City Sounds

It's been awhile since I awoke to city sounds:

car doors slamming, buses churning through their routes, people talking as they scurry to work, the "beeeep, beeeep" of garbage trucks as they back into place to pick up their cherished loads, and the hum of activity that fills the empty spaces where quiet might reign were it not for all the people. There's something comforting about city sounds once they've been a part of your life.

I didn't sleep soundly last night, not because anything was wrong, but because I listened to city sounds all night and imagined what lay below me in the streets. We're elevated above pavement level in our daughter's apartment: six floors up! A cool breeze blew into the windows and through the apartment all night long. Delicious for dozing and imagining!

Today we begin the first full week of our vacation and I can't wait to get out and enjoy the city. I want to drink it in - all of it - and experience the fullness of my days here, nor just manage them with the help of David Allen. I want to look into people's faces and read their souls. I want to scoop bucketfuls of air into my lungs and feel it burn life-giving strength into my weary body. I want to give my eyes permission to see anything and everything related to the needs of people who live on the streets and open my heart and notetaker wallet to those who beckon me to share the wealth. I want to feel the ocean on my feet and be transported to that real place where I feel small and insignificant as I see the Atlantic Ocean spread before me like a huge sheet ready to be stretched over a mattress that tired people might sleep upon it.

As I drove into the city, one words kept pummeling my mind: souls! I was called to this city back in 1998 and I spent my life strength here seeking out those who were spiritually lost. The people and places and experiences of this place shaped me into the person I am today and I will be forever grateful for my days here. Longings...

I think I'll drink a coffee or two and read Isaiah. He understands the way I feel toward people. His ministry was a soul-saving one, too.

Hangin in Halifax

After a meaningful child dedication of my grand daughter at Beulah Camp, renewing acquaintances with the wonderful people of our past, and a great meal with all the family at Pizza Delight, we headed for Nova Scotia. Long but enjoyable trip seeing all the very familiar sites.

We served Christ here for 29 years so Atlantic Canada is very much in our hearts with every town and site holding a memory from an interaction there. At one time, and for a very long time, I strongly believed I would be buried on Canadian soil and that these people would be my people forever. How one meeting can altar a lifetime of hopes, dreams and intentions!

Arrived in Halifax, called our daughter, found her apartment and have been talking for hours.

It's going to be a great week!

Land Ho - Canada!

After a lazy drive from NY to Maine, we stationed ourselves in Bangor for the night. Great time to relax!

Crossed the border into Canada this afternoon and are staying in the port city of Saint John, NB for the night before driving to Beulah Camp to dedicate our grand daughter.

Witnessed an accident tonight while leaving the local grocery store. Police came and everything! I was a witness to it all so had to give my version of the story. But the guilty party kept lying about her actions that caused the accident. I finally stated firmly, "Mam, that is not the way it happened!" She stopped - until the police officer arrived and she started it up again. The officer stated, "Mam, it couldn't happen their way AND your way, too. Now, which is it?" She stated, "Well, I guess all these people saw it...." Case over.

Enjoying surfing the net and breathing that foggy, damp, chilly Saint John air!!

Day One of Vacation

Today is Day #1 of our vacation. We're spending it at home to do some housework, shopping, elder care, and packing. I'll be dedicating my granddaughter on Sunday in NB at Beulah Camp.

Took a 15 minute mid-week afternoon nap today - not done that in about 20 years!!

Big thunderstorms here today/tonight. What a great way to spend the evening listening to thunder and watching the lightening flash across the sky!

Today

It's been a while since I blogged here. Lots going on - personal and professional - and time seems to slip away and I come to the end of the day and do not feel like blogging about squat. And that's okay!

I am at peace.
Work is getting done.
Life is good.
I like where I live.
I like most of what I'm doing at work.
I will enjoy my vacation when it comes one day.
God is cool.
I'm signing off!

A New Lease on Life

I cannot help but feel that we have been given a new lease on life. The last seven days have been wrought with concern that a heart condition might severely limit our ministry effectiveness and even cause a major change in our lives. But Rosalie's heart is clear of blockages and we now can look to the future with hope.

I am seeing this as a call to evaluate our lives and ministry, however, and to emerge stronger and better equipped as a couple to minister in the calling we have been given by God. We do not wish to waste one drop of this potent formula that has been served to us by God. It will be interesting to see where this experience leads us!

A new day dawns, fresh with hope. To God be the Glory!

Rosalie is Home!

After a catheter was placed into Rosalie's artery and run to her heart, doctors discovered no blockages. Yeah!!

She is resting quietly for 24 hours, then will go back to work as long as she takes it easy for one week. No lifting, either.

We anticipate a good visit with her primary care physician next week to settle into the reasons why she was having the pain.

We cannot say thank you enough to everyone who loved on us by staying with us at the hospital, standing vigil in prayer, and emailing, calling, Facebooking, and generally caring deeply for our situation. You are all loved!