Today’s Dash of Wisdom

Two things that will give you peace.

1. Saying: I don’t know.

………..Sometimes we take more on ourselves than is necessary. We are not required to have answers for everything, nor is there need to make excuses for not knowing, nor reason to stretch out the responsibility . . as in, “I’ll find out and tell you tomorrow.”

2. Absolutely, with no reservations, forgive someone.

…………..They wronged you. It was ugly, mean, ungodly, despicable. You are deeply hurt and furious. Forgive them. Merely saying the words doesn’t count. I mean, FORGIVE THEM. Hug them, invite them to lunch, tell someone of their good qualities, in prayer weep over them.

Do these two things today. You will feel better. Promise.

A Visit on the Bank of Greer’s Ferry Lake

Lots of life questions hound me, so that I am unsure of many things. Of this one subject, however, I am positive; my life has been unusually blessed by an outstanding, talented family, and by many friends who possess sterling qualities. Two such are the Rev. Jesse Emerson and his charming wife, LaDoyne. A couple of weeks ago, we were privileged to spend part of two days with them at their lovely home whose acreage leads down to the waters of Greer’s Ferry Lake in Clinton, Arkansas.

Although Brother Emerson does preach from time to time, they no longer are in active ministry and feel blessed to have found this home where they can spend their retirement years.This giant cup holding a magnificent plant speaks to the theme of their lives–I could tell.

Beautiful voices yet, with perfect harmony. At the end of the meal they sang a sweet song–something about where has our youth gone? We grinned and clapped.

She was pulling these from the oven when we arrived.

Under this magnificent tree, two white lounge chairs await the languid summer days when the Emersons sit and bask in the cool breeze off the lake. Their family often come to visit and to play in the water.

We talked of sun rooms, and storms that ripped out windows, and looked at treasured old books. We spoke of our enduring friendship and recalled the long ago days of their preaching at our church when we pastored. We spoke of motor homes and recalled they lived in one for years as they crisscrossed the United States doing the work of an evangelist. We spoke of health issues and families and friends; of aging and of progress and of regression. Upstairs they have fitted out three rooms they refer to as the Prophet’s Chambers. Consisting of a tiny living room that looks to the lake, a minuscule kitchen, and a comfy bedroom, they open this area from time to time to missionaries and other ministers who need a place to stay for awhile, to catch their breath, to regain their equilibrium.

And then it was time to go, and we left with hugs, and smiles, and promises . . .to keep.

I cherish those days, and guard carefully my friendship with such dear and precious people. How truly blessed I am.

__________

And what of you? I would love to hear of your friendships–whether we have mutual ones, or you have others to tell us about.

Random Thoughts on Israel/Italy Trip

1. Although Jerry and I missed all our family, we desperately wanted to see Winston. Rebecca and Nathaniel picked us up at LAX, and waiting in the car was our black and white puppy. We’re all happy again!

2. I quite enjoy utilizing moving sidewalks in airports. Gives me an exhilarating feel of rare accomplishment!

3. In our hotel in Istanbul a clock was on the floor under the counter in the bathroom. Never seen that before. Someone thought it might also be a scale. Definitely didn’t check that out: too much cheese, butter, and fine breads the past couple of weeks.

4. I posted more than 100 travel pictures on Flickr today. You might want to check them out. I’ll be posting more daily.

Of Summertime, Dragonflies, and Little Girls

The Captain, originally uploaded by Shirley Buxton.

After last week’s Wednesday night service, Jerry and I drove to Crestline, getting to bed around 2:00 am on Thursday.  We were delighted that Melody, one of our neighbors here in Lake Havasu went with us. We spent a couple of cool, wonderful days with the thrust of our time–at least for Melody and me–being spent in scouting around the countryside experimenting with photography. We’re both enthusiastic amateurs. My favorite shot is this orange dragonfly. I love this picture. Click on it to go to Flickr where you can see a larger version and where you will observe his little “feet” clamped around the stick, and his “hands” clasping the “steering wheel.”

On our way home from Lake Gregory on Friday I spied these two little girls playing in the water. I checked with their dad and he said, “Sure you may take a picture of them.” The picture is not too good as I was standing above them, but it made me happy to see those children playing, probably  with few cares in this world.

It’s summer. Relax, gad about, have fun…and for a few minutes or an hour or two, try to forget your troubles. Admire a dragonfly. Stop to watch little girls who play on the sandy shores of Lake Gregory…or on one of the ocean beaches, or a riverbank near you.

Edit: Wednesday evening   Jay, take a look at these. I’m really wanting a good picture of one of these neon blue dragonflies, but so far I have not had a spectacular shot.

Just a fair shot in my opinion.

Now this one up here, though not very colorful, is talented–an acrobat. Is this the kind you have in your neck of the woods, Jay?

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One more long blue one. Look closely and you will see his gossamer wings folded neatly.