this bit of daily feminine vanity.)   Then back to her "work" while Daddy Goose skirted the perimeters of their habitat home to ward off any possible danger.  I'd hear of Daddy's courageous escapades which involved chasing away predators from Mommy and their precious developing bird babies.  Once Daddy Goose got carried away with his defensive duties and invaded another bird home only to get chased back himself!
How exciting when the time arrived, just a week before Mother's Day, as four tiny yellow balls of fluff were observed staggering and stumbling in the grasses by the side of the pond!  Then they disappeared for a while and we grew concerned for their safety.  But Gary decided Mommy Goose was hiding them until they grew larger and more competent.  Eventually they returned to swim, "file style" on the clear waters.  Once he told me the baby geese were swimming on one pond and Mommy and Daddy were in the other pond, honking wildly at each other.  I can imagine their conversation:  "I thought you were looking after the little ones!"  "I thought that was your job today!  Where are they?!  Go find them!!!"
Another morning, I arose to find Gary excited about a near disaster.  One rebelliously independent, tiny ball of fluff had been spotted slowly and with difficulty making its way up the hill towards our house, evidently unobserved by its parent geese.  But observed by our dog, Krissa, who is typically a very sweet, quiet, gentle and well-behaved member of our household.  However . . . she is by instinct a good bird dog.  Fortunately Gary was able to distract Krissa while the tiny fluff ball maneuvered its way cautiously back down the hill to safety.  Whew!
That's enough "bird talk" for today.
Please join me next week as I observe Memorial Day in a unique, personal way. . . 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

KEY M#1: TO TOUCH ETERNITY

In honor of Mother's Day this past Sunday, I am digging another writing out of my personal library archives here in the Land of Abundant Living.  I wrote this letter when my children were young, and it is a composite of my memories with all three of them.

TO TOUCH ETERNITY
It began when God allowed me to share in the creation of life.
It will never end.
You were my china doll.  I played with your tiny, perfect fingers and toes.  I held you close and stroked your soft cheeks and silken hair.  I dressed you in a white flannel kimono I had worn as a baby and in which I had swaddled my childhood dolls.
I played with you every day. . . and I never put you away.
You grew.  I saw you take your first step and heard you speak your first word.  You gave me butterfly kisses and "neffer-neffer" hugs.  (You held me tightly and whispered, "I'll neffer, neffer let you go" until I tickled you to get away and we giggled and giggled together.)
I told you about Jesus.  You looked at the big Bible with all the pictures in it and felt bad when you saw Jesus on the cross.  "Owie, owie," you cried as you pointed to the nail marks on His hands and feet.
You prayed for a whole year to see a rainbow.  When one finally appeared, I bundled you up in your bright yellow raincoat and carried you outside so I could observe the wonder in your eyes.
I led you to Christ.  I heard you ask Him to forgive you and to come and live in your heart.  I saw your radiant face the day you were baptized.
I wiped your tears and kissed your owies.  I prayed and sent you out into the world.
I swelled with pride for you . . . and cried for you.  
I let you go . . . and held you in my heart.
I touched Eternity through your eyes and your hands, as I watched your soul unfold like the opening of the petals of a rose.  I thank God for the gift of you.
Remember when we strolled along the red sandy beaches of Prince Edward Island at sunset, hand in hand?  God showed me a glimpse of our future.  When our time on earth is over . . . the sunset of our world . . . we'll be holding hands in Heaven, you and me, walking along the golden streets with Jesus.
If I get there first, I'll be watching for you, ready to guide you safely into the arms of Jesus.


Please join me next week for a new series!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

KEY #H4: HELPFUL HOSPITALITY HINTS

Looking for some helpful hospitality hints?  I've asked some friends for suggestions that worked for them when entertaining guests.  It was interesting to notice that the Golden Rule kept coming up in our conversations in various ways.  "Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."  Matthew 7:12.  Or paraphrased, as many of us learned it, "Do unto others the way you want them to do unto you."  After all, isn't that what having good manners is all about?  Showing love and consideration to others by treating them the way we would want to be treated?  It's amazing how following that very simple rule automatically takes care of a host of hospitality questions!  For example . . .
Question:  What should I feed my guests?  Answer:  Ask them if they have any food allergies or preferences.
Question:  What theme should I choose for my party?  Answer:  Think about the interests of your guests and pull those interests into a theme.
Question:  Where should I seat my guests at the table?  Answer:  Consider my guests' personalities, if they would prefer to sit by someone they feel comfortable with or make a new friend.
God's Word is so practical for all circumstances, isn't it?
Let's get on with the tips!  After contacting several friends, here is the gist of what they suggested.  Some overlap, so I tried to minimize repetitions.
"A fun idea," says Tina, "to make your overnight guests feel welcome is to have a basket in the bathroom with little toothpastes, hotel soaps, shampoo, etc.  Also, a mint on their pillow when they open up their bed for the first time is so fun!" (Personal tip from Linda:  Great idea, Tina!  Although if you have a dog that climbs on beds, you may want to close their bedroom door!  Dogs aren't supposed to eat chocolate, you know. :o) )
Bonnie suggests, "I leave their clean bath linens on their freshly made bed before they arrive. Also, I make sure Kleenexes are plentiful."
Rose, a hostess whose overnight hospitality I have personally enjoyed on many occasions, shares the following:  "When someone stays overnight in your home, put yourself in their place (Notice the Golden Rule here?).  If they wake up during the night, is there going to be enough light from a street light so they can tell where they are?  It's often confusing to wake up in a strange house.  Keep a couple of night lights handy to plug in when you have company, even if you don't need them yourself.  We are fortunate to have two bathrooms.  When we get company, we use the one in the basement and let our guests have the main bathroom next to their bedroom.  It's handier for them to have their own space to spread out into.  Keep an eye on the toilet paper supply.  We have friends who keep an extra roll in a little basket in plain sight.  Little things go a long way. "
Rose continues, "People are more important than things.  Usually overnight guests are not coming to inspect your home.  They are there to see YOU!   So be yourself, get a good night's rest so you can enjoy your company without being tired.  What you don't get done, chances are they'll never notice.  If you didn't get that special dessert baked for them, take out the pail of ice cream; they'll be none the wiser.  (Tip from Linda:  Ice cream makes a great treat for drop in guests, too!  Purchase vanilla and keep several toppings on hand.)
The first thing Donna said was also "I put myself in their place" (Again notice the Golden Rule!).  I want them to have all the comforts of home and not have to ask for them. " She mentioned many of the same things others have already said and then gave me additional suggestions of things to have handy for overnight guests.
Donna keeps a drawer in the guest bedroom that contains an assortment items that may be needed including a hair dryer, heating pad, shoeshine, lotions, toothbrushes and toothpaste, aspirin.  Bottled water and drinking glasses are available and she places a bowl of fruit for snacking.  She also suggested that a min-fridge would be a great idea for the guest room!
Deb, the hostess for a party I recently attended, had a delicious and creative, yet simple menu plan.  The entree she served was called "Tropical Mountain" and it truly was a mountain (at least it was on my plate! :0) ), heaped with yummy food.  Set up a help-yourself bar in this order:  lettuce, bag of Fritos corn chips (crushed), refried beans, rice (optional) ground beef cooked with taco seasoning (this she had on the stove; you could use an electric heating plate), onions, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, black olives, pineapple chunks, and chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and salsa.   Deb's side dishes included guacamole, tortilla chips and salsa. A simple dessert of cookies, bars and fruit easily complete the meal.  For "pot luck" style, each guest could bring a topping.
A very special thank you to each of you who gave me suggestions!  And please feel free to share any additional tips of your own under "Comments."  
Next Wednesday, please join me for a tribute to Mothers, in honor of Mother's Day coming up this Sunday!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

KEY #H3: MY HOSPITALITY BLOOPERS!

My own hospitality bloopers are the focus of interest today.  I thought it was time for a bit more humor . . . at my expense, of course!
If you are new to my blog, I give you a hearty welcome and invite you to continued to journey with me in the Land of Abundant Living!  This four-part series is on Hospitality and I encourage you to head over to my Blog Archive (see lower right corner of this blog) and visit the last two blogs, which explain more of how I believe God sees the practice of hospitality that He so encourages.

But today we laugh . . .
My old friends know . . . and my new ones are learning . . . that one never arrives early when invited to my home.  I can be found up to the last precious minute rushing around like a flying grasshopper from room to room, checking the fresh towel supply, tossing aside dust balls that magically appear on a freshly washed floor, hunting for napkins that match, etc.  In fact, once when I had invited a couple to our home for the first time, I was running behind with my preparations and I actually prayed that they would arrive late.  Well, they did, the reason being that they were stopped for speeding and got a ticket.  I humbly apologized.  After all, it was my fault, wasn't it?

Graduations bring out the best in me . . . or maybe the worst, from my poor husband's point of view.  Everything . . . and I mean everything . . . has to be perfect (which never happens, by the way!) for the special event.  We paint walls, shampoo the carpet, plant grass in worn-away spots, besides the usual hectic week-ahead preparations.  I remember when one of our children graduated . . . not sure which one . . . memories run together after all these years.  Winter had lasted longer than necessary (I felt) and spring brought heavy rains.  In order to block as much dirt and mud from being tracked into the house from the door to the garage, I had hung a huge sign with large letters "WIPE YOUR FEET!" on the outside of the door leading from the garage into the front entry hall.  Well, the morning of our festive celebration, all five of us worked feverishly, hauling the large tables and card tables, folding chairs, tablecloths and decorations out to the garage for the overflow of guests.  The day turned out to be gorgeous, sunny and clear, and my lilacs were blooming in the driveway with enough of an abundance to serve as centerpiece bouquets for all the tables.  Just before the guests began to arrive, I gave everything a once-over and sighed with satisfaction.  The day would be perfect!  
And it was, or so I thought.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, the food was delicious and plentiful and the honored guest had a great time.  Towards evening, things were winding down, the garbage bags were full and most of our company had left.  I looked forward to a quiet, restful evening with my family.  Most of the day, I had stayed inside the house, visiting and overseeing the kitchen work occasionally, though I was usually gently shoved out of there by my wonderful, capable friends who had everything under control.  Now, at last, I pulled up a chair by a table in the garage and sat down to visit with a cousin I didn't get to see very often.  
After some "catching-up" conversation, my cousin told me she needed to leave so we both picked up dishes and began to carry them into the house.  
Then I saw it.  Prominently displayed on the outside of the garage door that had been shut most of the afternoon in an effort to keep bugs outside, was the sign that I had forgotten to remove before the party, hanging there with its commanding message, "WIPE YOUR FEET!"  Horrified, I turned to my cousin and pathetically inquired, "Did anyone say anything about the sign?"  
She was quiet for a moment, that cheerily replied, "Well, we all wiped our feet!"

One more story, although this one qualifies more in the catagory of an uninvited guest.  When my daughter, E, was about three or four years old, she loved to play with my hair.  I would sit on the sofa for a much needed rest and E perched on the back of the sofa behind me while she tenderly and expertly styled my hair into a variety of fancy looks.  At one time, I would have a set of braids on one side of my head and a few pony tails sticking out here and there with no special order or design.  Of course, all of them were ornamented with her own colorful assortment of barrettes and ribbons.  I really should have had her take a picture, but didn't think of it at the time.  Wonder if my hairdresser could duplicate that unique look?  Oh, well.  We enjoyed our special time together while Baby K was napping.  Eventually, E eventually tired of styling my hair and wandered off to play.  I decided to sweep the kitchen floor. As I was in the middle of that chore, the doorbell rang.  I openned the door to find a salesman on the doorstep.  I can't remember what he was selling, and he probably doesn't either!  I thought he acted a bit strange, though I was very polite.  He began to give me his little sales pitch, but I don't think he even got to the point of trying to sell me anything.  He didn't stay very long.  I closed the door, wondering why he was even in the sales business and finished sweeping the floor.  My next intention was to clean the bathroom and when I caught my reflection in the mirror, I instantly realized the reason for his strange behavior.  I smiled as I thought to myself,  "Maybe I should have some barrettes handy the next time a door-to-door salesman appeared!"
That's probably enough bloopers for now!  Any of your own to share?  I'd love to hear some!
Please join me next week for some Hospitality Tips, some from my own collection and more gathered from friends!