short hop

travel day

that's usually tiring to even think about

but this is a short hop

mere hours

not the multiple days

to or from Africa

no meals or movies

no free snacks

2-1/2 hours for our first flight

1 hour for the next

as always

we're in His clouds

in His hands

no better place

little things

It is the first days of our return

to rural Canada

a mix of jet lag, laughter

hugs, tears, confusion

and lack of words

yesterday our prodigal suitcases

six large bags, all we could carry

made their way home

exhausted as we unpacked

we rejoiced that nothing was lost

today we opened

the few boxes we had left here

what joy to be reunited

with familiar treasures

a quilt, jewellery box

baking pans

it is little things that lift us

and little things that trip us

and there is One standing strong

calm, all knowing

in the middle of it all

I am returning

to His feet

seeking first

a matter of trust

one day to the next

or moment by moment

as we begin our journey to Canada

in two weeks

we will be in flight

though I have felt mid-air

for months

what to drive

where to sleep

are not yet settled

leaving me tipsy

and grabbing hold

of the only One Who knows

seeking first, last

always

So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom

and the righteousness that proceeds from him. 

Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.

Matthew 6:33 The Passion Translation

travel light

things are merely 

things and yet 

they carry 

and contain memories

leaving them behind

we lose markers, road signs

ways of getting back

to who and where

we were

a cost deeper

than my heart 

would choose to bear

still, I travel light

goodbye again hello again

another page turns

as the chapter draws to a close

night follows day

all things sorted by His hand

in beautiful perfection

tomorrow I bid farewell to Pretoria

to friends both new and old

fly back to my Zambian life

to rest in the arms of my husband

while our Father

continues to hold us both

in the sweet spot

the centre of His palm and heart

travelling a new way

Rick and I ventured out to town for a meeting last night.  There were a few light flurries dancing about, but the forecast wasn't predicting any problems.

We enjoyed a time of sweet fellowship, prayer and planning.  My closing prayer was for safe travel home for all, mostly us, since we were the ones with a fair distance to cross.

As we pulled out of the church parking lot it was obvious it would be a slow trip.  The wind blew fierce, whipping the snow off the ground in waves of zero visibility. I watched the tension building in Rick's neck and shoulders as he concentrated on the often impossible task of seeing the lines on the highway.

I prayed that God would keep His mighty hand on our vehicle.  I imagined Him guiding us like a child moves a wooden car along a track.  The twenty minute trip took almost three times as long, but we did finally arrive home safe and without incident.  A chorus of praise and thanks rang from our hearts, spirits and lips.

We snuggled close in our cozy bed, grateful to be home.  And I dreamed...

We were travelling again.  Rick was on horseback, but at the same time he was leading a team pulling a cart.  I was seated at his right side, in a seat, not on a horse.  This seemed perfectly normal.  We were in an area we had visited frequently but noticed things we had never seen. High on hill tops I looked down and saw castle and village ruins and urged Rick to turn back so we could explore.  Filled with a sense of wonder and amazement, I woke, interrupted by the morning alarm.

When I brought this dream before the Lord, He replied:

you will be going a new way
as you slow down
I will show you both the future and the past
you will see what you have always missed before
in the time to come I will give you My eyes
this is part of the gift of My heart

 

On assignment

I am on assignment

my time is not my own

I have come to serve

humbled, weary and distracted

I lean hard into the arms 

of the One Who sent me

and the prayers 

of those who lift me

thanks offered for you

praises raised in my sighs to Him

 

Need for slow...

It seems as if we just left home

and already we have begun our return 

time blurs

like the coloured lights 

we drive by too fast

I am seeking slow

time at His feet

the sweet scent of nothing

 

Bridges to cross

Yesterday we spent hours walking along the Saskatchewan River, choosing to make a holiday out of my need to be here to meet with a neurosurgeon this morning.

We climbed stairs to reach a foot bridge that spans the river.

It reminds me that the best way to find my way across any difficulty is to look up.

I look to you, heaven-dwelling God, look up to you for help. Psalm 121:1 The Message


 

Without looking

Before leaving home
He reminded me
where ever I may go
I need never leave Him

Road heading East from Galena, Illinois

I wasn't listening
as He was speaking
in bright display

Tree in early bloom, Glenview, Illinois

How could I miss
the wonder of His hand
winged joy
delighting in flight

Duck in Port Washington, Wisconsin

Strokes delicate
as His whispering
promises

Orchids at Mitchell Park Domes, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

You need not search or strive
stop a moment, rest here
find me where I wait
ever wait
for you

Black River in La Crosse, Wisconsin

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.  But you would have none of it  Isaiah 30:15 NLT



linking with Jennifer where nothing is coincidence....


 

Winter to summer and back

Cederburg, Wisconsin

We have passed from winter to spring to summer then back in this most unusual year of season's change.

While we were away warming our bones in temperatures way above normal in the midwestern States we missed a wet and heavy snowfall.  Perhaps I need to rephrase that, for I did not "miss" the snow at all and was happy to see none of it remaining as we pulled into the yard late yesterday afternoon.

Rain and possible snow are forecast for our weekend, which is nothing extraordinary in this northern place.

It matters little to me as my heart and thoughts are turned toward the One Who made this the holiest of weeks.

May the passion that drove Him to the cross burn within me at a fever pitch, the intensity of His love etching deeply into my spirit.

I am happy to be home even as I realize more each day that home is truly not here, but wherever He Is.


 

Living water

Waterfall in the Friendship Gardens - La Crosse, Wisconsin

Back on the road
winding along the Mississippi
breathing deep
drinking in freedom
refreshment
no need to be anything but His
living water never ceases


 

Seeking balance

Away from the fields

that surround my daily dreams

I breathe to a rhythm

unfamiliar

yet still ordered by my Lord

I do His bidding

move as His feet

and hands

pray for His words

to trip my tongue

It is both dark

and light

here

as I seek a balance

I've not yet found

 

The road

Miles pass
fields wet but snow free
remnants of last year's crops shift in the wind
rain threatens all around
but our way has been clear

I know He goes before us
ever Is behind us

I choose again
no other road
but His

 

Home, yes home

Home
scent of familiarity
a place to let go
it seems my body
recognizes the safety
of this place
and after struggling
to hold together
I break down
into the arms
of those I trust
my husband
and my God

Both will love me
through the picking up
of tattered pieces
the regaining of strength
the coming back
to myself

Home
I am here

 

Coming and going

The last minutes before leaving my country home behind
traveling from gravel to ten days of concrete
I say goodbye and hello

leaving home and going home

Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. 

Deuteronomy 28:3 NKJV

 joining Deidra's Sunday gathering.

 

I didn't fly alone...

It was going to be a long day of traveling. I had two flights ahead of me. I had selected aisle seats for a bit of extra legroom and to avoid feeling trapped. I was surprised at the number of people traveling so early on a Sunday morning and it seemed that many of them were going to be on this same plane.

I always pray for safe travel and for divine encounters that God arranges for His purposes, so I usually don’t hesitate to speak to strangers. As I located seat 23C I noticed a tiny, older woman already seated in the center seat of the row. I said a quiet “Hi” and she looked up at me with a friendly smile....

Read the rest of this story Here at Internet Cafe Devotions where I'm sharing about the company of strangers.

More peace

After more hours on the road today we checked into Bemidji, Minnesota with lots of time to walk around the lake front, take pictures and relax.

The restaurant we picked for dinner claimed to have outdoor seating only "a stone's throw" from the beach and I was imagining a balcony over the water with perhaps a bit of a view.  What do you think?  Were they true to their advertising?

I could almost imagine being in Mexico or some other southern retreat.  Peace fell fast and hard as we shared salads and watched the seabirds.

I may be unplugged for the rest of the weekend, connecting instead to my God, my beloved, and good friends.

Breathing Him

Away from the noise
static, harsh spirits
on the road
I inhale Jesus
and peace comes

Finding home in Him again
as kilometers click away
we find each other
and the Christ identities
that seemed lost

This was the view from my seat during a relaxing meal along the shores of the Chippewa River.
I soaked in the beauty only God could fashion
and exhaled "yes"
Amen

Changing view

What has become familiar and dear, even in the bleak days of winter shall once again be left behind for a brief time as we swap country acres for urban sprawl.

Much of our time will be taken with the opportunity to commune with my mother.  We will share food, laughter, memories and tears, taking what we have to create what we need.

I will find my way here when I can, to pour forth the words He gives me and to catch up on those you share.

The blessing of a life lived online is that connections hold no matter where our bodies may abide!

If you feel so led, your prayers will be cherished.