Bushel and a Pickle Blog

listen

omega57 — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:30:14 +0000

Listen.

What does that bring to mind? For a history major former homeschooling mom, the first line of an American poem.

“Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.”

What and attention grabber! Add some great voice inflection of anticipation and I am hooked!

I wish I was a better storyteller. There are some great ones in my family…my great uncle, Steamboat. I have no idea why. My Uncle Son. Just so you know my mom was called “Sister” by many family members even after her death. Not only were they from the rural parts of Arkansas, they had kind of strange names. I have no idea why. But others had odd biblical names too. My brother has the gift of entertaining gab too. It missed me.

I am practicing so I can tell the greatest story even without too much academia or sputtering or stumbling.

Listen my friend and I will tell you of …

Listen

Listen Linda, I want you to hear my whispers to your heart.

Listen my daughter, I love you. I have great things for you, even at this late decade of your life.

Listen my dear for my peace.

Listen to my truths.

Gosh with sweet somethings like that why would I ever listen to soul withering lies?

I do not know but I do.

Listen…

A skill I am lacking. I often, way to often don’t listen well to my girls; to my sons, to my husband. I miss details. I often miss the meaning and worst of all

I miss their hearts.

Listen, sh, just listen…quiet now. Are you listening because I have heard you and now listen. Sh, don’t fret or worry.

Listen.

Listen

listen

listen

are you? am I?

Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good,

and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

Isaiah 55:2b

I am linking to The Lettered Cottage ”Word of the Year”.

inconvenience & my heart

omega57 — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:06:57 +0000

Funny how encouragement comes to us when we don’t “want” to do something that inconvenience us and our plans.

Our guests were deeply moved by the Christmas morning service. For the one widow and her children refugees from a hostile land found the words of hope. The welcome she receives is an encouragement toward understanding this Hope that is offered freely.

A family still on a journey toward Him…searching for faith and hope and His peace.

We planned ahead. We had breakfast ready more quickly than usual. We not only laid out cookies the night before we also laid out our clothes. Everyone was up. We tend to be sleepyheads on Christmas morning. All the presents were opened; we all ate and we all left in time! Wow!

I wasn’t thrilled about Jim picking up our visitors. It meant instead of part of a row we would need a whole one. Tragic I know. As it was, my sons ended up on the row behind us. I was afraid he would end up inviting them over; taking them to a store or something. Yeah, that old nemesis that leads me away from peace, being inconvenience. Not very open thinking in my heart. I had to do an attitude heart check. A step back. Quit borrowing “trouble”. I wanted our morning to be ours. Not exactly the reflection of “for God so loved the world…” is it?

Instead, none of those things happened. Silly of me to think this regardless if they did or not. Instead, eyes were bright; scripture was read and songs were sung.

The bells handed out as a reminder of the reason for this celebration chimed together as we sang “Ring the Bells of Christmas!”

First, a few rang their bells and the sound moved across the congregants. It was a lesson in contagion. A lesson in catching.

My hope is many caught His love and hope and peace that morning right there in that large auditorium and still are holding on to it.

My tiny self perceived inconvenience was so worth it. For my own heart and I can’t help but believe others too.

The impact of that still ripples…joy is contagious.

Peace and hope can be had! Come on, rings those bells again and again.

Turns out, it was not an inconvenience after all.

Blessings, Linda

Joy

omega57 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:15:54 +0000

Making cookies this year. It has been a peaceful activity! Yes, peaceful. All by myself… during the day. Christmas music playing. No appointments. Okay, I did get my hair colored yesterday. I sat relaxed with my coffee and Kindle. Feeling a deep kind of

JOY

this year. I’m not sure why exactly. Maybe working with folks who have so little has made me more aware of the bounty we have even when I think we are “short”. It has made my gratitude deeper. Maybe the art of practicing “Shema” statement this year. Speaking fo Him to others by just expressing thanks for a good day or other same things. A heightened awareness. Maybe the

joy

of the year…son off to grad school, twin granddaughters, friends from far away visits, learning more about Him as I looked at my life through a new set of lens. I could go on. Struggles have come; He sustained us. He had made me glad.

Last night for the team meeting everyone brought cookies to share. Today I am taking some to a refugee family who is reading the Bible I gave them. This season peeks a lot of interest in others who do not share our

joy.

Yes, it is commercialized. But in my heart, it is not. Celebration of a birth of a baby who came to save the world. No matter how you look at it; that is what Christmas is!

I look around and see decorations of

joy.

Tartan, angles, twinkling lights, red, green and snowflakes. Blue with silver. Songs of hope. I love this time of year. I know the history of Saint Nicholas and Good King Wenceslas. Thanks to Albert and Victoria’s annual trip to Scotland and his German traditions, we have many of our own today. Tartan and Trees.

I have been to the Christkindlemarkt in Nuremberg. The Christkindle Angel from 34 years ago tops our tree each year. The German Christmas markets tingle with anticipation each year. It was a trip of

joy

to go each year there or in Stuttgart where we were stationed so long ago. We made regular treks downtown for wurst and gluhwein and to store up the

joy

for the days ahead.

Heck, our living room has been carefully decorated to coordinate with Christmas. One year many houses ago, it was blue and looked terrific with the gold and silver angels and very old crèche. But mostly I use green with red. I love red. I love my new cookie spatula that has red handle. My red mixing bowl with a handle that was a birthday present from my daughter and family. Even my mouse is red! Did I mention I love Christmas time.

Concerts and gift exchanges.

Platters of tasty treats sweet and savory. Special dishes. Yep! I have those too.

But all of this is fun and activity speaks to the “creative and love of beauty” part of me is not why I love this time of year. It merely enhances the celebration of the birth of a baby.

And you will have joy and gladness,

and many will rejoice at His birth.

Luke 1:14

May you have joy and gladness and be rejoicing at His birth this year.

Blessings, Linda

I am participating in Tabletop Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com

Sweet Life

omega57 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:36:01 +0000

I am wondering why this season is different from others. It isn’t that there are no lights outside. We often don’t have lights outside. Our inside is cozy and warm and you know it as soon as you walk through the door. It isn’t because the tree is the prettiest it has looked, ever, I think. The love gals decorated it one day while I unpacked the ornaments and memories.

Those who live here are blessed. Yes, we are! We have a “sweet” life.

Just this morning I was reflecting on the last days that have streamed by almost too fast. A sick child that needs mom’s comfort and body to snuggle with so sleep will come. A refugee friend who needs someone to be there when she wakes up in the middle of the night at the hospital after a scare with early labor knowing her husband is caring for their children at home. The tired body that just doesn’t snap back as quickly as it used too after a day of moving in a widow and children into her new barely affordable basement apartment.

Friends and family to share our table full fo food and conversations.

Children and grandchildren who are the “cat’s meow“. I am so crazy about them!

I said it out loud…”We have a sweet life.” to my husband.

Quiet moments to sit with Sweet Pea just rocking the time away.

So many ways we are blessed to overfull.

Sharing how much I love Him,

THE King of Kings

with a couple who don’t know His love or forgiveness.

Small joys over small things. Heart full to overflowing. Overflowing into tears of deep satisfaction. Deep gratitude.

Sweet life.

blessings, linda

omega57 — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:49:13 +0000

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a good day. A celebrations of many decades.

Now believe me when I say I have had some struggle with this one. I think I may be in the old category! Yikes!!

Yesterday was a sweet day full of love.

Gifts were selected with care. I loved each one!!

Who wouldn’t! Waffles this morning on the new waffle maker were yummy. Our old one died awhile back.

We sure have missed them.

The best was the bubble wrap! Yes, bubble wrap. A contest to see who could pop all of them first! Pop, Pop, Pop Giggle, giggle, giggle. Sweet sounds.

Then Sweet Pea got in the act. She love to copy her aunties. It is a mutual admiration society they have going on.

I mostly stayed in my spot on the couch and have one or the other sweetie pies sit with me. It is not often I just do that!

We even watched sweet Christmas movies on TV. It was nice to have sentimental fluffy stuff that we could all watch together.

thankful for

bubble wrap

giggles

candles in glass turkeys

sons

twins

my couch

fun pillows to aid with cuddling

light hearted family ready movies

Blessings, Linda

I am participating in Multitudes on Monday, 1000 gifts at A Holy Experience.

Create Beauty

omega57 — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:51:11 +0000

Earlier today I was reading from Jesus Calling, a small devotional book. Today’s call is to

“worship Me in the beauty of holiness”

For many of us who need beauty; who sorely miss its absence we may find it in setting a beautiful table; making a meal that is also a feast for the eyes. and we have that desire within us for beauty; to create. It took me awhile to end the struggle with beautiful home….too much of my time; my focus, was it right to want this meaning is it ungodly. Some would say yes but in my guilt ridden mind I did have spells of struggle. How to combine my gift of hospitality with creating and a love for beauty? Call me slow. I got it sometimes but I did get carried away with wanting or coveting. I am not cured of that but much more mature that before. It’s a journey.

What I have learned it this. God created me with a desire to create and to love beauty. It is a desire I have that is God-given. My guard must be up to not get carried away; to not covet and to not be consumed with the pursuit of the perfect…home, table, clothes, life!

What freedom! He made me this way. He will refine me in it as I journey with Him.

As I decorate with the love gals this evening, are we engaging in an act of worship; to create a place of beauty that may just reflect a sliver of His Glory and just maybe so are we? I think we will be.

I can’t wait to decorate and creating a special welcome for my family and my guests!

Thankful for

beauty

my love gals

bins of Thanksgiving decor

the fire pit outside

friends to worship with

Xrays

Doctors and therapists

nice waiting areas

warm sunshine on a cold day

the touch of my husband

the smile of my little sweet pea granddaughters

Love Bug’s smile of great joy

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD
And to meditate in His temple. Psalm 27:4

Blessings, Linda

I am participating in Multitudes on Monday, 1000 gifts at A Holy Experience.

Harvesting, Reaping, & Sowing

omega57 — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:07:25 +0000

Reblogged from Home is Where the Boat Is:

I’ve spent a little time Harvesting this week. . .

Reaping some of Nature’s Bounty~

Sowing the ingredients for a Pumpkin Vase Centerpiece. . . a few clippings from the garden & fall grasses, along with Sweetgum branches for some leafy fall color. . .

Collecting Sunflowers, Mums, Daisies & Hypericum Berries from the Farmers Market as well as Apples, Kale & Swiss Chard to provide some leafy texture & green …

This table is so beautiful! I just had to repost this in case you didn’t see it. Mary always has such beautiful tables and photos for us to see. Inspiring!

The love gals and I think it is ashamed Thanksgiving is so often skipped and everyone dives right into Christmas. There were Christmas movies on last night!!

This weekend friends are joining us in our home for a time of worship, prayer and the word. Our hope is this day and half gathering will be refreshing and edifying as well as encouraging. I can’t wait!

But there is a lot to be done first. Decorating today home and porches with wreaths, garland and other Thanksgiving festive decor is going to be fun! The love gals have a school early dismissal so I’ll have lots of help.

Blessings, Linda

Today is the day

omega57 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:04:51 +0000

Today is the day

I put down all the mental work I have done for a meeting tomorrow on paper. Grateful for the open hands God has given me to offer the information about a resourse to others. All with the aim of kingdom building while building up each other, in this case woman to woman.

Today is the day

I clear up confusion of changed appointments on my calendar.

Today is the day

my husband and I prayed for an upcoming spiritual retreat we are “in charge” of planning, logistic and on. It is to minister to some who are learning and building a vision for their future ministry together far away. And we do so knowing it is not our planning, though it must be done, that will make whatever blessing it will be happen. It is the Holy Spirit.

Today is the day

I take my Love Princess for an X-ray to see how the ankle is healing from a fracture she gave herself while playing in the last days of summer plus running cross country. Confession, we, including the doctor and therapist, were sure it was a sprain.

Today is the day

I plan for meals when I am just up to it with other planning. A day at the desk needs some distractions.

Today is the day I say thank you with a grateful heart for who He is and how He loves me.

Today is the day I am thankful for…

resource materials by godly folks, written and shared for our edification

open hands from Him when we want to hold on

clarity of direction in planning a spiritual retreat

God who we can trust

x-rays and doctors and therapists

cute calanders

vaccum cleanings that help me smile while working. Dust is distracting!

shy smiles from my love gals

unexpected snow

the expectation of Advent stirred by the early snow

Blessings, Linda

I am participating in Multitudes on Monday, 1000 gifts at A Holy Experience.

Because of Jesus

omega57 — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:03:45 +0000

Have you heard? There is no law against love. Let me write those words again.

There is no law against love.

A gentle and true answer to the policeman’s question.

“There is no law against love.”

Looking for a reason to arrest those attending a meeting of believers but not actually having the authority that day at least one heard,

“There is no law against love.”

In the face of the harshness of a lost world and frustrated at your seemingly inability to change anything, remember,

There is no law against love. Remember. NO law against love.

My heart was broken for this broken frightened people without hope or agape. They don’t know there is no law against love. They only know the laws that keep them from love. From God’s love.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/oct/22/china-nation-cold-hearts/print

The fundamental problem, in my view, lies in one word that describes a state of mind: shaoguanxianshi, meaning don’t get involved if it’s not your business. In our culture, there’s a lack of willingness to show compassion to strangers. We are brought up to show kindness to people in our network of guanxi, family and friends and business associates, but not particularly to strangers, especially if such kindness may potentially damage your interest.

As I read this article, my memory drifted back to stories told by eyewitnesses. Harsh truths of a people who have many layers of protections to keep the heart from engaging. Here are 3 stories.

A man dropped dead outside a restaurant across the street from a local school that also housed an international school. The morning hours passed. He still laid on the sidewalk…uncovered. The international teacher called from the classroom located on the restaurant side. “How am I to take my class (kindergarten) to the lunch room? We must pass by this body.” It was appalling. After consultation and calls, the decision was made to take the bold step of covering the body. Why bold? The internationals chose to get involved. Refusing involvement, the restaurant owners said it made them responsible. The family must take care of the body. The litany to explain away the attitude and lack of response was stunning. Helplessness was felt as the hidden secret of the ancient land was exposed.

The scene was different from other mornings. The morning energy was missing from the market scene. The taxi driver drove through turning a blind eye not slowing down. It did not matter. The foreigners in the backseat saw. They saw the man laying on the side of the road with what seemed to be blood by his head. Their eyes were not blind so they took the only action available. Prayer.

The older woman, a survivor of a horrible time of hate in her country, marveled at the care foreign friends offered her and her family in time of need, wondered aloud, “Why do you help me and others? Why do you help each other who you do not have any obligation too? Why are you kind?”

Because of Jesus. Because of Jesus.

And that is why the telling is still needed; anywhere, everywhere,

why the loving is necessary.

Blessings, Linda

Linking with Walk with Him Wednesdays at A Holy Experience and

Chatting at the Sky Day 26:: see

Especially Thankful

omega57 — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:39:48 +0000

Today is a good day for being thankful. Of course, all days are but especially today. I returned home Saturday night after being gone for an 8 day intensive course that was so good! And it was so good to come home. Autumn candle scents and hot pizza with hugs welcomed me home. Wonderful!

To keep my thoughts captive unto Him lifting up praise and thanksgiving is an absolute necessity.

Today I am especially thankful for …

a week-long intensive course called “Developing a Discerning Heart”

on time returning home flights

candle light

sunshine on freshly blooming mums

sounds of family playing a board game in the kitchen

my pillow

people who are flexible

Boomer’s silky ears

orange pumpkins

my friend’s invitation for a last-minute Saturday night dinner

Em’s smiles that lighten her whole face and mine too

new friends made while sharing our stories

babies’ little bodies. All our sweet peas are sitting up now!

my newly painted sage green living room walls

shiny bright red fingernail polish that makes me smile

Blessings, Linda

I am sharing at http://www.aholyexperience.com.